Essay On The Role Of Vincent As A Parent In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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In Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein, conflict between a father and son functions as a tool to contribute to the meaning of the work. Vincent, a father figure to his creature, rejects his creation causing him pain and loneliness. When rejected, the monster makes Vincent’s only family pay. Every action has a consequence and people are not born monsters, they are created by a cruel environment.
Vincent has been a character who is selfish and self-centered since the beginning of the novel. His thirst for fame and knowledge seem to create chaos. “It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still …show more content…

He gave life to an inanimate body and left him to wander all alone with the feeling of rejection. He had created a creature, after rejecting him and running away from him, a monster was born. “To die so miserably, to feel the murderer’s grasp! How much more a murderer, that could destroy such radiant innocence” (77) The consequences have started, Vincent’s brother was murdered. The creature is seen as a child and children need attention. The creature was rejected the moment he opened his eyes causing him to act up. Vincent being the “father figure” to the creature had the responsibility to show him affection. “My teeth chattered, and I was forced to lean against a tree for support.” “He was the murderer” (79) The creature still does not know the difference of right or wrong, his actions are only to attain his creators attention. The murder brought a grief and sadness to Vincent and his family, there was no happiness anymore. “I would not change places with such a wretch” (97) Vincent is upset and afraid of the creature’s actions yet he does not take responsibility for his actions. He does not want to be

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