Walton's Mental Transformation In Frankenstein

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Frankenstein, a novel by Mary Shelley, depicts a scientist named Victor Frankenstein who must deal with the fall out of his actions after creating life and abandoning his creature immediately after. As Frankenstein goes to great lengths to gain knowledge, he slowly crumbles under the weight of what achieving his dream ends in. Frankenstein dictates his story to an adventurer named Robert Walton in an attempt to help him not make the same mistakes. Shelley demonstrates how Frankenstein’s characterization starts with a desire for knowledge and eventually leads to his mental deterioration, suggesting that the pursuit of knowledge without consideration of consequences can result in destruction.
Shelley focuses on Frankenstein’s feelings relating …show more content…

He feels scared over what can happen in the future and angered by the outcome of his experiment. The “change” and “overthrow” that occurred demonstrated his lack of control over the situation and his creature, which he was not wise enough to anticipate. Frankenstein felt like he was in “hell”, representing the mental state that he has put himself in. He feels like he has sinned by creating his creature, and is therefore going to be punished for his actions. In another …show more content…

The comparison of Frankenstein’s wishes to a “serpent” references the religious connotations of the reptile. While symbolizing evil, it can also represent wisdom, both of which are used to poison mankind. The metaphorical serpent led to Frankenstein’s mental breakdown and loss of loved ones. Frankenstein acknowledges the separation between “knowledge” and “wisdom” when he speaks, showing that now that he has reflected on his experiences, he understands the importance of the differences. In his desire for knowledge and to be the first to discover how to create life, he lacked the wisdom to understand the future consequences that such a drive for knowledge could lead to. The immediate and future consequences that Frankenstein faces are caused by his blind following of ambition to discover and innovate.
Shelley demonstrates a change in Frankenstein’s character and wisdom while he is telling Walton his story when he constantly warns Walton of the dangers that irresponsible actions in pursuit of knowledge can lead to. Frankenstein implores him, “Learn from me,

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