Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein or, the modern Prometheus is widely known for the unique characters of Dr Viktor Frankenstein and his creation, also known as the Monster. The characters share complicated relationships in being bounded by the power of creation, which allows the novel to explore the theme of creation and science through the modern view of the myth of Prometheus. However, the main characters also share some similarities, allowing readers to see a deeper connection between the Monster and his creator.
Firstly, the most important similarity between the characters is their sense of isolation and loneliness. Dr Frankenstein deliberately chose loneliness to have freedom in his experiments. Thus, Dr Frankenstein isolated himself from friends and family both in the physical and social sense. On the other hand, the Monster was destined to be lonely and isolated from society by his nature. The Monster’s feelings are expressed in his desperate request to the “unfeeling, heartless creator” who created him as “an object for the scorn and horror of the mankind” (Shelley 116). Thus, the Monster asks the creator to make him a companion of his kind to end his loneliness. Furthermore, both characters share the same monstrous nature, even though Dr Frankenstein’s “innate monstrosity” is hidden from the eyes of others behind the veil of science (Shelley 235). Both the Monster and Frankenstein neglect the value of human life in taking charge of other people’s lives. Thus, even though the character of Dr Frankenstein and the Monster are designed to oppose each other, their similarities point to their deep connection.
In conclusion, this essay explored how similarities between the main characters in Frankenstein or, The Modern Prometheus point to the deep connection between the Monster and his creator. Both characters experience loneliness due to isolation from society and show their terrible nature through manipulations of other people’s lives. Therefore, the similarities between the Monster and Dr Frankenstein show how the creator’s personality can leave an imprint on living beings.
Work Cited
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein or, the Modern Prometheus. The Mit Press, 2017.