Frankenstein - Victor's Goals

The two paragraphs at the end of Chapter III display Dr. Victor Frankenstein's struggle and overall goal of creating the monster. At the start of the passage, Victor asserts that this creation will "claim the gratitude" (Shelley 33) of the people and it seems as though he desires acknowledgment and credit for "bestow[ing] animation upon a lifeless matter" (Shelley 33). Victor wants recognition at the beginning, but as the passage progresses he becomes more secluded and obsessed with separation from the outside world. He becomes selfish by the fact that his work will only please him and bestow upon him scientific gain. Publicity and merit turn into secrecy as Victor begins to grasp the horrors of his work. Yet, Victor seems to justify his acts as a way to break boundaries, reach the unknown, and to give to something that has none. This theme of discovery seems to overshadow the shocking monster he is creating.

Victor maintains a strong sense of perseverance as he discovers the trials that his work brings to him. It is interesting to note the strength and determination he asserts. Shelley's choice of "Victor" for the doctor's name also eludes a sense of "victory" or accomplishment. Victor mentions an "almost frantic" and "unnatural stimulus"(Shelley 33-34) that drove him to continue creating. This power of creation gives Victor the sense of being a god over his work. He asserts that this new species will "bless me as its creator and source" (Shelley 33). Shelley's use of the word "species" gives merit to the idea that Victor is interested in allowing the beast to multiply and grow. The author's use of perseverance and an internal drive bring the character of Victor to life and gives him motives and a final product to strive for.