Victor Frankenstein’s Obsession in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Essay

The most prevalent theme in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is that of irresistible impulse. Throughout the novel there are continual reminders of the struggles that original Frankenstein and his monster have endured. Many of their problems are brought upon by themselves by an obsessive drive for knowledge, secrecy, fear, and ultimately revenge.From the onset of Victors youth, his soonest memories are those of Curiosity, earnest research to learn the orphic laws of nature, gladness akin(predicate) to rapture, as they were unfolded to me, are among the earliest sensations I can remember (ch. 4) This is the premiere example of obsession that we see in the novel. This drive to learn the hidden laws of nature is the original driving force that sets the plot in motion. Without this, Victor would have never embarked on his unholy quest to overcome mortality, and then leading to his creation of his monster. Dr. Victor Frankenstein feels uncontrollably compelled to create animation in the lifeless body (Storment) this obsession with the creation of life alienated him from his love ones. His impending marriage to Elizabeth was one aspect of his life that he sacrificed. In chapter 22, Elizabeth writes to him Tell me, dearest Victor. Answer me, I conjure you by our rough-cut happiness, with simple truth-- Do you not love another? Elizabeths absorb about his faithfulness is based on his neglect of their relationship. He plainly did not allow any other aspect of his life to chock up his goal. Victor Frankenstein is ultimately successful in his endeavor to create life. This, however, does not stop the underlying theme of obsession. Shelleys shift from Victors never-ending quest for knowledge is replaced with an obsession of secrecy. I had worked har... ...his mental strength, winning its toll, leaving him incapacitated for months on end. The final compulsion to destroy his the Tempter takes him to the end of existence. Exhausted from his relentless pursuit, he dies without ever obtaining the closure that he was searching for. Victor Frankensteins life was destroyed because of an obsession with the king to create life where none had been before (Moring)Shelley leaves us pondering the question, when does obsession cross the line into insanity?Works CitedMoring, Patrick. Who is the Monster? California take University, Northridge. n.d.Web. 31 Oct. 2014. Storment, Suzanna. Frankenstein Commentary. Washington State University. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. varlet By Page Books. Read Classic Books Online, Free. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014.