How Does The Monster Try To Gain Control Of Victor

How the Monster Attempts to Gain Control of Victor: A Deep Dive into Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is not simply a tale of a monstrous creation; it's a chilling exploration of power dynamics, responsibility, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. While Victor Frankenstein is often viewed as the protagonist, the narrative subtly reveals the monster's attempts to exert control over his creator, manipulating Victor's life and psyche in insidious ways. This control isn't about brute force, but rather a calculated campaign of psychological warfare, fueled by betrayal, resentment, and a desperate yearning for connection.

The Seeds of Control: Early Manipulation and the Power of Narrative

The monster's attempts to gain control begin subtly, even before he fully understands his own power or capabilities. His initial encounters with humanity are brutal and formative. Witnessing the rejection and cruelty inflicted upon him, he internalizes a sense of injustice, fostering a simmering resentment towards Victor that fuels his future actions.

The Power of the Narrative: Shaping Victor's Perception

Crucially, the monster utilizes the power of narrative to manipulate Victor. He crafts a compelling account of his own creation and suffering, forcing Victor to confront the horrifying reality of his actions and the moral implications of his scientific hubris. This narrative serves as a powerful tool, shaping Victor's perception of himself and his responsibility for the monster's existence. The monster strategically chooses what information he reveals, strategically withholding information to maintain his power imbalance. This calculated storytelling is the first step in his psychological domination of Victor.

The Threat of Violence: Establishing a Foundation of Fear

While the monster initially prioritizes narrative control, he doesn't hesitate to resort to violence when necessary. The murders of William, Henry, and Justine are not merely acts of rage; they are carefully calculated moves aimed at inflicting maximum psychological damage upon Victor. These acts serve as chilling reminders of his power, creating a climate of fear and paranoia that further weakens Victor's resolve. The monster understands that fear is a potent weapon, capable of crippling even the strongest will. He exploits this vulnerability, using violence to establish a foundation of terror upon which he builds his control.

Escalating Control: From Fear to Psychological Torment

As the narrative progresses, the monster's attempts to gain control evolve from the threat of physical violence to a more insidious form of psychological manipulation. He exploits Victor’s guilt, his vulnerability, and his desperate need for redemption.

Exploiting Victor's Guilt: The Weight of Creation

The monster expertly exploits Victor's profound guilt and remorse. He knows that Victor is tormented by his creation, and he uses this knowledge to his advantage. By continually appearing before Victor and recounting his suffering, the monster amplifies Victor's existing guilt, creating a cycle of self-reproach that progressively erodes Victor’s mental stability. The monster understands that guilt can be just as effective a weapon as violence, potentially crippling Victor’s resolve to pursue him and, importantly, his ability to lead a normal life.

Manipulating Victor’s Relationships: Isolating the Creator

The monster understands that to control Victor, he must isolate him. By murdering his loved ones, he strategically removes the support systems that could provide Victor with strength and stability. This isolation leaves Victor vulnerable and emotionally dependent on the monster, increasing the monster’s control. The deaths of William, Henry, and Justine are not merely acts of revenge; they are calculated moves to sever Victor's connections to the world, making him more susceptible to the monster’s influence.

The Pursuit as a Form of Control: Keeping Victor Trapped

The monster's relentless pursuit of Victor is itself a form of control. The constant threat of the monster's presence keeps Victor in a state of perpetual fear and anxiety, preventing him from finding peace or moving on with his life. This relentless pursuit is not simply about revenge; it's a deliberate strategy to keep Victor trapped in a cycle of fear and despair, ultimately ensuring the monster's continued dominance. The chase becomes a psychological game, where the monster controls Victor's movements and his very existence. It’s a constant, insidious reminder of the monster’s power and Victor's helplessness.

The Climax of Control: Victor's Final Submission?

The final confrontation between Victor and the monster highlights the extent of the monster's influence. Despite Victor's initial determination to destroy his creation, the monster's relentless pursuit and manipulative tactics have left him physically and mentally exhausted. The monster's ultimate goal isn't necessarily physical domination, but rather a complete psychological conquest: to break Victor's spirit and leave him utterly consumed by remorse and despair.

The Power of Words: The Final Manipulation

Even in death, the monster retains a degree of control. His final words are a chilling testament to his psychological dominance. He succeeds in placing the blame for his actions squarely on Victor, reminding him of his failure as a creator and the devastating consequences of his unchecked ambition. The narrative subtly suggests that the monster’s manipulation extends beyond the events of the novel, influencing even how Victor's story is understood and remembered.

Victor's Breakdown: A Testament to the Monster's Success

Victor's final state – physically weakened, mentally shattered, and consumed by grief – serves as a powerful demonstration of the monster's success. He may not have gained physical control over Victor, but he has achieved a profound form of psychological dominance. He’s succeeded in breaking Victor's spirit, leaving him a hollow shell of his former self, unable to escape the weight of his guilt and the chilling reminder of his monstrous creation.

The Broader Implications of Control in Frankenstein

The monster's attempts to control Victor extend beyond the personal dynamic between creator and creation. They reveal broader themes within the novel, including:

• The Nature of Power: The novel explores the different forms power can take – physical, psychological, and narrative. The monster demonstrates that subtle forms of control, such as manipulation and psychological warfare, can be just as effective, if not more so, than brute force.

• Responsibility and Guilt: Victor's inability to control his creation highlights the profound responsibility that comes with scientific advancement and the potential consequences of unchecked ambition. The monster's actions serve as a chilling reflection of Victor's own failures and the devastating consequences of his choices.

• The Nature of Humanity: The monster’s struggle for connection and acceptance raises important questions about the nature of humanity and the potential for both good and evil within us all. His attempts to gain control are, in part, a desperate attempt to gain the acceptance and understanding that he was denied from the start.

• The Importance of Connection: The monster’s desperate yearning for connection underscores the importance of human relationships and the devastating consequences of isolation and loneliness. His actions, while horrific, are driven by a profound sense of abandonment and a desperate need for belonging.

In conclusion, the monster's relentless pursuit of control over Victor in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is not simply a matter of physical dominance, but a complex interplay of psychological manipulation, narrative control, and calculated violence. The monster’s success in breaking Victor’s spirit underscores the novel's enduring power and its exploration of the complex consequences of unchecked ambition and the enduring human need for connection. The monster's actions offer a chilling exploration of the nature of power, responsibility, and the enduring human capacity for both good and evil. His story serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating consequences of ignoring the moral implications of our actions.