What Does Frankenstein Do After His Creation Comes To Life

What Does Frankenstein Do After His Creation Comes to Life?

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is more than just a gothic horror story; it's a complex exploration of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. While the moment Victor Frankenstein animates his creature is iconic, the aftermath is far more intricate and crucial to understanding the novel's enduring power. What does Victor do after his creation comes to life? The answer is multifaceted and tragically revealing of his character flaws and the devastating consequences of his actions.

The Initial Horror and Abandonment

Victor's initial reaction to his creation is one of utter revulsion and terror. He doesn't experience paternal joy or a sense of accomplishment; instead, he's overcome by horror at the grotesque being he has brought into existence. This visceral reaction sets the stage for the entire narrative. He doesn't nurture or guide his creation; he flees, abandoning his responsibility in the most profound way imaginable. This act of abandonment is not a momentary lapse; it forms the cornerstone of the tragedy that unfolds. The creature, denied guidance and affection, is left to fend for himself, learning about the world through observation and interaction with a hostile society. This initial rejection directly contributes to the creature's descent into violence and revenge.

The Psychological Impact of Creation

Victor's flight is not just a physical escape; it's a psychological retreat. He is overwhelmed by the enormity of what he has done. The creation, a reflection of his ambition and hubris, has become a monstrous embodiment of his deepest fears. This profound psychological trauma manifests in various ways throughout the novel: nightmares, debilitating illness, and a persistent sense of guilt and dread. He is haunted by the creature, both literally and figuratively, and his attempts to outrun his creation only lead him further into despair. The psychological toll of his actions is arguably more devastating than the physical threats posed by the creature itself.

The Pursuit and the Elusive Escape

After his initial escape, Victor doesn't simply forget about his creation. He is relentlessly pursued by the consequences of his actions. The creature's actions, fueled by rejection and the cruelty of humanity, force Victor into a desperate chase. He becomes a fugitive from his own creation, forever looking over his shoulder. This relentless pursuit shapes his life, turning it into a frantic and hopeless struggle. He is never able to find true peace or escape the shadow of his creation.

The Cycle of Violence and Revenge

The creature's revenge is a direct consequence of Victor's abandonment. Having been rejected and subjected to cruelty, the creature seeks retribution, targeting those closest to Victor. This cycle of violence and revenge becomes the tragic core of the narrative. Victor's initial act sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately lead to unimaginable suffering and loss for both himself and those he loves. He becomes a participant in the very cycle of violence he inadvertently created.

Attempts at Control and Their Failure

Victor's attempts to control his creation are consistently unsuccessful. He tries to distance himself physically, but the creature's pursuit is relentless. He attempts to create a female companion for the creature, hoping to mitigate his destructive tendencies, but ultimately destroys his second creation before it's complete. This highlights Victor's flawed understanding of his creation and his inability to truly control the consequences of his actions. His hubris, evident in his initial ambition to "play God," continues to blind him even as his creation spirals out of control.

The Ineffectiveness of Repentance

While Victor experiences moments of profound guilt and remorse, his repentance is ultimately ineffective. He attempts to atone for his actions, but his efforts are hampered by his own self-destructive tendencies and his inability to truly confront the ethical implications of his work. His remorse becomes a self-consuming torment rather than a catalyst for genuine change. He spends much of the narrative consumed by guilt but doesn't actively and successfully work to mitigate the damage his actions have caused. This ineffective repentance further underscores the tragic nature of the narrative.

The Confrontation and the Ultimate Failure

The novel culminates in a final confrontation between Victor and his creation, a symbolic clash between creator and creation, ambition and consequence. This confrontation underscores the futility of Victor's attempts to control or escape his creation. The creature's relentless pursuit and Victor's desperate attempts to destroy him highlight the tragic consequences of Victor's initial act of creation and his subsequent abandonment. This confrontation doesn't bring resolution or closure but rather emphasizes the irreversible damage that has been done.

The Symbolic Significance of the Arctic Setting

The final chase across the icy Arctic wilderness is symbolically significant. The unforgiving landscape mirrors the bleakness of Victor's situation and the hopelessness of his predicament. The frozen wastes represent the frozen state of Victor's soul, a desolate landscape mirroring his internal desolation. This symbolic setting enhances the overall sense of tragedy and despair that permeates the narrative's conclusion.

The Broader Themes and Lasting Impact

Frankenstein is not simply a story about a monstrous creation; it's a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the importance of responsibility, and the consequences of playing God. Victor's actions after his creation comes to life serve as a profound exploration of these themes, demonstrating how the pursuit of knowledge and power, without ethical consideration, can lead to devastating and irreversible consequences. The novel's enduring power lies in its ability to resonate with contemporary concerns about scientific ethics, the nature of humanity, and the responsibility that comes with power.

The Creature's Perspective: A Crucial Counterpoint

It's vital to remember that the narrative isn't solely from Victor's perspective. The creature's narrative provides a crucial counterpoint, highlighting the injustices inflicted upon him and the devastating consequences of abandonment. The creature's tale underscores the extent of Victor's irresponsibility and the profound impact of his actions. Understanding both perspectives is crucial to fully grasping the complexity of Shelley's work. The creature's journey, shaped by rejection and cruelty, is a powerful indictment of societal indifference and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The Enduring Relevance of Frankenstein

Frankenstein continues to resonate with readers today because it explores timeless themes that remain profoundly relevant. The novel's exploration of scientific ethics, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the responsibility that accompanies technological advancement continues to spark debate and inspire reflection. The story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the potential consequences of our actions and the importance of ethical considerations in scientific progress. The enduring legacy of Frankenstein lies in its ability to provoke thought and discussion about the profound implications of scientific innovation and the responsibilities that come with creating something new. Victor's actions, and his subsequent struggle with the consequences, continue to challenge and inspire readers to engage with these critical questions. The novel serves as a constant reminder of the potential for both great good and great evil in the hands of humanity, and the importance of exercising caution and responsibility in the pursuit of knowledge and progress. The narrative remains potent because it challenges us to consider our own roles in shaping the world and the consequences of our choices.