When we think about the character of Dr. Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s novel, we often focus on his role as a mad scientist, a creator who steps beyond the bounds of nature and ethics. However, if we dive deeper into the text, it becomes clear that he also serves as a personification of his surroundings. The environments he inhabits significantly shape his thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, his fate. This essay will explore how Victor Frankenstein embodies various settings throughout the novel and what that says about both him and the world around him.
The Influence of Nature
One of the most compelling aspects of Victor’s character is how closely tied he is to nature. Early in the novel, when he describes his childhood in Geneva, there’s a palpable sense of peace and beauty associated with his surroundings. The sublime landscapes—majestic mountains and serene lakes—reflect Victor’s initial innocence and untainted ambition. As he spends more time studying at university in Ingolstadt, this connection to nature begins to fray.
In Ingolstadt, where Victor becomes consumed by ambition and scientific inquiry, nature seems to retreat into the background. His lab is described as dark and oppressive; it’s filled with macabre instruments and lifeless body parts that starkly contrast with the vibrant landscapes of Geneva. This shift signifies a critical transformation in Victor’s psyche: as he isolates himself from natural beauty in pursuit of knowledge, he becomes increasingly alienated from himself and others.
The Darkening Surroundings
Victor’s environment becomes darker as he delves deeper into creating life from death—a literal manifestation of his inner turmoil. The grotesque atmosphere surrounding him during these experiments parallels his deteriorating mental state. He speaks about feeling consumed by “the misery” of his creation; this suggests that not only are his surroundings reflective of internal chaos but also actively contribute to it.
This idea extends beyond physical locations; it encompasses social environments too. After creating the Creature, Victor retreats further into despair rather than confronting what he’s unleashed upon the world. His inability to face societal judgment leads him to isolate himself even more profoundly—a cycle where external settings mirror internal conflict continues unabated.
The Role of Isolation
Isolation plays a crucial role in shaping who Frankenstein is throughout this narrative arc. Following the death of William—the murder attributed to his Creature—Victor finds himself grappling with guilt but chooses isolation over seeking solace or support from friends or family like Elizabeth or Henry Clerval.
This isolation reflects not just an emotional state but an environmental one too; much like how winter blankets everything in stillness yet suffocates life beneath its surface layer—so does Victor’s seclusion stifle any hope for redemption or healing within him. When surrounded by desolation—whether it’s due to physical distance or emotional estrangement—he mirrors those barren landscapes devoid of vibrancy.
A Final Confrontation
As we near the end of Shelley’s story—the climax occurs amidst icy desolation within Arctic settings—it feels almost inevitable that both man (Frankenstein) and creature must face their shared responsibilities head-on within these stark surroundings symbolizing loss at every level: personal failures through creation gone awry along with broader existential themes concerning humanity itself facing its own limitations.
The moment when they confront each other encapsulates everything we’ve seen thus far—the harsh cold reflecting both characters’ bitter realities stripped bare without adornment masks anymore protecting them from truths they’ve avoided for so long! This final encounter ultimately highlights how deeply intertwined their fates are—not simply as creator/creation but as individuals molded fundamentally by their respective environments!
Conclusion: An Interwoven Tale
In summary, Dr. Victor Frankenstein isn’t merely a reflection on unchecked ambition; instead, he’s intricately connected to—and perhaps even personified by—the various settings throughout Mary Shelley’s narrative landscape! From idyllic beginnings steeped within natural beauty through dark university corridors ultimately leading up towards frozen wastelands—all serve as vital catalysts driving character development while simultaneously commenting on broader themes regarding isolation versus connectivity between mankind & environment itself!
- Shelley M., “Frankenstein”. London: Lackington, Hughes, Harding Mavor & Jones 1818.
- Cohen M., “The Uncanny”. London: Routledge 2005.
- Kahane C., “Frankenstein: Creation as Catastrophe”. In “Feminist Studies,” vol 12(1), 1986 pp 62-88.
- Mellor A.K., “Mary Shelley: Her Life Logic.” New York: Routledge 2014.
