God In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Words: 1398
Pages: 6

God is an unachievable status that is manifested within human existence. Indicatively, religion and it’s Gods are controversial due to differences in beliefs; yet, there is still a certain basis at which God can be discussed. In analyzing a figure such as God, many key characteristics can be identified. God, as the highest order of ontological theory, creates life, guides life, and does all of which morally. In a somewhat aligning interest, Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, studies and utilizes natural philosophy, or chemistry, to resurrect inanimate body parts into a towering creature who is then isolated and victimized as a murderous monster, wreaking havoc on innocent lives. Generally, Victor’s pursuit in creating life …show more content…
Comparatively, Victor, a normal human being with an interest in building a taller, stronger, and intellectually smarter humanoid apparatus, could be easily defeated by his creation, inspiring debate on his position as an all mighty Creator. Physically, Victor’s creature is a larger force than most humans. With Victor’s design “to make the being of a gigantic stature; that is to say, about eight feet in height, and proportionally large,” (32) it can be deduced that the creature also carries the weight and strength necessary to sustain a stable life. The creature’s strength is demonstrated and reinforced throughout his appearances as on each victim, there is “no sign of any violence” (128) except for larger finger marks. The first occurrence appeared when Alphonse Frankenstein, Victor’s father, requests for Victor’s return when he describes the discovery of the death of his brother, William Frankenstein. William was described to be “stretched on the grass livid and motionless” with “the print of the murderer’s finger on his neck” (47). The creature’s capability of murder not only demonstrates strength but also displays the creature’s ability to interact with his Creator, Victor. On the other hand, God is perceived to be an unreachable force due to his immortality and detachment from his creations. Victor soon …show more content…
Even beginning the difference in power alone, his own creation’s strength and potential for intelligence far exceeds that of his. So, it would be absurd to begin to compare Victor as a Creator and God as a Creator. However, to continue, Victor’s need for sciences to generate life also shy in comparison to God’s ability to create life on a whim. It is humorous to view God’s child play as an incredible feat for science, technology, and humans. Overall, Victor’s influence gradually dies down on the creature, which leads to it finding something else to look up to. In complete understanding of the unchangeable creation of himself, the creature still reflects his thoughts and desires to that of God instead because of the plentiful negligence he has received from his actual Creator. Although Victor’s work ethics were commendable as he risked his own well being to bring life from death, his acts of God, or creation of life are but parodies to the capable power God is actually able to employ. Victor’s resolve in scientific advancement and immortality is feeble when compared to the mystifying, yet justifiable concept that humans are to live and die morally as all of life and matter is generated by one being. The idea of attaining a Godlike status with human flaws such as lack of strength, mortality, and