Family Role in Frankenstein
...s own selfish desires when he decides to avoid his conflict with his creation. His family fall victim to his avoidance of the creature. In the beginning of the story Victor is a voracious student of life, eager to learn more about its meaning and master the creation principles that led to physical life. His family was a second priority when weighed against his battle for knowledge and the creation of life. His father wrote to him for years without answer because Victor was too busy working on his creation. Finally, Clerval, his best friend, found him and almost forced him to communicate with his family and his lover, Elizabeth. Even after Victor was attacked by the creature he failed to respond to his family for some time. While the safety of his family was not an issue at this point, he put his friend in danger when he invited him up to his apartment where the beast might be waiting to attack. Throughout the story Victor put his own conflict and problems with himself and the creature in front of everything else including the safety of his family. As the story develops Victor ignores the creature that he has created. Just like an abusive parent, his child suffers and looks for guidance in his life. When children fail to find these positive role models or acceptance in life they rebel against their parents and any guidance in their lives. When the creature rebels, he begins to avenge Victor through the pain of death and personal loss. His first victim is William, Victor’s brother, who is strangled to death. William’s death is placed on the shoulders of his caretaker, Justine. She is falsely accused and eventually executed for her crime. Throughout the accusations, trial, and later execution Victor knows that he can offer the true murderer to the public’s ears. Yet, Victor fails to defend her for his own selfish desires. As the creature murders more and more of Victor’s loved ones Victor develops a vengeance for the creature. Unfortunately, he uses his marriage as a tool for revenge rather than honors...