The Multiple Dimensions of Frankenstein: A Psychological Interpretation
1. Introduction
Frankenstein is a novel that has been interpreted in many ways since its publication in 1818. The book can be seen as a warning about the dangers of science, as a representation of the fight between good and evil, or as an exploration of the duality of human nature. In this essay, I will argue that Frankenstein is a multidimensional representation of the human psyche where the author reveals all the vices created by the social unconscious mind.
2. The double vision of the hero in Frankenstein
One of the most interesting aspects of Shelley's novel is the way she presents the double vision of the hero, Victor Frankenstein. On the one hand, Victor is a brilliant scientist who is able to create life from death. On the other hand, he is a cold and heartless man who cares only for himself and his own ambition. This duality is what makes Victor such a compelling character and it is also what makes him tragic.
Victor's dual nature can be seen as a reflection of the duality of human nature itself. We are all capable of great things, but we are also capable of terrible things. This is what makes us human and it is also what makes us dangerous. The creature that Victor creates is a perfect reflection of this duality. He is both innocent and monstrous, good and evil.
The creature is not evil because he was born that way, but because he was rejected by society. He was rejected by his creator, by his family, and by humanity as a whole. This rejection drove him to commit horrific acts, but it also drove him to try to improve himself. In many ways, the creature is more sympathetic than Victor because he at least tries to be good despite the bad hand that he was dealt in life.
3. The role of society in creating the duality of the hero
The duality of Victor's character can also be seen as a result of the influence of society on the individual. In Frankenstein, society dictates what is considered to be normal and what is considered to be abnormal. The creature is considered to be abnormal because he does not look like everyone else and because he was created by science instead of being born naturally. As a result, society rejects him and forces him to live in isolation.
This isolation only makes the creature's condition worse and leads him to commit even more heinous crimes. If society had accepted the creature, he might have been able to lead a normal life and become a good person instead of a monster. This goes to show that society plays a very important role in shaping our individualities and our sense of self-worth.
4. TheGood and Evil in Frankenstein
The question of whether Victor or the creature is truly good or evil is one that has puzzled readers for centuries. In my opinion, both Victor and the creature are equally good and evil depending on how you look at them. From one perspective, Victor can be seen as good because he created life from death and he was trying to help humanity by creating a new race of creatures that could live forever.
From another perspective, however, Victor can be seen as evil because he played God with people's lives and he carelessly created a monster that went on to kill innocent people. The same can be said for the creature. He is good because he tries to improve himself and he helps the blind man to see. He is evil because he kills people and he terrifies everyone who sees him.
The duality of Victor's character is what makes him so interesting and it is also what makes him tragic. He is a victim of his own ambition and his own hubris. He wants to be God, but he is only human. As a result, he creates a creature that is both good and evil, just like himself.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, Frankenstein is a complex novel that can be interpreted in many ways. It is a representation of the duality of human nature and it is also a warning about the dangers of science. It is an exploration of the role of society in shaping our individualities and it is also a story about the Good and evil that exist within us all.