Introduction
Frankenstein, a work of gothic literature penned by the renowned Mary Shelley, delves into an array of profound themes, including the paramount significance of familial ties and the enduring human yearning for love and companionship. Throughout the novel, Shelley adeptly portrays the complex web of emotions that arise from family bonds, underscoring the indelible impact of familial affection on an individual’s character and actions. The characters of Victor Frankenstein, the tormented protagonist, and the Creature, his ill-fated creation, both grapple with the consequences of familial relationships or the lack thereof. Hence, it illuminates the intricacies of human emotion and the power of love, compassion, and acceptance in shaping one’s destiny.
Victor Frankenstein’s Family
Victor Frankenstein, a privileged child of a loving and supportive family, is imbued with profound affection by his doting parents, Alphonse and Caroline Frankenstein. Victor himself describes his idyllic childhood, stating, “I was their plaything and their idol, and something better – their child, the innocent and helpless creature bestowed on them by Heaven, whom to bring up to good, and whose future lot it was in their hands to direct to happiness or misery, according as they fulfilled their duties towards me” (Shelley 44). Victor’s family serves as a cornerstone in his upbringing, nurturing him with warmth and care and instilling a sense of responsibility and love that profoundly influences his character.
However, the Creature, a horrible being that Victor finally rejects and abandons, is the result of Victor’s misguided goal of creating life, which is motivated by a single fixation. Victor’s terrible story turns with this devastating act as he struggles with immense shame and seclusion. Victor initially experiences elation over the success of his test (Pearson). Regardless, he quickly comes to terms with the catastrophic effects of his choices and the absence of parental love and compassion for the abandoned Creature. He is constantly plagued by this realization, which deepens his pain and sorrow.
The Creature’s Search for Family
Conversely, the Creature, abandoned and forsaken by Victor, is thrust into a harsh and unkind world, grappling with an acute sense of loss and loneliness. The Creature, yearning for family and companionship, seeks acceptance and understanding from those around him, only to be met with rejection and fear from society, exacerbating his isolation. The Creature poignantly conveys his yearning for a family when he reflects, “I had no father or mother, and I was alone. This made me feel the bitterness of my heart” (Shelley 84). The absence of familial bonds and affection leaves an indelible mark on the Creature, shaping his actions and driving him to seek vengeance against Victor and humanity.
The De Lacey Family
Amidst the desolation, the Creature finds solace in the De Lacey family, whom he secretly observes and admires. The De Laceys, characterized by their kindness and compassion, epitomize familial affection and love. The Creature is deeply moved by their gentle voices and the warmth of their interactions, stating, “Their gentle voices, and the light tone of their language, which expressed the emotions of their hearts, sunk deep into my heart. A torrent of light seemed to pour over me, and I felt the burden of my miserable reflections lessen” (Shelley 91). The De Lacey family becomes the Creature’s idealized vision of a loving family, and he fervently yearns to be accepted by them.
Loss of Family and Affection
The theme of family and affection is further illuminated through the tragic bereavements that befall Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. Victor is stripped of his beloved brother William, his close confidante Henry Clerval, and his cherished wife Elizabeth, all of whom hold a special place in his heart. These losses intensify Victor’s desolation and hopelessness, leaving him with an insurmountable void within.
Similarly, the Creature also endures the deprivation of a family and affection, as he is spurned by society and denied the companionship he yearns for desperately (Pearson). These events unfold when the Creature’s hopes for familial love are shattered upon revealing himself to the De Laceys, an act of betrayal that devastates him and solidifies his belief that he is an outcast, forever condemned to be rejected by society. The loss of the De Lacey family’s affection is a pivotal moment for the Creature, igniting his fury, thirst for revenge, and unrelenting despair. “I, like the arch-fiend, bore a hell within me; and, finding myself unsympathized with, wished to tear up the trees, spread havoc and destruction around me, and then to have sat down and enjoyed the ruin” (Shelley 86). He becomes tormented and vengeful, consumed by a desire to seek retribution against Victor and leave a path of devastation in his wake.
This theme holds immense significance as it serves as a poignant reflection of human nature and underscores the importance of love, compassion, and acceptance in shaping an individual’s character and actions. Both Victor Frankenstein and the Creature experience the profound impact of family and affection in their lives, albeit in divergent ways. Victor’s close bond with his family in the early stages of the novel shapes him into a responsible and empathetic individual. However, his failure to extend familial love and affection towards the Creature ultimately leads to his downfall and tragic demise (EduBirdie). On the other hand, the Creature’s yearning for family and affection propels his actions, and his rejection from society fuels his descent into darkness and vengeful rage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a prime example of the crucial importance of family and affection in the lives of its protagonists and the terrible repercussions that follow when they are absent. Shelley emphasizes the fundamental human need for love, acceptance, and connection via the nuanced interactions between Victor, his family, and the Creature. Victor and the Creature’s tragic fates exemplify how the absence of parental connection leads to agony, loneliness, and tragedy. The book also highlights how discrimination and cultural standards harm family ties and illustrates the effects of neglect, abandonment, and hidden realities in families. The complex relationships between families and the lasting influence of love and kinship on the human experience are fascinatingly explored in Frankenstein.
Works Cited
EduBirdie. “Frankenstein By Mary Shelley: Reflection On The Importance Of The Family.” Edubirdie, Web.
Pearson, Julia. “Frankenstein Themes, Symbols, and Literary Devices.” ThoughtCo, Web.
Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. “Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus.” United Kingdom, George Routledge and Sons, 1891.