Topic > The Creature, Victor and the Mirrors Between Them

Frankenstein revolves around the conflict between two characters, Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. At first glance, discordant enemies don't look the same at all as they are adversaries from the first time they see each other. Many readers would attribute the dissimilarity in the characters' personalities to their actions in the novel. The creature acts benevolently, as when it tries to save the drowning girl and help the farmers cut wood. On the other hand, Victor appears heartless, such as when he refuses to care for his creation and does not visit his family once every six years. However, upon examining the motives behind these actions, Victor and the creature are actually doubles of each other. Their motivations are parallel throughout the story: both characters begin with a search for identity, with Victor seeking fame while the creature tries to find his role in society. What follows is a zealous quest for revenge against the person each holds responsible for his or her failure to achieve the desired identity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The main difference between Victor and the creature is in their actions. The creature initially has a benevolent nature, seen through his aid to the farmers and his inability to understand "how a man could go and kill his fellow man". Just as it begins to kill people, the creature recognizes its own evil and explains its behavior: "I am evil because I am unhappy." Victor never acknowledges the evil resulting from his abandonment of the creature, leading readers to believe that Victor and the creature cannot be copies of the same character. Victor acts coldly not only towards the creature, but also towards his family. He visits his family only once every six years after leaving for Ingolstadt University, and only then because his brother William has been murdered. Furthermore, Victor refuses to take responsibility for the education of his creation and is ecstatic at his demise: "When I assured myself that my enemy had indeed escaped, I clapped my hands for joy." Even before any interaction with the creature, Victor has already started referring to him as an enemy. Therefore, Victor's cruel actions contradict those of the creature, and it seems that neither character has anything in common. However, Victor's harsh treatment of his family and the creature is not as cruel as it seems. The reasoning behind his treatment of the creature is that he has realized the grave mistake he has made in creating such a hideous monster: "How can I describe my emotions in the face of this catastrophe, or how can I delineate the wretch who with such infinite pains and cares have I attempted to form?" In light of such dire circumstances and the fact that he worked tirelessly for two years with "an ardor that far surpassed moderation," it is understandable that he cannot develop a concise plan to remedy his mistake. Furthermore, Victor refuses to return home to visit his family because he is too absorbed in his work. His job itself is a difficult task and it is not all for selfish reasons. His ideal conclusion is that of being able to "renew life where death had apparently consecrated the body to corruption", an outcome that would benefit society and not just his fame. So, not only is Victor justified in his actions, but he demonstrates benevolent qualities that the creature also displays. Victor and the creature are "doubles" in the sense that they share the same goals. Their initial aspiration is the search for identity,.