VICTOR AS A GOTHIC PROTAGONIST

VICTOR AS A GOTHIC PROTAGONIST

1. AN ABSOLUTE GOAL OR AIM

   • "One thought, one conception, one purpose"
     • After reading the books of the great scholars, Frankenstein is captivated by the idea of natural philosophy and a desire to know the "secrets of heaven and earth"
   • After he realises that he can make the monster he does not visit or write to his family for two years, completly enamoured by his goal.
   • Clerval even goes as far to comment upon his pale complexion, insinuating that he has not slept in order to achieve his goal.
   • This is reflected later in the novel by his desire to destroy the monster which eventually kills him
   • I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation
     • Shows how profound Victor's ambitions are, rather than pausing to consider how impressive the discoveries of others have been, Victor immediately focuses on outdoing them. His drive to surpass the accomplishments of others may be part of why he fixates on the bold and reckless goal of artificially creating life.
   • While Victor gets consumed by his ambition, he turns himself into a God, a creator, by bringing his monster to life, this only highlights his fallibility when he is completely incapable of fulfilling the responsibilities that a creator has to its creation. Victor thinks he will be like a God, but ends up the father of a devil.

2. A FASCINATION WITH THE PAST

3. LINKS TO SUPERNATURAL

4. A TRAGIC FLAW