Frankenstein

                        FRANKENSTEIN

                                         - Santhwana Thomas

                                     

Be it an ancient myth or a modern fiction,we are given the impression that over-arching

ambition can be lethal and it can lead to problems which none can prognosticate.This fact is validated

by Prometheus and reiterated by Frankenstein.The driving force of this vaulting or over-arching

ambition is Hubris.Hubris destroys the rationale in the individual and coerces him to fall prey to his

desires and thus resulting in his downfall.Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley in 1818,and it is a

perfect blend of Gothic Horror and Science Fiction.It can be considered as the harbinger of Science

Fiction by vividly portraying its Pros and Cons.Frankenstein recounts the story of a zealous scientist

who ardently aspires to “Pioneer a new way,explore unknown powers and unfold to the world the

deepest mysteries of creation,”but preposterously plunges into unremitting affliction. At the age of Seventeen,Victor Frankenstein was admitted to The University of Ingolstadt.His

fervent desire to acquire knowledge and reach the pinnacle of coveted fame prompted him to

attempt an act which is inconceivable by humans.He gained proficiency in Natural Science and

embarked upon an eccentric endeavour where he would defy all the Natural Laws.By creating a

human being he became what Mary Shelley calls ‘ The Modern Prometheus.’He poured his soul into

the inanimate being by means of dedication,time and hard work.His indefatigable effort resulted in

the birth of a new being which is more of a monster and less of a human, whose very existence was

considered loathesome by its creator.Witnessing the hideous figure of the uncouth being Victor left

the room in much delirium.But his misery was inescapable.The new-born monster ventured upon

finding its creator and went on punishing him for his imprudent behaviour by chronically killing his

dear ones.This has thrust Victor into perpetual misery.Eventually the inevitable rendezvous between

the creator and the creation took place……Curious to know what happened next?Grab Frankenstein

from the library and start reading…..Trust me friend,You’ll never be disappointed!

The aspect which I found fascinating in the novel is the way Mary Shelley presented external

and internal conflicts where the internal or man vs self conflict predominating.The inexplicable

delirium the protagonist experienced is adeptly described in the novel.His perturbed self loathed

everything including his very existence.The deaths of William and Justine pushed him into an abyss of

agitation.He was caught in an ambivalence wherein love prompted him to console his family while

guilt fettered him from doing so.His pangs of guilt caused this turbulence of emotion.He asserts that

only death has the ability to emancipate him from this great agony. His mental turmoil was the

culmination of the remorse over his wrong doing and the realization of the grave truth that none

would believe him.In the words of Frankenstein: “Did anyone indeed exist,except I,the creator,who would believe,unless his senses convinced

him,in the existence of the living monument of presumption and rash ignorance which I had let loose

upon the world.” The propriety of the subtitle “The Modern Prometheus” is another enchanting aspect in the

novel.Can there be any other title more apt than this to describe a creator who was dragged into

perpetual agony by his creation?Prometheus stole fire whereas Frankenstein acquired immense

knowledge.Prometheus’ fire symbolizes Progress.Frankenstein’s Creation was also intended to be

progressive and invincible.Fire has a constructive and destructive force if not used carefully it can

burn the entire world into ashes.Likewise we should be careful while using technology because our

imprudence can have dangerous end results.The omnipotent Prometheus erred in giving fire to

humans whereas mortal Frankenstein faltered in giving life to the monster.Their intentions were lofty

but the execution was a catastrophe.Both of the stories prove the fact that one should have humility

and never try to go beyond what is achievable.It also underlines that obsession for glory can result in

the person’s doom. Lastly,In Frankenstein the concept of monster was redefined.Frankenstein considered the

creature to be a monster because it was potent enough to pose threat to his very existence.In turn

the creature considered Frankenstein to be a monster because he wasn’t conscious enough to make

the creature look appealing.The monster says: “ All men hate the wretched;how,then,must I be hated,who am miserable beyond all living

things!Yet you,my creator,detest and spurn me,thy creature,to whom thou art bound by ties only

dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us.You purpose to kill me.How dare you sport thus with

life?Do your duty towards me,and I will do mine towards you and the rest of mankind.” So we can say that the concept of ‘monster’ is subjective.But if we dig deeper we’ll discern that the

monster was more humane than Frankenstein.Though it was him who initiated the disaster

Frankenstein loathed the monster.But the monster at a point of time, professed his respect towards

his creator and begged for clemency.But Frankenstein always abhorred his creation ruthlessly.In the

end,the monster was remorseful but Frankenstein was not.SO WHO IS THE MONSTER HERE? I leave

this question to you.Frankenstein indubitably is a sublime and lofty work not because it surpassed all

other canonical works but because it took shape at the tip of the adroit pen of a Nineteen year old Mary Shelley.