Character Analysis of Frankenstein Essay Example

In the book Frankenstien by Mary Shelley, the main character, Victor Frankenstien, creates a monster with misunderstood feelings. Throughout the book imagery is used to create vivid pictures of the character's emotions and lives. Shelly uses imagery to impact the messages about Victor’s well upbringing and the monster’s emotions from his mistreatment.

During the beginning of Frankenstien, Victor narrates his nurturing care from both of his parents. He was their top priority. Together, they had a strong bond and a positive relationship. When Victor was younger, his mom decided to adopt a child she found. The child’s name was Elizabeth. Victor describes Elizabeth as “appear[ing] of a different stock”. Her hair was “brightest living gold” and it “seemed to set a crown of distinction on her head”.

Elizabeth was a “distinct species, being heaven-sent” (28). Victor’s mother was a very caring person, and she had an eye for finding others to look out for. It just so happens that Elizabeth catches her eye. Elizabeth stood out because of her unique features compared to her siblings. Shelley describes Elizabeth as a borderline goddess through imagery.  Elizabeth was a shining star in a dark galaxy. By utilizing the literary device of imagery, the reader can feel what Victor’s mother felt when she saw Elizabeth for the first time. Later in Victor’s life, his mother passed away.

Victor recalls that she “died calmly, and her countenance expressed affection even in death”. Victor carries on, “It is so long before the mind can persuade itself that she whom [he] saw every day and whose very existence appeared a part of [his] own can have departed forever—that the brightness of a beloved eye can have been extinguished and the sound of a voice so familiar and dear to the ear can be hushed, never more to be heard” (40). Victor strongly remembers the care she had for him and Elizabeth. As she died, her affection was still visible. Victor was so used to her presence that he had to adapt to his new life without her. Mothers and children have strong bonds when the mother takes care of the child and is always there for them. Through the use of imagery, the reader can also feel the impact his mother’s death had on Victor. He remained a curious person who was interested in the sciences. 

Victor grew up to be a scientist with crazy experiments. His biggest project was creating a living being from flesh. The monster he created scared Victor so much, he abandoned it. The monster became lonely and uneducated about the outside world. He went on his own journey to learn about his environment. The monster was abandoned by Victor and had to live life on his own. He states that “[He] generally rested during the day and travelled only when [he] was secured by night from the view of man. The monster remembers that “after the sun had risen; the day, which was one of the first of spring, cheered even me by the loveliness of its sunshine and the balminess of the air. [He] felt emotions of gentleness and pleasure that had long appeared dead, revive within me.” (168). The meaning behind this quote is the monster was almost never able to feel happiness due to his lonesome upbringing. Victor’s cruel treatment of them monster made him depressed. Shelley uses imagery to describe the monster’s surroundings as well. Through this imagery, it evokes a serene feeling within the reader. The beautiful landscape makes the reader happy, just like how it made the monster feel. While in the forest,”[The monster] led a miserable life in the woods, endeavoring to cure the wound which [he] had received.

The ball had entered my shoulder, and I knew not whether it had remained there or passed through; at any rate [he] had no means of extracting it. [His] sufferings were augmented also by the oppressive sense of the injustice and ingratitude of their infliction. [His] daily vows rose for revenge— a deep and deadly revenge, such as would alone compensate for the outrages and anguish I had endured” (169). In this passage, the monster is described as living homeless and in pain. While reading the quote, a reader can get a sense of desolation and gloom through the use of imagery. The message is that the monster is alone and in need of company. Because of his misery, the monster seeks revenge upon his creator. Imagery is utilized to make the reader sympathize with the monster. They can feel the sadness that the monster feels in his time of isolation.