Frankenstein, By Jeffrey Jerome - 1704 Words

In Jeffrey Jerome Cohen’s Seven Theses, thesis number seven (â€Å"The Monster Stands at the Threshold of Becoming†) describes monsters as â€Å"our children†. Monsters exist, for Cohen, not because we want them but because we need them, because they not only reflect who we are but influence who we will become. This is the case in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, where the namesake scientist discovers the secret to life and creates a real life monster. Throughout the novel, the common thread is the parent-child relationship between Frankenstein and his monster. The relationship shifts between the two, in favor of the creature. Frankenstein, even as the monster’s creator and ‘parent’, is ironically powerless to prevent any of creature’s actions and becomes more paranoid and manic, as the creature grows in power over him. But by the end of the novel, both are parent and child; Frankenstein and the creature live only for each other. The relationship between Frankenstein and his creature begins as an attentive parent and beloved child. Frankenstein labors over his creature for two years, piece by piece constructing the creature s body. He works with one anatomical feature at a time, from raw materials supplied by the dissecting room and the slaughter-house (55), which he then brings to life using an unspecified process. However, the moment the creature comes to life, he is repulsed and horrified by its grotesque appearance. He had dreamed of the creation of a beautiful and kind beings,Show MoreRelatedFrankenstein: Science and the Industrial Revolution1212 Words   |  5 PagesFrankenstein: Science and the Industrial Revolution Frankenstein, written by author Mary Shelley, was a romantic based story written in Europe during the eighteen hundreds. During this time period, Europe was experiencing many social and economic changes. Many of these changes were a product of the industrial revolution of Europe. This time period can be defined and era of exploration, discovery and industrialization in which ideas were pushed to the limits. Victor’s creation of Frankenstein isRead MoreFrom The Beginning Of Time, Humans Have Struggled To Make1030 Words   |  5 PagesFrom the beginning of time, humans have struggled to make decisions. With each decision comes a consequence and it is our job to decide what is right and what is wrong. We must see the difference between good and evil. Victor Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll were unable to see the difference between good and bad. These men were selfish and wanted to gain for themselves, rather than avoid the evil. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is a prime example of humans havingRead MoreThe Harbinger Of A Category Crisis1157 Words   |  5 PagesVictor Frankenstein: The Harbinger of a Category Crisis Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus partially follows the narrative of Victor Frankenstein in his journey of mental and moral deterioration. Victor’s attempt to unnaturally create life through unorthodox methods is his metaphorical attempt to play with fire; he explores a realm beyond human capability by using a power only known to God. This novel leaves readers with a dilemma that makes them question who in fact is really the