Mary Shelley’s gothic novel, Frankenstein, is a timeless classic that explores the depths of human nature and the consequences of playing God. One of the most fascinating aspects of the novel is the complex character of the monster, who grapples with his own identity and desires throughout the story. One of the most pivotal and tragic moments in the novel is when the monster kills young William Frankenstein, the brother of Victor Frankenstein.
From the moment the monster is brought to life, he longs for acceptance and companionship. He is initially filled with curiosity and a desire to understand the world around him. His first encounter with a human, however, shatters his hopes of finding friendship. When he approaches the young William Frankenstein, whom he considers “beautiful,” the monster is met with horror and screams. This rejection ignites a deep-seated rage within him.
Unbeknownst to the monster, William is a member of the Frankenstein family, the very family that has brought him into existence. When William reveals his true identity, it triggers a profound sense of betrayal and resentment in the monster. He sees this as an opportunity to exact revenge on Victor Frankenstein, his creator, for bringing him into a world that rejects and despises him.
The monster’s decision to kill William is not driven solely by a desire for vengeance, but also by a twisted and desperate attempt to stir emotions within his creator. He believes that by inflicting pain and suffering upon Victor’s loved ones, he can force his creator to understand the depth of his own misery. The monster wants Victor to experience the same loneliness and isolation that he has endured.
This act of violence is not the first committed by the monster. Prior to William’s death, the creature is responsible for the deaths of Victor’s younger brother, Justine, and his best friend, Henry Clerval. These killings, however, are indirect consequences of the monster’s actions rather than intentional acts of violence.
The monster’s killings are not without remorse. After taking William’s life, he is overcome with guilt and remorse, realizing the gravity of his actions. He is tormented by his own monstrous nature and the knowledge that he can never truly belong in society. This realization drives the monster to seek solace and understanding from his creator, Victor.
In the end, both Victor and the monster meet their demise. Victor dies on Robert Walton’s ship in the Arctic Circle, and the monster, mourning his creator’s death, disappears to end his own life. This tragic ending reflects the cyclical nature of violence and suffering, as well as the intricate relationship between creator and creation.
The killing of William in Frankenstein serves as a pivotal moment in the novel, highlighting the monster’s complex and multi-faceted nature. While driven by a desire for revenge, the monster’s actions are also motivated by a deep longing for acceptance and understanding. Ultimately, the monster’s killings represent the destructive power of isolation and the consequences of rejecting others based on their appearance or differences.
Did The Monster In Frankenstein Kill William?
The Monster in Frankenstein did indeed kill William. Initially, the Monster had a desire to befriend William, whom he referred to as “beautiful.” However, when William screamed in horror upon seeing the Monster and inadvertently revealed his identity as a member of the Frankenstein family, the Monster’s emotions turned to rage. Overwhelmed by anger and a sense of rejection, the Monster proceeded to choke William to death.
The act of killing William was a pivotal moment in the novel, as it marked the Monster’s descent into darkness and further solidified his status as a feared and reviled creature. This event had significant consequences for both the Monster and Victor Frankenstein, who was ultimately held responsible for the creation of such a monstrous being.
The Monster in Frankenstein did kill William, driven by a combination of his initial desire for companionship and subsequent anger and resentment towards the Frankenstein family.
How Many People Does The Monster Kill?
The monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is responsible for the deaths of six individuals. Three of these deaths are direct, meaning that the monster physically kills these individuals himself. The other three deaths are indirect, where the monster’s actions lead to the deaths of these individuals.
Direct killings:
1. William Frankenstein: The monster’s first act of violence is the murder of Victor Frankenstein’s younger brother, William. The monster strangles him in the woods near Geneva.
2. Clerval: Henry Clerval, Victor’s best friend, becomes the monster’s second victim. The monster kills him while Victor is imprisoned on Orkney Island.
3. Elizabeth Lavenza: The monster’s final direct killing is that of Victor’s wife, Elizabeth. On their wedding night, the monster strangles her to death.
Indirect killings:
1. Justine Moritz: The monster indirectly causes the execution of Justine, a servant in the Frankenstein household. He places William’s locket in her pocket, leading to her wrongful conviction and subsequent execution.
2. Alphonse Frankenstein: Victor’s father, Alphonse, dies of grief and shock after the deaths of William, Justine, and Elizabeth. Although the monster does not directly kill him, his actions indirectly contribute to Alphonse’s death.
3. Victor Frankenstein: Ultimately, Victor dies as a result of his obsession with the monster and his quest for revenge. The strain of his pursuit leads to his demise, making the monster indirectly responsible for his death as well.
It is important to note that while the monster is responsible for these deaths, his actions are driven by his desire for acceptance and his longing to be a part of society. This complexity adds depth to the character, highlighting the tragic consequences of rejection and isolation.
Does The Monster Kill Victor?
In the novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, the monster does kill Victor. Towards the end of the story, Victor dies on Robert Walton’s ship in the Arctic Circle. The boat captain discovers Victor’s lifeless body and also finds the monster mourning over his creator’s death in the same room. However, as Robert Walton tries to confront the monster, he realizes that the creature has disappeared from the ship. It is implied that the monster chooses to kill himself after Victor’s death. Hence, both Victor and the monster meet their demise in the end.
Why Does Frankenstein Monster Kill?
The monster in Frankenstein kills for a variety of reasons, which can be attributed to his complex emotions and the treatment he has received from his creator, Victor Frankenstein. Below are some of the main reasons behind the monster’s actions:
1. Revenge: The monster seeks revenge on Victor Frankenstein for creating him and then abandoning him. He feels neglected, rejected, and deeply hurt by his creator’s actions. Killing those close to Frankenstein is a way for the monster to inflict the same pain and misery upon him that he has experienced.
2. Loneliness and isolation: The monster is acutely aware of his isolation and longs for companionship. He is rejected by society due to his appearance, which further fuels his feelings of loneliness. The murders he commits are an expression of his desperation and frustration, as he hopes that by causing pain and suffering, he may be able to attract Frankenstein’s attention and ultimately gain companionship.
3. Self-discovery: The monster is on a quest for self-discovery and understanding. Through his actions, he aims to explore the boundaries of his own capabilities, emotions, and morality. By observing the reactions and consequences of his killings, the monster hopes to gain insight into his own nature and purpose.
4. Display of power: The monster recognizes the power he possesses, both physically and emotionally. By killing, he asserts his dominance and control over others, particularly his creator. This power gives him a sense of agency and control in a world that has otherwise rejected him.
It is important to note that while the monster’s actions are driven by these motives, his killings are not solely justified. The novel explores the consequences of unchecked ambition, the dangers of neglect and abandonment, and the repercussions of societal rejection. The monster’s actions serve as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of failing to address these issues.
Conclusion
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a complex and thought-provoking novel that delves into the themes of loneliness, rejection, and the consequences of playing god. The character of the monster is a prime example of the inner turmoil that can arise from a lack of acceptance and understanding. Initially, the monster desires companionship and acceptance, but as he is rejected by society and his creator, his anger and resentment grow, leading him to commit heinous acts.
The monster’s killing of William, a member of the Frankenstein family, is a turning point in the story. It is through this act that the monster realizes his power over his creator and seeks to inflict the same pain and misery that he has endured. This act serves as a catalyst for the monster’s descent into darkness, as he begins to take revenge on Victor by killing his loved ones.
The tragic ending of the novel sees both Victor and the monster meeting their demise. Victor dies on Robert Walton’s ship, while the monster mourns his creator’s death. The creature, realizing that he has ultimately failed to find acceptance and happiness, decides to end his own life.
Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of rejecting those who are different. It prompts us to question the ethics of scientific advancement and the responsibility that comes with creating life. The complex character of the monster reminds us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance in our society.
