The real victim in Frankenstein is undoubtedly Victor Frankenstein himself. Throughout the novel, he is subjected to immense emotional and mental suffering, orchestrated by the monster he created. The monster’s primary goal is to make Frankenstein suffer for bringing him into existence, and he does this by targeting the people closest to Frankenstein and manipulating his emotions.
One of the ways in which the monster torments Frankenstein is by causing him a profound sense of guilt. After the monster comes to life, Frankenstein immediately regrets his creation, feeling responsible for the havoc it wreaks. He carries the weight of the deaths caused by the monster, blaming himself for not foreseeing the consequences of his actions. This guilt eats away at Frankenstein, consuming him with remorse and self-loathing.
Furthermore, the monster instills fear in Frankenstein by constantly threatening him and those he loves. The monster becomes a looming presence in Frankenstein’s life, always lurking in the shadows and ready to strike. Frankenstein lives in constant terror, never knowing when the monster will strike next or what he will do to inflict pain upon him. This fear paralyzes Frankenstein and prevents him from finding any semblance of peace or happiness.
The monster also haunts Frankenstein’s dreams, causing him to experience intense nightmares. These nightmares serve as a constant reminder of the suffering he has caused and the torment that awaits him. Frankenstein is unable to escape the clutches of his own creation, even in his sleep, and this further deteriorates his mental state.
The stress induced by the monster’s threats and presence takes a toll on Frankenstein’s mental and physical well-being. He becomes consumed by paranoia, always looking over his shoulder and unable to trust anyone. The constant state of anxiety and stress leads to a decline in his health, both mentally and physically. Frankenstein is trapped in a never-ending cycle of torment, unable to find respite from the monster’s relentless pursuit.
Victor Frankenstein is the true victim in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The monster’s manipulation and torment push Frankenstein to the brink of madness, causing him immense emotional and mental suffering. His guilt, fear, nightmares, and stress all contribute to his status as the ultimate victim of his own creation.