Struggle for Power Theme in Frankenstein
Many scenes in Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, depict the two main characters, Victor Frankenstein and the creature, in an intimate setting where both take the role of what might be called the "master" and the "slave." From their first meeting right after the monster's making to Victor's death at the end, the novel depicts a struggle for power between creator and creation. The first scene with Frankenstein and the creature is possibly the first time a master and slave relationship is shared between the two characters in the novel. In the chapter of the creature's creation, Victor is alone with the progress of his work thus far. Even with the body of the creature inanimate, it is clear to see Victor playing this role of master. Without Frankenstein, the body would remain without life, worthless and dead. The body needs Frankenstein for its existence of life itself. Victor eventually performs the "masterful" act of instilling a life for the motionless matter; he grants his slave, the creature, an opportunity to live. He even views himself as the creature's master when he states, "I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet" (Frankenstein, 60). The picture of a slave bowing at a master's feet
On Victor's wedding night, the monster takes the life of his creator's bride. Again the creature reinstates his position as master. Elizabeth was not only Victor's love and sister, but she was a gift to him. Not only has the monster taken Victor's wife away, but his gift from his mother as well. Again, through the monster's physical advantage over Victor does he take a part of Victor's psychological being. Now, Victor has lost his brother, his wife, and his childhood gift. Victor has lost all of his entire family to a presence in which he had no control over. The roles have completely changed. At the time of the creature's creation, Victor acted in self-interest by bringing to life an entity without its consultation. When the creature takes lives, he does so without his Victor's or his victim's consent. Motives of power have changed as well. Victor's motive was to create and preserve life, while the creature's was to take and destroy it. Frankenstein shows his first sign of "releasing" his creature, or slave, when it is brought to life and he flees in horror at its image. From this point in the novel on, Victor never grasps that same level of mastership again. Consequently, the creature gradually loses his slave-like character and becomes more the master to Victor.
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Approximate Word count = 869
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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