1

On Frankenstein: Greed Driven Identity

In Mary Shelleys gothic novel, Frankenstein, personal identity and the construction
of it take a principal role in the building of the characters. Construction of the personal
identity is directly related to the gothic novel. The gothic novel was related to the revival of
gothic architecture, which inspired writers for The ruins of gothic buildings gave rise to
multiple linked emotions by representing the inevitable decay and collapse of human
creations (Princeton.edu, 2013). Shelley warns, through the novel Frankenstein, that
greed will only lead one to lose their identity. Shelley employs a variety of rhetoric devices
and techniques to portray the characters and their identity in conditions driven by greed
and selfishness.
Victor Frankenstein greediness starts from the early chapters in the novel. His
personal drive to study at the university leads him to abandon his family during the grief of
his mother. Through these scenes, Mary Shelley appeals to ethos in order to contrast both
the feeling of sorrow and Victors drive for education. A clear antithesis of ideas is formed
between Victors initial response to leave the house for his studies, It appeared to me
sacrilege so soon to leave the repose, akin to death, of the house of mourning and to rush
into the thick of life. I was new to sorrow, but it did not the less alarm me. (Shelley, 1831,
p.24), and his later reflection on his way to the university.
I ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge. I had often, when at
home, thought it hard to remain during my youth cooped up in one place and
had longed to enter the world and take my station among other human
beings. Now my desires were complied with, and it would, indeed, have been
folly to repent. (Shelley, 1831, p.25).
2
This is the first situation where there is a clear moral contrast for Victors greed
takes a greater importance than his social relations. In such situations, Mary Shelleys
antithesis is understood as a diverging road for Victors life and his priorities. Furthermore,
the contrasting ideas serve as a premise to understand Victors greed.
Victors selfishness emerges in the novel when he revived the monster. He felt
sickened by his own creation. Shelleys downgrading diction demonstrates the disgust in
which Victor sees his creation through phrases such as breathless horror and disgust filled
my heart (Shelley, 1831, p.35) and Oh! No mortal could support the horror of that
countenance (Shelley, 1831, p.36). Victors repulsion toward his own creation and work
constitutes his avarice, for he had a responsibility as a creator. Additionally, Mary Shelleys
use of analogy demonstrates Victors hatred, A mummy again endued with animation
could not be so hideous as that wretch. (Shelley, 1831, p.36). Furthermore, the use of
historical allusions hyperbolize the horror that Victor perceived, it became a thing such as
even Dante could not have conceived. (Shelley, 1831, p.36). This repulsion leads Victor to
reject his creation, an act of greed done in order to save himself from the reaction of the
public. This critical moment in the novel defines the future of both characters, for Victors
personality takes a sudden shift toward a lack in caring and the monsters life is altered by
the hatred that society imposes.
Dr. Frankensteins personal drive developed further when the monster wanted a
companion. Victors self-indulgence drove him to destroy the monsters companion.
Shelleys use of rhetorical question demonstrates the personal argument he creates in
order to justify his later actions through phrases such as might he [monster] not conceive a
greater abhorrence for it when it came before his eyes in the female form? (Shelley,
p.121) and Had I right, for my own benefit, to inflict this curse upon everlasting
generations? (Shelley, 1831, p.121). Furthermore, Shelleys contrasting tone exhibits the
3
monsters and Victors nature. The monster, though its dialogue, exhibits a tone of betrayal
and indignation toward Victor. Do you dare to break your promise? () I have endured
incalculable fatigue, and cold, and hunger; do you dare destroy my hopes? (Shelley, 1831,
p.122). Victors fierce and violent tone toward the monster reveals his essence, which his
creation and selfishness have led him to, through phrases such as Begone! I do break my
promise; never will I create another like yourself, equal in deformity and wickedness.
(Shelley, 1831, p.122). Victors avarice no longer affected only him, for the hinder of a
female companion to the monster depraves him and consequently turns vile seen through
the response given. In this case, the monsters tone takes a rapid shift and becomes
violent, You are my creator, but I am your master; obey! (Shelley, 1831, p.122). Victors
self-centeredness leads him to not only lose his personal identity but that of others as well.
Towards the end of the novel, Victor Frankenstein permanently loses his persona
and in attempt to kill his creation, he endeavors an ultimatum to find him. The diction used
to portray Victors emotion toward the monster displays his ruptured identity; he uses words
such as Scoffing devil! and miserable fiend (Shelley, 1831, p.152) to describe the
monster. Victor is presented as a character that has lost his way and his identity.
Mary Shelleys Frankenstein depicts the inhumane and greed driven self and how it
corrupts the person. Victor Frankenstein demonstrates how greed will only lead one to lose
identity and into a miserable life.

Bibliography:
Princeton.edu (2013). Gothic fiction. [online] Retrieved from:
http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Gothic_fiction.html
[Accessed: 11 Dec 2013].
Shelley, M. (1831). Frankenstein. New York: Dover Publications.