Responsibility comes in many forms.

Sometimes it is forced upon us and sometimes it is

something we choose. Dr. Frankenstein created a being, thus also creating a great

responsibility for himself. There have been many tellings of Victor Frankensteins story, but

almost every retelling shares an underlying theme of responsibility. As do many stories

within the science fiction genre. Star Wars is a beloved story that has been told for decades.

Within Star Wars almost every character has a personal responsibility. And when

responsibility is placed upon a person, it is not without consequences.

Frankenstein is a book with many elements within it. It is a story that is still being told and

drawn upon even after it was created over 199 years ago. It is a tale of a man who becomes

obsessed with the creation of life. Having lost his mother at a young age, it is

understandable why he would pursue such an inane idea. But against the odds, he succeeds.

He brings a creature to life. But that creation frightened him and he abandoned it. Forcing

the creature to learn about the world on its own. Which did not go well. Throughout the book

the creature and Victor have a back and forth, which results in the deaths of Victors brother

William, Henry Clerval, Elizabeth Lavenzaon, and inadvertently Justine Moritz who was

framed for Williams murder. Burdened by the guilt of their deaths, Victor hunts the creature

until his own demise. Upon discovering his creator has died, the creature grieves and vows

to end his own life. Thus ending the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creature (Shelley).

Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818. Her mother had died while she was young and in

Frankenstein, one could argue Shelley projects the loss of her mother through Victor

Frankenstein as a character. It seems as if many aspects of her life were projected within her

book. She had eloped at the age of 17 with Percey Shelley who was a known poet. Percey was

married at the time of their elopement and while he was away with Mary, his wife drowned
herself. Only a few weeks prior Marys half sister Fanny had committed suicide. Perhaps

within her book of Frankenstein, Victors lack of responsibility which inadvertently caused the

death of those he cared about, was a projection of Marys own guilt. She could have felt some

responsibility for the deaths in her own life (Mary Shelley Biography).

(Diana)

Victor Frankenstein created the creature. But the moment the creature was given life, was

the moment that Victor Frankenstein failed in his responsibility. Unable to endure the

aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room, the weight of the moment was

too much for Victor to handle. It is within human nature to be overcome with emotion at

times. But when Victor Frankenstein was confronted for the second time by the creature the

night of its birth, he ran away, He might have spoken, but I did not hear; one hand was

stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped, and rushed downstairs. When in

reality the creature was most likely looking for help. It is understandable that Victor felt fear.
But if he was going to create life, he should have been prepared for the being that would be

created. The creature was like a newborn baby, he did not know how to speak and nor did he

understand the world. But Victor Frankenstein ran away. It is the equivalent of a parent

abandoning their newborn child, and it is just as irresponsible and wrong (Shelley).

(Diana)

Any person who is brought into the world eventually takes on responsibility. Whether that is

the responsibility of keeping a secret for a friend or the responsibilities within a career.

Bringing a life into the world is arguably one of the greatest responsibilities. Because as the

creator, or parent, of that being it is your job to nurture it and teach that being about life.

There are instances when a parent releases their responsibility. But if no one is there to take

the responsibility, it still lies with the original parent. In Frankenstein Victor should have been

there to for the creature from the beginning, but he ran away. The creature had to take

responsibility for its own life. Which lead to unforeseen consequences.

Star Wars has been a beloved story since 1977. There are themes of love, togetherness, hope,

and responsibility. Throughout the Star Wars franchise the theme of responsibility is

explored in depth, in many characters and not just the main protagonist. The original three

characters, Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker each have their own obligations and

responsibilities. But regardless of where they come from or who they are, they each work

together in accomplishing their goals and holding true to their responsibilities (20th).

(Star Wars)

Han Solos responsibility is in his ability to help the rebel resistance. He has the skill set and

the availability to help his friends. In episode IV he initially leaves when it is decided to

attack the Death Star. But he reclaims his responsibility and returns to help Luke Skywalker

blow up the Death Star. Luke Skywalkers responsibilities lies in carrying on the Jedi legacy

as they are near being completely erased from the galaxy. As well as Lukes responsibility to

his father. As Luke grows he chooses to take on the responsibility of taking care of his sith

father. In choosing this responsibility, Luke opens himself up to the consequence of pain in

trying to save his father. Especially when his father dies. Leia Organa from the very

beginning, had one of the biggest responsibilities in carrying the plans for the Death Star.

She could have refused to carry them or chosen to run away from it. But she stayed steadfast

in her duty. In episode VI Leia makes the conscious decision to rescue Han Solo from Jabba
the Hutt. She knows the risks and still takes on the responsibility of rescuing him, even when

she knows the consequences could be death. She does this because she cares for him. Each

character had opportunities to shirk their responsibilities, but each one rose to the occasion

and did what needed to be done (20th).

(Fully Operational)

Frankenstein was adapted by Gris Grimly into a graphic novel. Having drawn images to

accompany Mary Shelleys book, Grimly helps the reader connect a visual to her story. Victor

is shown to be usually hunched and brooding. Alluding to the responsibility on his shoulders

and the anxiety he feels. The creature is drawn as an imposing figure, with his

disfigurements highlighted (Grimly).

 (Grimly, Gris. Screenshots)

Victor Frankenstein was not the only character with responsibility. There is a scene in Gris

Grimlys novel where the creature witnesses a woman falling into a river. He chooses to

rescue her, and in doing so takes on the responsibility of saving her life. The creature does

manage to get her out of the water but is attacked by a hunter who thinks the creature has

harmed the girl. Showing that even when we choose to take on responsibility and do good, it

doesnt always benefit us in the end (Grimly).

 (Grimly, Gris. 3.)

Mary Shelley created an epic story that still captivates readers today. Frankenstein explores

what responsibility can do to a person, and how it can inadvertently affect another. Whether

we choose to accept responsibility or it is chosen for us, there is always a consequence. Star

Wars is one of many stories that explores this theme. And where the protagonists come

around to their own responsibilities. Frankenstein explores responsibility from the view as

one who tries to run from it, and from one who has it thrust upon them. Posing the question,

when we as individuals are confronted with our own responsibilities, how will we act?

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2016. Web. 1 Aug. 2017.

"Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)." IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 1 Aug. 2017.

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Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, 1797-1851. Frankenstein, Or, The Modern Prometheus : the 1818
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