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Consequences Of Isolation In Frankenstein

Decent Essays

The consequences of isolation can be both physical and emotional. For the characters in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, isolation does both in varying degrees.Through Victor’s self-destructive path for knowledge and revenge, the creature’s descent from benevolence to misery, and Walton’s journey to the Arctic, Mary Shelley explores the theme of isolation in that whether it is intentional or not, isolation only leads to negative consequences. Isolation has always been a part of Victor life. For example, Victor’s choice of isolation in college. Victor’s interest in the pursuit of knowledge leads him to abandon his family and go to college in Ingolstadt. While he is there, Victor chooses to dissociate himself from society in order to complete his studies, “I knew well therefore what would be my father’s feelings, but I could not tear my thoughts from my employment”(Shelley 40). Furthermore, this isolation and interest in knowledge leads him to start the creation of his monster, which will ultimately cause Victor’s downfall. The isolation from this process takes its effect as Victor begins to grow ,”oppressed by a slow fever, and [he] became nervous to a most painful degree”(Shelley 41). This illness and pain will continue to appear every time that Victor isolates himself to deal with the creature, especially during his time in jail after his attempt at making the creature’s bride. In the end, the creature kills everyone Victor loves and Victor vows revenge by hunting the

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