Frankenstein IV

The protagonist in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is Victor Frankenstein. However, unlike many protagonists I read about, I feel not sympathy for Victor. Most readers hear Victor's story and feel bad for the lonely genius whose entire life was destroyed by one mistake. However, Victor brought all his suffering upon himself. It was his own obsession with his work that caused him to be cut off from his family and friends during his college years. The creature he created also causes him much suffering. William's death and Justine's execution are directly linked to Victor's own creation. It is true Victor did not know the consequences of his actions, and therefore could be forgiven for these first two deaths. This is not true, however, for the later deaths of Henry and Elizabeth. Victor knowingly broke his deal with the creature by destroying his bride. The creature told Victor the destruction he would cause if Victor did not help him. He even threatens him, saying "...remember, I shall be with you on your wedding night" (123). Therefore, Victor's choice makes it difficult for me to feel any sympathy for the grief he experiences.