Why Did Frankenstein Turn Evil? Unpacking the Complexities of a Literary Monster

The question "Why did Frankenstein turn evil?" is a common one, often stemming from a simplified understanding of Mary Shelley's seminal novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. It's important to clarify upfront: the character widely referred to as "Frankenstein" in popular culture is actually the Creature, while Victor Frankenstein is the scientist who brought him to life. The question, therefore, often delves into the motivations and actions of the Creature, and to a lesser extent, the moral failings of Victor.

Let's break down the nuanced reasons behind the Creature's descent into what many perceive as "evil" and explore Victor Frankenstein's role in this tragic narrative.

The Creature's Genesis: A Blank Slate Corrupted

When Victor Frankenstein animates his creation, the Creature is not born inherently evil. In fact, he begins life as a tabula rasa – a blank slate – with innate capacity for good. His early experiences are characterized by curiosity, a desire for connection, and an almost childlike innocence. He learns about the world through observation, gradually understanding human language and emotions by secretly watching the De Lacey family, a kind and impoverished group living in a secluded cottage.

Key early experiences that shaped the Creature:

Observation and Learning: He learns to read, understand social cues, and even feel empathy by observing the De Laceys. He witnesses their acts of kindness and their struggles.
Desire for Companionship: The Creature deeply longs for acceptance and a companion, a feeling intensified by his utter isolation. He yearns to be loved and understood.
Initial Benevolence: He performs acts of kindness for the De Laceys anonymously, such as chopping wood for them, demonstrating his good intentions.

The Turning Point: Rejection and Cruelty

The Creature's journey towards despair and what appears to be malevolence is not a choice born of innate wickedness, but rather a direct consequence of the repeated and brutal rejection he faces from humanity. Every attempt he makes to connect or be recognized is met with fear, disgust, and violence. This consistent ostracization profoundly impacts his mental and emotional state.

Instances of rejection that fuel his bitterness:

Victor's Abandonment: The most significant rejection is from his own creator, Victor, who is horrified by his creation and flees immediately after bringing him to life. This abandonment sets a devastating precedent for the Creature's interactions with the world.
The De Lacey Family's Reaction: When the Creature finally attempts to introduce himself to the De Laceys, the family he has come to admire, they react with terror and drive him away. The old, blind Mr. De Lacey, who might have been more receptive, is unable to intervene when the rest of the family reacts with fear.
Attacks from Villagers: Encounters with other humans are equally hostile. He is attacked by villagers and even a young boy who shoots him, further reinforcing his perception of humanity as cruel and unforgiving.

The Cycle of Violence: Revenge and Despair

As the Creature's hope for acceptance dwindles and his suffering intensifies, his actions begin to shift. The pain of his isolation and the injustices he suffers lead him to seek retribution. His acts of violence are not random acts of malice, but rather targeted responses to the pain inflicted upon him, often by those he blames for his misery.

The development of his vengeful actions:

The First Murder: William Frankenstein: The Creature murders Victor's younger brother, William, in a fit of rage. This act is partly motivated by a desire to inflict pain on Victor and partly by the fact that William expresses hatred towards him and is carrying a locket belonging to Victor.
The Framing of Justine Moritz: The Creature frames Justine Moritz for William's murder, a calculated act of revenge against Victor and the injustice he perceives.
The Murder of Henry Clerval: The murder of Victor's close friend, Henry Clerval, is a deeply personal blow aimed directly at Victor's happiness and is a response to Victor's broken promise to create a female companion for the Creature.
The Murder of Elizabeth Lavenza: The tragic death of Victor's beloved Elizabeth on their wedding night is the ultimate act of revenge, designed to inflict the most profound grief upon Victor, mirroring the grief and loss the Creature has endured.

It is crucial to understand that the Creature explicitly states his motivations to Victor. He doesn't relish killing; rather, he feels driven to it by his circumstances and his desire for vengeance against the man who created him and then abandoned him to a life of torment.

"I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again become virtuous."
– The Creature, Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein's Role: The True "Monster"?

The question of who is truly the "monster" in Frankenstein is a central theme. While the Creature commits horrific acts, many argue that Victor Frankenstein bears a greater responsibility for the tragedy. His ambition, his secrecy, and his subsequent abandonment of his creation are the root causes of all the suffering that unfolds.

Victor's culpable actions:

Hubris and Unethical Pursuit of Knowledge: Victor's obsessive quest to "play God" and unlock the secrets of life, without considering the ethical implications or the potential consequences, is his initial downfall.
Rejection and Abandonment: His immediate recoil and abandonment of the Creature upon its animation are unforgivable. He prioritizes his own disgust over his responsibility as a creator.
Refusal to Provide a Companion: Even when confronted by the Creature and his plea for a mate, Victor initially agrees but later destroys the second creature he begins to build, fearing the consequences. This decision directly leads to the escalation of the Creature's violence.
Obsession with Revenge: Victor becomes consumed by his own desire to destroy the Creature, often at the expense of his own well-being and the safety of those around him.

Therefore, while the Creature's actions are undeniably monstrous, they are a direct product of Victor's failings. The novel suggests that "evil" is not an inherent quality but something that can be cultivated through neglect, cruelty, and isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did the Creature initially want to be good?

The Creature was created with an innate capacity for good and a desire for connection. His early experiences observing the De Lacey family fostered these positive inclinations, as he learned about love, kindness, and companionship. He yearned to experience these things himself and to be accepted by others.

How did Victor Frankenstein contribute to the Creature turning "evil"?

Victor Frankenstein is a primary contributor. His immediate abandonment of the Creature upon its animation, his subsequent refusal to acknowledge or care for his creation, and his eventual failure to provide a companion all led to the Creature's profound isolation, despair, and desire for revenge. Victor's fear and disgust directly shaped the Creature's experiences of rejection, pushing him towards violence.

Did the Creature have any other options besides turning to violence?

In the narrative, the Creature exhausts nearly all options for connection and acceptance. His attempts to interact with humans were met with violence and fear. While the novel doesn't explicitly show him trying other methods, his experiences consistently demonstrated that humanity would not accept him, leading him to believe that revenge was his only recourse.

Is the Creature truly evil, or is he a victim?

The novel presents the Creature as a tragic figure, a victim of circumstance and of his creator's abandonment and society's prejudice. While his actions are horrific, they are presented as a response to immense suffering and injustice. The narrative strongly suggests that his "evil" is a learned behavior, a manifestation of his pain and isolation, rather than an inherent trait.