How Frankenstein exhibits the signs of being a pathological narcissist
Essay on the book Frankenstein and how victor Frankenstein exhibits the signs of being a pathological narcissist because he thinks above all in a god-like manner.
At the start of the novel, Victor Frankenstein is a generally sympathetic character with an enquiring mind and an interest in scientific development. However, his ambition leads him to become arrogant and extremely single-minded. He neglects his family, abandons his creation and fails to take responsibility for his actions which leads to the deaths of many of those who should be near and dear to him.
Gradually he comes to realise the full extent of what he has done and sets out to destroy the Monster even at the cost of his own life. Despite hunting the Monster across the length and breadth of Europe, Victor fails in this mission and dies in the Arctic wastes aboard Walton’s ship.
Even as he is dying, he will not admit fully to his mistakes and the reader is left wondering whether it is Victor who is the true monster.
None of Victor’s family are particularly scientific in their outlook but Victor has an enquiring mind. When he is only 13, Victor begins to read scientific books and study the works of famous scientists. He also closely observes nature acting around him. When he goes to university, Victor is encouraged by the professors who teach there. Unfortunately, Victor misuses his scientific knowledge and ability in a bid for personal glory.
Victor’s ambition knows no bounds as he sets out to create life at any expense. He makes himself ill in the pursuit of his goals and puts achieving this ambition before the health and happiness of both himself and his family. Victor is so caught up in the pursuit of knowledge and the creation of life that he feels invincible. He feels he should not have to justify his actions to anyone and that he alone has supreme power.
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