~A Polished Critical Essay For Frankenstein~

An intro:

So after I had hastily written this class, I couldn’t stop thinking about the many ways I could have improved the essay I had just wrote. I thought this blog could be an opportunity for me to implement my thoughts one last time into the piece. I added some quotes, pictures, and other minor/major changes that could potentially further develop my thoughts for the essay.

 

Prompt:

The nature of motivations that direct an individual’s course of action

The Influence Motivation Can Have on an Individual’s Prospects for the Future

         Motivation is inspired by the values and external influences of the society surrounding an individual, resulting in the person to find a reason to act or behave in a particular way. As one is exposed to these beliefs, it becomes present that they will begin to form ideas in such a way that it was determined or rather motivated by other ideals that were present around them. These principles will eventually dictate the individual to act or make decisions based on what they have experienced or learned.  Motivation and influence can be notably seen in Frankenstein when Victor becomes inclined to create something that is obscure yet a dangerous feat to accomplish since it deals with the contending concepts of ethics vs righteousness.  Regarding the matter of the motive, it was the glory and success that he would presumably receive when he favourably completes the creation of a being. In the novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley acknowledges the idea that an individual’s goals can result in the desirable need for success, which can ultimately lead to the dissatisfaction of the person involved, and the people around them. 

Image result for victor frankenstein studying

         Personal interests woven with the possible chance of success has been the motivation of Victor’s ambition and desire to create something that could climatically make a difference in his world, and the world of others. The idea to construct a figure, which has been considered to be an impossible feat, stemmed from Victor’s innate love for natural science. Victor was and has always been strongly influenced by the discoveries and revelations of previous scientists in such a way that he wanted to further evolve their ideas by not only developing more theories, but putting those theories into action. Victor also notes that he wanted to create a species that would worship him as their god, which indicates that Victor strongly desired the need to have the role of a leader or creator. This can also indicate how the appetite for success blinded him of the possibilities of other outcomes if he had gone through with this goal. Consequences had not been considered as Victor pursued his goal because nothing could have stopped him from seeking nature’s secrets of life. It has been one of the factors that lead to the ultimate demise of several of those he had cared about as well as the everlasting regret that came with it. Progressively, readers began to see Victors change in perspective as these actions begin to unfold and change his mind, which motivated him to pursue certain operations in order to redeem himself and those around him. 

Image result for motivation and frankenstein

         Victor once again encountered the creature he had created, and then a tale is told by the monster which had emotionally prompted Victor to take the same risk in which he had deeply regretted just moments before. This time, the motivation considered was for the atonement of another individual which would have still affected Victor himself. The monster elaborately tells his experience to Victor who reluctantly listened to him. Victor was moved by the creatures tale so that he considers and takes into account the situation the monster faces. When he had finished, he then tells Victor his wish. The monster, who was never given a name, suggested that he too should be given a handmade companion so that the dreaded feeling of isolation should never burden him again. At first, Victor declines but then he is threatened once again with the lives of his dear allies and then he finally complies. This threat, becomes yet another motivation for Victor to act upon a made decision. However, mid-creation of this being sparks a realization in Victor, causing him to destroy what he had promised to the monster so that he can avoid further consequences that he may come to regret in the future. The motives surrounding this decision was due to previous experiences and the need to avoid repeating his mistake. Despite the precautions made in order to avoid negative consequences, the threats made by the monster no longer become threats, but actions that came to life.

Related image

         Victor’s final resolution had led to the casualties of several of those he had cared about, which then sparked yet another motivation to ultimately find a solution or rather a way to prevent further mistakes. Revenge is another recurring theme which motivated Victor towards his next goal. He has made a vow to destroy what he had once created. Driven by the remorse and saddening guilt caused by the creature, Victor, several times, refers to the creature as “wretched”, such as when Victor had first created the monster, without even knowing what it would lead to.  “I beheld the wretch—the miserable monster whom I had created.” (Frankenstein, chapter 5). This quote could imply the inconceivable hatred he had towards the monster, especially after all that was done to Victor. He even believed the price to pay for all the lives lost was with the life of the monster himself. Other possible motives that can be derived from this could be how he also wanted to “erase” his mistake, and to make it so that it never happened. These types of experiences can subsequently lead an individual to learn and take into account the possible outcomes of a situation.

Image result for victor trying to kill monster

         The motives and influences that an individual experiences can determine their goals and decisions for upcoming events. Ambition and previous successes can motivate a person to find a way to find a path that could potentially lead to their own benefit. The result of these outcomes can become an influence to find another motive but for the sake of a different reason: to reconcile. If all else fails, the only resolution left would be to start all over, or to destroy everything that was once done. Nevertheless, consequences should be considered as well as possible solutions to potential issues all while pursuing the goal that a motive has sparked.

Image result for pursuit of knowledge

 

Pictures in order:

Featured image: https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-idea-incarnate

https://mbti-in-fiction.tumblr.com./post/30457533880/victor-frankenstein

https://slate.com/technology/2017/01/frankenstein-and-the-problem-with-playing-god.html

https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/responsible-frankensteins

https://owlcation.com/humanities/Frankenstein-Invention-vs-Inventor

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-04-22-want-students-focused-on-the-pursuit-of-knowledge-stop-making-them-chase-information

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2 thoughts on “~A Polished Critical Essay For Frankenstein~

  1. Dear Naomi,
    I’m sorry this is so late. I had written your comment last week but I think I forgot to send it to you. :/ Oops. Anyway, I think you did a really nice job on your essay. You held a really nice tone and I was impressed by your diction choices, which really supported your essay. The only things that I thought need to be fixed were some minor grammar issues that were thinly spread out in your essay. Along with that, I think that it would be much stronger to use quotes in your writing. For example, one of your lines was, “ Victor also notes that he wanted to create a species that would worship him as their god… .” I think that by taking an actual quote or snippet from the book could really boost your statement. Other than that, I think this was a wonderful essay and I can’t wait to see how you improve in the future!
    Sincerely, Simran

    1. Dear Simran,

      No worries for the delay! Thank you for the considerations and the useful critique you offered me and I will be sure to take it into account the next time I write an essay. I also really appreciate the fact that you feel like I did a nice job! That really means a lot. Hearing that from someone I admire helps boost my confidence:)

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