How Is Good Vs. Evil Represented In Frankenstein?

Frankenstein is a story about what it means to be human, about the words spoken and actions performed as well as the choices we have chosen. The script was written by Mary Shelley and adapted by Phillip Pullman. Good Vs. Evil is represented in Frankenstein on a number of occasions. For example, a “good” character still has the ability to do evil deeds from the decisions they make and the consequences they must live and learn from.

One of the characters, the proclaimed villain, the monster. The monster was created by the inventor Victor Frankenstein. He believed to create an angel, a being kinder, stronger, and nobler – an “image of what humanity might be,” but thought the monster a hideous and ugly creature, therefore rejecting him as though a mother would give up on an unwanted infant and left to die. The monster, although rejected and alone, still had the heart to be nice to all beings and had true intentions, but was continuously thought of as the “bad guy.” He only wished for a companion, to live peacefully and learn to love. Alas, the actions of the monster were unjustified, inexcusable, and prejudiced. Although his belief in humanity is barbaric, there was no need for the monster to be blinded by his own prejudice. The Monster chose to become what others perceived him to be; evil. If the monster had chosen a more peaceful approach, then the deaths of many could have been prevented. “I am exactly what you made me, Frankenstein.” (page 39, line 8)

Victor Frankenstein, a young dreamer full of strange ideas and believes his work will improve the world. Victor to the audience is perturbed as “evil.” Yes, Victor was trying to supposedly do good, but he suffered for what he had caused and was naive enough to believe there would be no consequences. Instead of waiting for his experiment to display the true inner result, Frankenstein rejects and turns away from something he de’s not fully capable of understanding. Victor also has the unnoticed action of striking his best friend in the back of the head with a chair. As the story continues, the audience is led to believe Frankenstein can be redeemed for his actions. “What have I done? What have I done?” (page 54, line 9)

Henri de Clerval, the best friend of Victor Frankenstein, realistic and humorous, doesn’t understand the monster. Clerval can be seen as “heroic” for killing the monster’s bride, but during the scene, there is a cause and effect. If Clerval didn’t kill the bride, the monster might not have killed as revenge for the loss of his wife and sole companion. Did Henri de Clerval really think the monster wouldn’t retaliate when he killed his bride? Clerval only knows the monster from killing Victor’s younger brother, William, and only has little evidence – and the looks – of the monster to believe he is evil. “This is pure evil, Frankenstein -” (page 26, line 3)

So there is no truly Good Vs. Evil, nor is there a pure black and white without shades of grey, or the sun and the moon without the stars. Not every person can be labeled as true good and true evil because we’re all grey and our paths become lighter or darker with every step and choice we make. Everyone starts out neutrally grey but the choices they make and the consequences that follow are what the monster, Frankenstein and Clerval are perceived to be good or evil.