Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein delves into profound questions about the nature of humanity, creation, and the soul. This analysis explores the fragmented soul of Frankenstein’s monster, examining its memories, intellect, free will, and the very source of its existence. The Creature’s plaintive cry, “Abomination! And what of my soul?” encapsulates the central dilemma of his being. He is a being aware of his own existence, yet utterly confused about its nature and origin.
Contents
A Patchwork of Memories and Muddled Intellect
The monster’s memories offer glimpses into a past life marred by thievery and ultimately, execution by hanging. He retains a vague sense of love, mourning its absence, yet the majority of his recollections are either lost or distorted. This fragmented memory contributes to his disorientation and struggle for identity. His intellect, while present, is similarly clouded. He communicates primarily through primal utterances – “Pain! Loneliness!” – reminiscent of Robert Browning’s guttural opening in Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister. His reasoning is flawed, demonstrated by his inability to grasp the villagers’ hatred and his distorted perception of the natural world. He ascribes human emotions to inanimate objects, such as the “screaming” linden leaves, highlighting his skewed understanding of reality.
The Paradox of Free Will and Doom
Frankenstein’s monster exists in a paradoxical state of both free will and predetermined doom. He is a pawn in Frankenstein’s ambitious game, lacking the capacity or inclination for prayer. He operates partly as an automaton, driven by base instincts, and partly as a wounded creature seeking solace. Yet, within this constrained existence, flickers of free will emerge. He chooses his path, avoiding the poplar-lined road and selecting his shelters. However, the ultimate barrier remains: he cannot enter the world of men. His soul, much like his pieced-together body, is a fractured mosaic, reflecting the fragmented nature of his existence.
The Source of the Soul: God or Other?
The question of the soul’s origin leads to a crucial theological debate. If God is the sole dispenser of souls, then Frankenstein’s act of creation represents a blasphemous usurpation of divine power. Frankenstein, in his hubris, attempts to replicate God’s role, yet he cannot impart a true soul. This raises the possibility that the monster’s fragmented soul is, in fact, a sliver of Frankenstein’s own, fractured in the act of creation. This resonates with the concept of a Horcrux in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
Beyond Science: A Demonic Influence?
While Frankenstein is often viewed as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked science, the narrative subtly hints at a deeper, supernatural dimension. While Dr. Frankenstein operates within a scientific framework, the novel itself seems to acknowledge forces beyond the purely scientific. The monster’s existence, his “damned” state, suggests a demonic influence, facilitated by Frankenstein’s amoral pursuit. A pure soul would have ascended, not returned to this earthly plane. The monster’s return, therefore, points towards a darker, more sinister intervention. This interpretation aligns with Mary Shelley’s personal belief in the existence of souls, despite her husband Percy Shelley’s atheism. The novel, therefore, transcends a purely scientific explanation, suggesting a complex interplay of science, hubris, and the supernatural.
The Enduring Legacy of a Fragmented Soul
Frankenstein’s monster remains a powerful symbol of the fragmented human condition. His struggle for identity, his yearning for connection, and the ambiguity surrounding his soul continue to resonate with readers. Frankenstein invites us to contemplate the profound implications of creation, the nature of humanity, and the enduring mystery of the soul.