The Concept of Creation and Responsibility in Frankenstein: A Study of Victor Frankenstein’s Moral Obligations Toward His Creation

The Concept of Creation and Responsibility in Frankenstein: A Study of Victor Frankenstein’s Moral Obligations Toward His Creation

In Frankenstein, the concept of creation is deeply tied to responsibility. When Victor Frankenstein creates the creature, he abandons it out of fear and revulsion, leaving it to fend for itself in a hostile world. This abandonment forms the core of the novel’s moral dilemma—Victor’s failure to take responsibility for his creation leads to a series of tragic events.

Shelley highlights the importance of accountability in the act of creation. Victor’s refusal to care for the creature reflects a broader critique of individuals who seek to create or innovate without considering the moral obligations that come with such power. The creature, despite its monstrous appearance, demonstrates deep emotions, including a desire for love and acceptance. Its tragic descent into violence is a result of its isolation and the neglect it experiences from its creator.

Through Victor’s lack of responsibility, Shelley argues that creation, whether in scientific, personal, or societal contexts, must come with a sense of moral duty. The novel asks whether it is ethical to create something without taking responsibility for its well-being, and it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of nurturing what we bring into existence.