Frankenstein: Embracing Death

     In the classic work, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein finds himself locked away in prison upon hearing of the unexpected and tragic death of his younger brother, Henry Clerval.  Distraught and quite ill, Victor, having been claimed the murderer of Henry, embraces the idea of his death.  "Persecuted and tortured as I am and have been, can death be any evil to me" (Shelley, 133)?  Clearly, this troubled man wishes to be free from all the emotional damage caused by his creation.  I find it odd how Victor's wish for scientific glory and endless hours of hard work result in his downfall.  Victor Frankenstein truly went from the creator of his creation, to being a slave to it.  Victor's monstrosity frightens him from his apartment, kills his loved ones, threatens him, and demands for a mate.  To solve all the wrongs in his unendurable world, Victors wishes for an end to his life.