PARALLELS BETWEEN VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER

In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley creates many differences between Victor Frankenstein and his creation, but simultaneously creates parallels between the two. Victor's siblings and parents are perfect in his eyes and never deny him anything, whereas the creature is rejected by everyone who sees him from the moment he begins breathing. Despite these differences, both characters develop problems as adults based on these childhood experiences, which ultimately cause others' deaths as well as their own. Although Victor's seemingly idyllic upbringing sharply contrasts with the creature's neglected "childhood," both of these scenarios lead to their mutual destruction.
While Victor experiences a seemingly ideal, but in truth, overindulgent childhood, the creature is faced with constant rejection from the moment he is given life despite his inborn warmth and compassion. From the beginning of each's existence, the two grow up under completely different influences. Victor's parents respond...