Evelin Luna Period: 3 11/09/12 Frankenstein: Obsession.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a romantic novel that raises the question of how can obsessions with knowledge destroy ones mind. Many of the characters in Frankenstein are obsessed with knowing what they are capable of, and wanting to learn more, or experiencing new things. Victor was the protagonist as well as the character that showed the most interest in learning more, Up to the point he becomes insane, as well as the creation showed an obsession with wanting to be accepted that also led to disastrous results. Victor showed great interest of his knowledge. He challenged himself a step further than anyone else. I ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge (Shelley 40). Victor shows that his first priority is his studies. Before he focused on creating life he wanted to know more than what he already knew. He even left his family, friends, and everything that was close to him. The stars often disappeared in the light of morning whilst I was yet engaged in my laboratory (60). Victor was obsessed with the new life he was about to bring. He doesnt know what day it is, what time, or what other people are doing. His only focus is to finish his creation. Locking him in completely, not caring about his own health. Victor continues the obsession when he started to create the creature. Frankenstein decided to isolate himself from the world. "I did not watch the blossom or the expanding leaves - sights which before always yielded me supreme delight - so deeply was I engrossed in my occupation (42). It seemed like an eternity that victor had been working on the creature. Victor gets none too little rest and is overwhelmed by the almost accomplishment. "The summer months passed while I was thus engaged, heart and soul, in

Evelin Luna Period: 3 11/09/12 one pursuit" (33). The pursuit that victor is talking about is creating his creation. He was isolated and wanted to finish his job. He is devoted to the extreme obsession. He is blind to see the things that are surrounding him, and gives him and his soul completely to the pursuit. His obsession has taken over him. Insanity followed him after obsession and now haunts him. He can no longer enjoy the things he used to. He is cut off from everyone and is miserable. The creation was also over taken the obsession as well. He wanted to know how people were, and what they liked. The monster started to see how people treated him differently. When I looked around I saw and heard of none like me. Was I, the, a monster" (105). The monster that was not accepted by society. It was judged and discriminated against. Victor created something like no other thing. Not knowing he would end up hurting the creature by the rejection of people. Thats why the monster wanted someone to talk to. When the creation asked victor to make a mate for him was when his obsession began. I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects. This being you must create (129). This shows how the creature wanted someone to be there with him. Victor denied the request because he was already disgusted and exhausted from the first creation. The obsession of the creature to wanting someone to love and to be accepted by others drove him insane, up to the point of murdering the people closest to victor. In conclusion Frankenstein became insane by the obsession with knowledge. At first he based on studying, and then the curiosity led to an enormous obsession. When the

Evelin Luna Period: 3 11/09/12 obsession began it became more evident and clear by the days. Victor began to create his monster and quickly led himself to isolation. His obsession crashed down when the monster actually came to life. The creation was abandoned and rejected by people because of his physical appearance. The obsession with knowledge was what drove Victor to create the creature but then left it by his own which led the creature to find an obsession in acceptance.