Close Reading

     Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a novel of much complexity, particularly within Victor Frankenstein's, thought process. Being that he is the narrator of a big part of the story, the reader is able to peer into the complicated inner-workings of Frankenstein's mind. By doing so, one realizes that his opinions and ideas shift and his intentions become convoluted.
     In Chapter III Mary Shelley describes the process in which Frankenstein goes about creating his monster. Specifically in the paragraph "No one can conceive...the body to corruption", Frankenstein seems to occupy selfish thoughts. He states, "A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me." The idea of being a creator and god-like figure greatly appeals to Victor and it appears as though his greed and curiosity combine as driving forces in beginning his creation. Even before Frankenstein begins to work on his project he establishes his condition of having a variety of feelings that, at first, presented themselves as exciting. The tone of his narration, however, suggests that this excitement was not everlasting. With a background of in-depth scientific study, it is only obvious to assume that Frankenstein was naturally compelled to seek out greater scientific phenomenon, however, it appears as though the selfish desire of being able to call something his own drove Victor as well.
     The next paragraph, which begins with "These thoughts supported my spirits" and ends with "I brought my work near to a conclusion", shows the metamorphosis of both Frankenstein's mental and physical state. He describes his emaciated body and pale countenance and suggests the development of an obsession. Frankenstein addresses the shame and embarrassment of anyone ever finding out of his monstrous creation. However, he adds that he had an unrelenting hope that he could not let go of. The dark-side of his experiment was his unhealthy fixation to finish the constructed entity. The paragraph ends by depicting the chore-like fashion by which Frankenstein concluded his work.
     Even at the early stages of the story Shelley creates a complex attitude towards Frankenstein's work and  shows an evolution of thought process. This intricacy establishes a more life-like character because everyone goes through a metamorphosis of ideas and opinions, and the increased severity of the scenario creates a more interesting character as well.