Res Gestae
Frankenstein is not a monster
We may be referring to a 'monster' when we hear the name 'Frankenstein'. While it is the common understanding of the word, Frankenstein is the creator of the monster, which only the people had later on named after him.
As scientist, Victor Frankenstein learned how to create life and created a being in the likeness of man, but larger than average and more powerful. Unfortunately and tragically, the monster he created killed his brother, William, his friend, Henry, and later his wife, Elizabeth, following his disobedience to create a second monster… a mate to the first he created. It was the first monster who persuaded Victor to create another.
Fueled with vengeance, Victor searched for the monster. But, he died without giving justice to the death of his beloveds.
According to the accounts of Walton, on his visit to his friend lying on the death bed he saw the monster weeping over Victor. The monster told him (Walton) of his immense solitude, suffering, hatred and remorse. He, likewise, asserted that since his master has died; he (monster) too could now end his suffering. Then he departed to immolate himself.
If we were to consider the first edition of the novel, the name Frankenstein is not for the monster but the creator himself; though Victor Frankenstein did not intend to make a monster out of his creation. Victor was simply overwhelmed with his passion to create a being in the likeness of man, but, as said larger, than average and more powerful. Clearly, it was this being he created that chose to be a monster.
And, contrary to how we referred the monster today, Frankenstein had given him a name, such as 'Devil', 'Vile Insect', 'Abhorred Monster', 'Fiend', among others. Thus, adhering to the intention of the anonymous author of the first edition of the novel, the monster was never 'Frankenstein'. It was Mary Shelly, a British author of the novel, Frankenstein, The Modern Prometheus', who 'blatantly' named the monster as Frankenstein.
Well, I never intend this article to sound like a book review. But, I don't also discount the possibility that this will provoke the interest of readers to get a copy of the novel and feel the intense of thrill and horror in every twist of the story.
My idea of writing this article is simply to reiterate the message of the story, that is, sometimes we dream of making something good for others… drawing out their potentials… making them better of what they are at the moment… only to realize later that we are but breeding, if not unleashing, the beasts in them, falling us victims of their treacheries and evil designs.
Nevertheless, be a Frankenstein… be a 'creator'… a cause of something good!
(For your comments and suggestions, text SMS to 09193161190 and email me at rogatepnp@yahoo.com.)