Mary Shelley's Attitude Toward Victor Frankenstein

Mary Shelley portrays Victor Frankenstein as a complex character. On one hand, he believes that his creation will make a wonderful new species. He will be held responsible for such a noble discovery, and that idea excites him. As he progresses with his experiment, he begins to become obsessed; his creation completely consumes him, causing him to forget about his family and home back in Geneva. I think by portraying Frankenstein in this insane manner, Shelley portrays her belief about the dangers of modern science, and also obsession. Frankenstein's obsession leads him to do things that repulse him, like collecting bones and human remains. Although he feels some guilt, his encompassing passion convinces him to proceed with his experiment. 

Throughout the novel, Shelley gives the impression that she is Romantic writer. This is evident due to the contrast of scenes that take place when Victor is in a laboratory and when he is amongst nature. While he is creating the monster, he is filled with insanity and neurosis. He cannot sleep, nor does he interact with his loved ones. In contrast, Victor is the most content and at ease when he is in the presence of nature. Even after the monster is created, and William and Justine have died, he finds some solace in the company of nature. Victor's demise begins when he sacrifices himself to the powers and dangers of science. His succeeds in bringing the monster to life, but the creation is portrayed as a grotesque act, a far cry from his vision of glory.

Shelley portrays Victor in such a way that causes the reader to feel pity for him, but with an understanding that he is responsible for his toils. It is clear that Victor's demise was all his doing. He is responsible for the deaths by the monster, causing the reader to feel sympathy for the monster, not Frankenstein. Even before the reader discovers what the monster is capable of, and Victor's experiment is only in its early stages, Shelley makes it evident that this creation will only cause problems.