Psychological Analysis Of Frankenstein

Since its publication in 1818, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley has become one of the most memorable science-fiction novels of all time. The classic tells an intriguing narrative involving the artificial creation of human life. For nearly two centuries since the completion of Shelley’s novel, it has been the creature, not Victor, whom scholars have analyzed to a great extent, especially in regards to the validity of his innocence. Frankenstein has been analyzed by numerous authors, but hardly any in the form of a psychological approach. Since Victor is often referred to as a ‘mad scientist’ it is only appropriate that his character receives a thorough psychological evaluation to better explain his actions and how they affect his creation. Once …show more content…
Frankenstein composes a perfect example of the evil potential of narcissistic personality disorder. “In the light of modern psychiatry Frankenstein is a sad tragedy portraying a narcissist at full blast, a total disaster destroying his own being and the people around him in an obsessive and delirious pursuit of divine power. Indeed, Frankenstein is richly furnished with descriptions of incidents that expose Victor Frankenstein’s mental condition” (Hirche 2). Frankenstein essentially acts outside of nature and science by playing the role of ‘mother.’ Since his creation is enormously large and attention-seeking, it is easy to conclude that Victor’s motives included seeking attention for his product of science. “Moreover, Victor demonstrates the paradoxical nature of narcissism, where self-love exists with self-hate, and fragile self-esteem results in a sense of entitlement, the expectation of receiving special favors from others without assuming reciprocal responsibilities” (Berman 2). Victor’s narcissistic nature is not only limited to the beginning of the novel, it lingers on into other realms such as his subconscious. “In addition to the narcissistic nature of Frankenstein's megalomaniacal propensity for science and for the narcissistic fantasy of his creation, the nature of his narcissism is explored even more deeply in his dreams immediately following the creation of the Creature” (Kestner 74). Notably, the dreams revolve around the death of his mother. Concerning this, Frankenstein becomes a creator of life and the source of the destruction of others lives. With regards to Frankenstein’s mental health, the story speaks for itself: Victor’s narcissistic personality disorder is the root to all of his evils and