Is Victor’s fascination with the Philosopher’s Stone an admirable one?Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with the magic associated with the philosopher’s stone because it defies what is commonly known. In a way, it is kind of like magic that goes against natural science, which is what he wants to be able to do. The philosopher’s stone symbolizes the scientific secrets and laws of life, which Victor wants to unlock and manipulate. I think it is admirable that he doesn’t care as much about money, than actually achieving his goal. He specifically says, “Wealth was an inferior object; but what glory would attend the discovery, if I could banish disease from the human frame, and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death!" However, this quote also clearly shows that he doesn’t know the limits of scientific discovery, and is willing to risk common morals and ethics. It conveys how he is a very selfish character, because he only focuses on how this stone can be used to benefit him and his glory. He does not even consider that he is disrespecting the feelings and rights of other people. He is blinded by his curiosity, and will sacrifice others, which is not a very admirable trait, in my opinion. This may also be a way for Victor to cope with his mother’s death, thinking of how he can protect the people he loves, and is possessive over, from the inevitability of death. This may be a redeeming quality for Frankenstein, because even though he is possessive and obsessive, he does love his family. To conclude, I believe that Victor Frankenstein’s passion, determination, and family love are all admirable traits, but the reasoning behind his obsession with the philosopher’s stone and how he wants to use that power is exceedingly greedy and builds him up to have a poor character from early on in the novel.
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April 2017
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