English Essay: Individualism's Role in Frankenstein's Outcomes

This essay delves into the theme of individualism as portrayed in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, focusing on the character of Victor and his creation, the monster. It examines the critical discourse surrounding Victor's actions and the tragic consequences of his individualistic pursuits. The essay explores the influence of Rousseau's social contract theory, highlighting the tension between individual desires and societal well-being. It argues that Victor's self-centered approach, driven by a desire for scientific glory, led to the monster's rejection and subsequent destructive actions. The essay analyzes the concept of individualism as a 'race of devils', emphasizing the detrimental effects of prioritizing personal gain over social responsibility. Furthermore, the essay discusses the connection between Shelley's work and Rousseau's political philosophy, suggesting that the author used her narrative to reflect on the challenges of individualism in society. It concludes by acknowledging the essay's presentation of a unique perspective on Frankenstein, emphasizing the relevance of individualism and its implications for social reform.

Running head: ENGLISH ESSAY
English Essay
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ENGLISH ESSAY
The following essay will focus and argue on the individualism of Victor that has been
portrayed by the author of the novel Frankenstein Mary Shelley. The difficulties that were faced
by the critics in this discourse will be analyzed in this essay to show the readers about tragic flaw
that Victor committed by creating the monster named Frankenstein.
Research question: Is individualism one of the primary determinants of the outcomes showed
by Mary Shelley in her novel Frankenstein?
In the article “Lyrical Sociability: The Social Contract and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein”,
the concept of social dilemmas and various engagements between individuals and society have
been portrayed (Hegele: 175). The novel Frankenstein along with its main character the monster
and its creator, Victor are the major elements through which the social reflection has been
presented. The connections with the social contract theory by Rousseau have been drawn to
show the readers that individualism in the society was the basic predicament that involved the
lives if several people. According to several critics, it has already been said that the connection
between individualism and society (Beenstock: 415). Most critics are of the opinion that the
concept of individualism cannot cater to the social connections because people believing in
individualism will always think about himself and things that should be dome to satisfy his needs
and desires only.
On the other hand, the concept of individualism is very problematic in terms of the novel
Frankenstein since Victor, the creator of the monster always thought about the advantages that he
could get after creating it (Huff-Oelberg: 25). He ignored the problems and challenges that could
arise after this monster was created and sufferings that common people would have to go
through. The thought of individualism would simply categorize a person as a selfish one. As per

2ENGLISH ESSAY
the social theory propagated by Rousseau, people would get separated from each other rather
coming close. If Victor thought about the well being of all the people in the society, he would not
have designed that monster. The ultimate outcome of designing that creature was to destroy
itself. So, this was a complete wastage of money and energy (Viliusis: 167). This creation of
monster and indulging in the individualism theory was completely the ‘race of devils’ as the
author of the article has put it. The creature was designed by Victor only to satisfy all his needs
and fulfill his desires of glory. He was keen to show the world that he wanted to be supremely
successful in scientific innovation. Therefore, this creature could not be socialized in front of
others (Beenstock: 415).
The influence of the literary creations of Rousseau was very clearly felt I various writings
of the contemporary period when this novel was written. Apart from that it is also very clear that
author of the novel Mary Shelly had very innate connections with the political philosophy that
Rousseau believed in (Heinowitz: 100). The situation turned against the plans of Victor. The
Victor went on to reject the terrible monster. After this rejection, the monster named
Frankenstein turned out to be a ferocious monster instead of the innocent face he had earlier. The
critics have accounted on the issue that Shelley in her literary career focused more on the neglect
of parents of Rousseau than his social philosophy (Beenstock: 415). Therefore, it is very critical
to address the issue that individualism in society will do no good to the human beings. The
political theories of Rousseau are quite crucial to address the various challenges in the society.
The concept of individualism has always been very challenging in the society because
people will not be able to connect their views with other persons. The political theories of
Rousseau had been treated by Shelley in very complicated manners. So, the reflections of these
political theories have left an impression on the narrative styles of Shelley (Viliusis: 167). The

3ENGLISH ESSAY
writings of Rousseau in that period were more mature than most other people in the
contemporary period. The events of bloodshed and injustice in the society were mostly avoided
by Rousseau. However, this novel Frankenstein had its impacts on the social structures of the
time; The reality of society was completely reflected so the people could get the essence of the
various features during that time. In the words of the critics of that time, the proper comparison
can be shown between neglecting the duty by individuals and withdrawal from society
(Beenstock: 415). Victor very consciously withdrew himself from society since it was also
impossible for him to get out with that terrible creature on the road and socialize with everyone.
In the concluding part of the essay, it can be acknowledged that this article has presented
a different panoramic view about the novel Frankenstein since this novel is one of the most
widely acclaimed literary texts. The concept of individualism in society, withdrawal and its
connections with social reform has been highlighted in this essay.

4ENGLISH ESSAY
References
Beenstock, Zoe. "Lyrical Sociability: The Social Contract and Mary Shelley's
Frankenstein." Philosophy and Literature 39.2 (2015): 406-421.
Hegele, Arden. "The Politics of Romanticism: The Social Contract and Literature by Zoe
Beenstock." Partial Answers: Journal of Literature and the History of Ideas 16.1 (2018):
173-176.
Heinowitz, Cole. "Mary Shelley and the Rights of the Child: Political Philosophy in
Frankenstein." (2019): 99-102.
Huff-Oelberg, Courtney. "The Culture of the Body: The Beautiful, Sublime, and Ugly in Mary
Shelley's Frankenstein." (2018).
Rajan, R., B. Mohana Priya, and B. Padmanabhan. "A Journey In Search Of Meaning For
Existence In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein."
Viliusis, Rachel. "The Emergence of Psychology and the Creation of Mary Shelley's
Frankenstein: An Examination of Innovation and Narration." (2017).