Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a part of life which determines the outcome of what our values are. In the novel, “Frankenstein”, by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein sacrifices his sanity to pursue his creation. Frankenstein sequestered himself from society and his loved ones in order to pursue expertise essentially for his creation. The presence of his creation has led him to an unstable emotional and deranged mental state due to the loss of loved ones.
When Victor became overwhelmed by his studies, he isolated himself from the outside world, which led to the repercussion of him losing sight of his responsibilities. With the intentions of trying to benefit mankind, Victor sacrificed his time and effort into his creation. However, in an extreme act of selfishness and carelessness, he also sacrificed the lives of his loved ones. In chapter 20 page 212, the monster states, “‘Shall each man,’ cried he, ‘find a wife for his bosom, and each beast have his mate, and I be alone? I had feelings of affection, and they were requited by detestation and scorn. Man! You may hate, but beware! Your hours will pass in dread and misery, and soon the bolt will fall which must ravish from you your happiness forever. Are you to be happy while I grovel in the intensity of my wretchedness? You can blast my other passions, but revenge remains--revenge, henceforth dearer than light or food! I may die, but first you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery. Beware, for I am fearless and therefore powerful. I will watch with the wiliness of a snake, that I may sting with its venom. Man, you shall repent of the injuries you inflict.’" The monster conveys to Victor that he could lose everything if he opposes the monster’s desires. However, disregarding with what the monster affirmed, Victor still remained firmly self-sacrificing, rationalizing that the monster is a greater danger to the world