How Does The Monster Try To Gain Control Of Victor

How the Monster Attempts to Gain Control of Victor Frankenstein: A Deep Dive into Power Dynamics

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is not simply a tale of a monstrous creation; it's a chilling exploration of power, responsibility, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. While Victor Frankenstein is the creator, the narrative reveals a complex power dynamic between him and his creature, with the monster subtly and strategically attempting to gain control over Victor's life and destiny. This control isn't achieved through brute force, but through psychological manipulation, emotional blackmail, and the exploitation of Victor's inherent weaknesses. This article delves deep into the various methods employed by the monster to exert his influence, ultimately demonstrating how the creature, despite his horrific appearance, becomes a potent force shaping Victor's fate.

The Initial Power Imbalance: Creator and Created

The story begins with a stark power imbalance. Victor, the ambitious scientist, holds absolute power over his creation's life. He is the architect of its being, and initially, the creature is entirely dependent on him. However, this initial power dynamic quickly shifts as the monster becomes aware of his own existence and the cruelty of the world he inhabits. His rejection by society fuels his resentment towards Victor, who becomes the focal point of his anger and desire for retribution. This shift marks the beginning of the monster's calculated attempt to dismantle Victor's control and usurp his power.

Emotional Blackmail and the Manipulation of Guilt:

The monster's most potent weapon is his ability to manipulate Victor's emotions. He achieves this primarily through emotional blackmail, exploiting Victor's inherent guilt and sense of responsibility for his creation's suffering. The monster skillfully presents himself as a victim, detailing the horrors he endured due to his appearance and the rejection he faced. This narrative, carefully crafted to evoke sympathy (or at least pity), is designed to break down Victor's resolve and force him to act according to the monster's desires.

The monster's letters, recounting his experiences and demanding a companion, are a prime example of this emotional blackmail. He doesn't explicitly threaten Victor, but the implied consequences—further violence and destruction—are palpable. The monster's words act as a constant weight on Victor's conscience, compelling him to feel responsible for the monster's actions and ultimately paralyzing him with indecision. The guilt Victor feels is a form of control the monster wields effectively.

The Exploitation of Victor's Weaknesses:

The monster shrewdly identifies and exploits Victor's weaknesses. Victor is portrayed as a man consumed by ambition and driven by a desire for scientific achievement. However, this ambition is coupled with a profound lack of foresight and a crippling inability to accept the consequences of his actions. The monster understands this vulnerability and uses it to his advantage. He knows that Victor is prone to self-doubt and easily overwhelmed by guilt, making him susceptible to manipulation.

Victor's emotional fragility is further exacerbated by his troubled family life. The death of his mother and the strained relationship with his father create emotional vulnerabilities that the monster exploits. By targeting his family and loved ones, the monster inflicts immense emotional pain on Victor, further breaking down his resolve and forcing him into a reactive state rather than a proactive one. The monster's actions are not random acts of violence; they are calculated moves designed to inflict maximum psychological damage on Victor.

The Threat of Violence and the Imposition of Fear:

While emotional manipulation is a key strategy, the monster also employs the threat of violence to exert his control. He understands that fear is a powerful motivator, and he uses it to manipulate Victor's actions. The deaths of Victor's loved ones—Henry Clerval and Elizabeth Lavenza—are not merely tragic events; they are strategic acts of violence intended to terrorize Victor and force him to comply with the monster's demands.

These acts of violence serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they directly inflict pain and suffering on Victor, undermining his sense of security and control. Secondly, they act as a constant reminder of the monster's power and his ability to inflict further harm. The ever-present threat of future violence keeps Victor in a state of perpetual fear, making him compliant and less likely to actively resist the monster's influence. The fear induced by the monster's actions is a form of indirect control, forcing Victor to live in accordance with the monster's will.

The Pursuit and the Erosion of Victor's Will:

The relentless pursuit of Victor by the monster is another crucial aspect of the struggle for control. The monster's persistent presence, his constant shadowing of Victor, serves to erode his sense of safety and autonomy. Victor is never truly free; he is constantly looking over his shoulder, anticipating the monster's next move. This constant state of anxiety and fear further weakens Victor's will and ability to resist the monster's influence.

The relentless chase symbolizes the monster's unwavering determination to dominate Victor's life. It's a constant reminder that Victor can never escape the consequences of his actions. The monster's pursuit is not merely a physical pursuit; it's a psychological siege, designed to break Victor's spirit and ultimately reduce him to a shell of his former self. The relentless pursuit represents the monster's ultimate victory: the complete erosion of Victor's autonomy and will.

The Monster as a Reflection of Victor's Self:

A critical aspect of the monster's control lies in the way he becomes a reflection of Victor's own flaws and insecurities. The monster's rage, his thirst for vengeance, and his desperate need for connection are all mirrored in Victor's own struggles with guilt, self-doubt, and isolation. The monster's actions expose and amplify the darkest aspects of Victor's personality, effectively turning Victor's own nature against him.

This mirroring effect intensifies the psychological manipulation. Victor cannot simply dismiss the monster as an external threat; he is forced to confront the unsettling similarities between himself and his creation. This internal struggle further weakens Victor and makes him more susceptible to the monster's influence. The monster becomes a potent symbol of Victor's own failure, a living embodiment of his unchecked ambition and its devastating consequences.

The Ultimate Outcome: A Shared Destruction:

The novel's conclusion underscores the extent to which the monster gains control. While Victor ultimately "wins" in the sense that the monster dies, this victory is pyrrhic. Victor is utterly destroyed, both physically and emotionally. He has lost everything—his loved ones, his reputation, and his own sense of self. His death signifies the complete dominance of the monster, not through direct action but through the systematic destruction of Victor's life and the fulfillment of the monster's desire for revenge. The novel suggests that the monster achieved his goal, not by conquering Victor outright, but by utterly destroying him from within. This is the most chilling aspect of the power dynamic between creator and creature: the monster's ability to manipulate, exploit, and ultimately destroy Victor, leaving him a broken and defeated man, highlighting the cyclical and tragic nature of the story. The story ends not with a clear victor, but with a shared destruction, emphasizing the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and the complex interplay between creator and creation.