Understanding Ambition Through Key Quotes
Ever wondered what drives someone to create life itself? Victor Frankenstein's ambition is the driving force behind the entire tragedy, and Shelley shows us exactly how dangerous unchecked ambition can be.
When Victor reflects that his passion "ruled my destiny," he's admitting he lost control. The metaphor of ambition being "born" suggests it was almost inevitable - like he was destined to become obsessed with playing God. This foreshadowing hints at his tragic downfall from the very beginning.
Walton serves as Victor's mirror, showing the same dangerous ambition. When Walton says he "preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path," we see how both men prioritise fame over everything else - including safety and relationships.
💡 Remember: Shelley uses Victor's story as a cautionary tale to warn against the Enlightenment belief that science could solve everything without considering the moral consequences.
The most chilling moment comes when Victor imagines "a new species would bless me as its creator." This religious allusion shows Victor wants to be worshipped like God - the ultimate example of how ambition corrupts.