Speak of the Devil

        When looking at Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein I find it amusing to look at the monster as a metaphor for Victors subconscious. Thanks to his upbringing and the veracity of his studies, he becomes out of control much like his monster. In the beginning of his monsters life it appears to want contact and nurturing. This is very similar to Victors own childhood, seeking connection and approval from his father. Both Victor and his monster are rejected on this front and the consequences are dire. After these catalyst moments in these two characters lives each seeks out further knowledge which in turn leads to hardship, pain, and violence. Victor ends up loosing his loved ones while his monster takes them away. To go a step further, if the monster is simply a Dr. Jackal and Mr. Hide situation then it can be seen or interpreted that Victor has receded so far into his mind and solitude that an alter ego, the monster, is born and ends up slaying all those that are close to him. I guess I see the potential for a Fight Club parallel here which may just be bias. =D 

However, molding the two characters into one, by simple using the monster as a split of Victors personality also tips its hat to the parallels with the story of Satan in Paradise Lost. As one part of this personality recedes (Victor) the other becomes more active (the monster). Just as when Lucifer begins to fall from grace, Satan rises to power. Much like Victor and his monster, Satan/Lucifer feels neglect from his creator and seeks to harm him. There is also a physical separation between the two characters much like in Frankenstein. The irony of this parallel is that ultimately in the end of Frankenstein the “evil” half, or the monster, ends up beating the “good” half, or Victor, down. For this to be a true parallel of tales then Satan will have to have God cornered in the end. Unless we are looking at the battle being between Satan and Lucifer, then of course we have a perfect parallel, because Satan envelopes the other personality, Lucifer, and completely takes over control.