by Kristi Yu, 10th Grade
In the novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein creates a human-like monster. This begs the question of how Victor’s creation differs from God's creation of man. First, Victor created his monster out of pre-existing materials whereas God created all things, including man, “ex nihilo” - out of nothing. Immediately after the monster awakens, Victor is horrified by what he has made, describing the creature as “detested” (chap. 10, pg. 125) and “abhorred” (chap. 10, pg. 123). God, on the other hand, looks upon man and calls that particular creation “very good” (Gen. 1:31), setting humanity apart from the rest of creation which God deems “good.” Third, Victor’s disgust at his creation causes him to abandon the monster, leaving it to fend for itself without any protection or provision. Chapter 11 details the monster’s struggle to obtain the basic necessities of life such as shelter, food, and companionship. In contrast, God provides and cares for Adam, giving him a place to live (Gen. 2:8), food to eat (Gen. 1:29, 2:9a, 16), a companion (Gen. 2:18), a purpose (Gen. 1:28), and even laws for his own safety (Gen. 2:17). God’s love for His people is most poignantly displayed in Jesus’ sacrifice despite mankind’s blatant rejection of his Creator. (Romans 5:8) In Victor’s case, it was Victor who rejected his own creation.
Another point of comparison is that while Victor created a monster that was more powerful than himself, God created beings inferior to himself. The eight-foot-tall monster acknowledges this in chapter 10: “Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine, my joints more supple.” (chap. 10, pg. 124) God, however, being the creator of the universe, is fully transcendent over all of creation, including humans. Clearly, the measly might of man pales in comparison to the power of the omnipotent God.
Finally, an important distinction between Victor and God is the difference in their motives. Victor acts out of selfish ambition, desiring the praise and worship of his creation. “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs.” (chap. 5, pg. 65) While the Bible does not explicitly reveal God’s motives for creating humanity, John 17:26 says, “I [Jesus] have made you [God the Father] known to them [believers], and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” From this passage, it can be reasonably inferred that God chose to create humanity out of a desire to increase the reach of His love. While Victor acted out of pride, God created for the increase of His perfect love.
In conclusion, Victor used things already in existence to create a monster who was stronger than himself, so that he might indulge his selfish pride. In stark contrast, God, the omnipotent Maker of all things, created man out of nothing. Though man is far inferior to His creator, God desires to know man and for man to know Him and experience His perfect love. Whereas Victor so abhorred his creature that he even tried to destroy it, God so loved and cared for His people that he was even willing to die on their behalf.
In the novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein creates a human-like monster. This begs the question of how Victor’s creation differs from God's creation of man. First, Victor created his monster out of pre-existing materials whereas God created all things, including man, “ex nihilo” - out of nothing. Immediately after the monster awakens, Victor is horrified by what he has made, describing the creature as “detested” (chap. 10, pg. 125) and “abhorred” (chap. 10, pg. 123). God, on the other hand, looks upon man and calls that particular creation “very good” (Gen. 1:31), setting humanity apart from the rest of creation which God deems “good.” Third, Victor’s disgust at his creation causes him to abandon the monster, leaving it to fend for itself without any protection or provision. Chapter 11 details the monster’s struggle to obtain the basic necessities of life such as shelter, food, and companionship. In contrast, God provides and cares for Adam, giving him a place to live (Gen. 2:8), food to eat (Gen. 1:29, 2:9a, 16), a companion (Gen. 2:18), a purpose (Gen. 1:28), and even laws for his own safety (Gen. 2:17). God’s love for His people is most poignantly displayed in Jesus’ sacrifice despite mankind’s blatant rejection of his Creator. (Romans 5:8) In Victor’s case, it was Victor who rejected his own creation.
Another point of comparison is that while Victor created a monster that was more powerful than himself, God created beings inferior to himself. The eight-foot-tall monster acknowledges this in chapter 10: “Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine, my joints more supple.” (chap. 10, pg. 124) God, however, being the creator of the universe, is fully transcendent over all of creation, including humans. Clearly, the measly might of man pales in comparison to the power of the omnipotent God.
Finally, an important distinction between Victor and God is the difference in their motives. Victor acts out of selfish ambition, desiring the praise and worship of his creation. “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs.” (chap. 5, pg. 65) While the Bible does not explicitly reveal God’s motives for creating humanity, John 17:26 says, “I [Jesus] have made you [God the Father] known to them [believers], and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” From this passage, it can be reasonably inferred that God chose to create humanity out of a desire to increase the reach of His love. While Victor acted out of pride, God created for the increase of His perfect love.
In conclusion, Victor used things already in existence to create a monster who was stronger than himself, so that he might indulge his selfish pride. In stark contrast, God, the omnipotent Maker of all things, created man out of nothing. Though man is far inferior to His creator, God desires to know man and for man to know Him and experience His perfect love. Whereas Victor so abhorred his creature that he even tried to destroy it, God so loved and cared for His people that he was even willing to die on their behalf.
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