Mary Shelley's Frankenstein As A Tragic Hero

The definition of heroism changes with the context, time, and point of view. The archetype of heroism is defined as someone who is strong, intelligent, brave, and daring. A hero usually has some type of supernatural power that helps them combat a malicious villain or force. Heroes of the past are not essentially heroes of the present, and vice versa. Upon closer and more personal consideration, many more qualities of what makes a hero become evident.

In the words of Christopher Reeves, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere in spite of overwhelming obstacles”. Heroes are not born, it is someone they become. It is not determined by how they look, but by what what they do, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Heroes are willing to help others by acting quickly, often times just being ordinary people rising above their situation to do extraordinary things, without the expectation of fame and glory. Heroes are always willing to help and act quickly.

Consequently, Victor creates a monster that later ruins his life and the lives of those around him in the story mostly due to his poor variety of decisions. These facts proves that Victor’s downfall is most likely caused by his failure of balancing his ego by allowing his Id and superego get to him. In the novel

What makes a hero? A hero is someone who is willing to take a chance on something. Someone who can be strong and courageous to accomplish something. Someone who can complete a task and change a whole country. That is a hero.

A famous actor Christopher Reeve once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Being heroic does not always mean you’re special or well known. Since a hero shows determination, it drives them to help others and go beyond what’s expected of them. Heroes are people who go beyond expectations.

American actor Christopher Reeve once quoted, "A hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles" (Brainy Quote). Not only did he play a hero as Superman, he truly became one in his personal life. After becoming a quadriplegic Reeve became a spokesperson for people with spinal cord injuries. A hero is a person one admires because of the qualities and selfless actions they exemplify to overcome adversity and inspire others. Heroism is apparent in literature, history, and in our own life.

To fit in the role of a tragic hero the character must show heroic actions, have a flaw, have an increase in knowledge, and the audience must have sympathy for them. Many novels include a tragic hero further the plot of the novel or the play. Many tragic heroes do not only have a heroic characteristics, but they can also have villainous characteristics based on what the character considers as heroic. In Mary Shelley’s gothic novel Frankenstein, Shelley illustrates the theme of appearances vs. reality to embody the tragic hero in the creature. Through the use of chaotic imagery, fluid characterization, and critical diction, Shelley comments on how society rejects others based on their appearance therefore themselves creating the monster.

A hero is anyone who makes the right decision to sacrifice for a person in need. For example, without heroes like firemen, wildfires and house fires would spread across the nation, costing lives and loss of worldly possessions. Firemen stand strong, risk themselves, and protect all for the well-being, safety of others, and personal property. In addition,

A hero could be anyone. Heroes don’t have to shoot lasers or be able to fly. A hero could be someone who simply shows a great act or certain character trait like bravery or courage. Heroes go through a journey containing a call to adventure, a departure and a return to their homeland. A good example of heroism and heroic acts is David from the Chrysalids and Daniel from The Dangerous Days of Daniel X. David and Daniel experienced sacrifice, hardships and bravery through their journeys of becoming a hero.

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” (Joseph Campbell). Heroes dedicate their lives to contribute to the general welfare of society. Most of the time, the obstacle seems to big for them to handle, but they overcome it in the end. A hero can be anyone in the world.

The monster that Victor Frankenstein created was a Byronic hero. A Byronic Hero is a charismatic, broken, dark individual often in exile with a troubled past. The hero has flaws that make him more human like and attainable to the audience. He is a vulnerable and imperfect being and in these traits we find Victor Frankenstein’s monster. Lord Byron penned the first Byronic hero in 1812 and when Mary Shelly wrote, “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,”(1823)

In my opinion, Victor Frankenstein is the hero of Frankenstein. He is a tragic hero and a scientist who is obsessed with creating life from lifeless things. After Victor created the monster, he ran away. After Victor created monster, he wanted to destroy the monster as it felt it needed revenge against his creator.

In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, there is evidence of a Hero’s Journey. This is shown through the ordinary world, refusal of the call, and meeting the mentor. In Frankenstein, the ordinary world is shown through Geneva and contrasted with the university in Ingolstadt. In Geneva everything sounds safe and comfortable, and when he gets to Ingolstadt everything suddenly seems to be told in a darker mood. For example, in chapter 3 it mentions how Frankenstein had always been “surrounded by amiable companions, continually engaged in endeavouring to bestow mutual pleasure” while living in Geneva.

A hero does not fight for fame and glory but for the greater good. A hero is someone who goes through adversity to help others in desperate times. A hero fights evil, and defends people. Beowulf should be considered a hero because he is a strong, brave warrior who defended his people and slayed evil monsters. Beowulf proves himself to be a strong, brave warrior by killing Grendel the monster.

There are various approaches to describing a hero. There is also an infinite number of individuals who can be defined as heroes. A hero can be a person who demonstrates valor. A hero can be a champion. A hero can even save a life or even mankind.