Who would be watching whom in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"?
In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the concept of watching or being watched is a recurring theme. The novel revolves around multiple characters and their relationships, where power dynamics and surveillance play important roles.
In the story, Victor Frankenstein is the creator of the creature commonly known as "Frankenstein." Initially, Victor obsessively watches over the creature as he brings it to life and observes its behavior. However, as the creature gains independent agency, it begins to watch Victor and hold him accountable for his actions. The creature monitors Victor's actions and exerts a certain level of control over him.
Additionally, there are other instances of watching throughout the novel. The creature, while seeking companionship, watches a family from a distance, observing their interactions and using them as a model for human behavior. This act of watching serves as a way for the creature to learn about human society.
Furthermore, Victor's own creation watches him with a keen eye, eventually leading to a reversal of roles. As the creature desires a mate, it bargains with Victor and asserts that it will be watching his actions closely. This demonstrates that the watchfulness shifts between Victor and the creature throughout the narrative.
To understand the specifics of who is watching whom and the intricate power dynamics at play, it is important to read the novel carefully and analyze the relationships between the characters.