Your job is to take on the role of an attorney presenting the "Closing Arguments" at the end of a criminal trial. You will be defending Victor Frankenstein on this trial. Remember to think from both sides and be creative in your defense. You will treat this as a legitimate case.
List all possible arguments for his defense, this includes what the prosecution might use against you. List all responses to the opposition's points. Therefore, you must consider both points of view. Use your own opinion when developing your critical insight.
And remember to cite the novel whenever possible.
Closing Argument for the Defense of Victor Frankenstein:
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the prosecution has painted a dark picture of my client, Victor Frankenstein, as a mad scientist who played God and created a monster that wreaked havoc upon society. However, I am here to argue that Victor should not be held responsible for the actions of his creation.
First and foremost, Victor was a young and ambitious man who was driven by a desire to push the boundaries of science and knowledge. As Victor himself states in Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow" (Shelley, 30). Victor's intentions were misguided, but his actions were not malicious.
Furthermore, Victor did not anticipate nor intend for his creation to turn into a murderous monster. He was consumed by his own guilt and grief over the deaths caused by the creature, and he spent much of his life trying to rectify his mistake. As Victor confesses in the novel, "I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart" (Shelley, 56). Victor's remorse is evident throughout the novel, showing that he did not intend for the tragedy to occur.
On the other hand, the prosecution may argue that Victor should be held responsible for the deaths caused by his creation because he failed to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions. However, it is important to remember that Victor was grappling with the ethical implications of his experiment and was faced with difficult decisions. As Victor himself reflects, "I was seized by remorse and the sense of guilt, which hurried me away to a hell of intense tortures, such as no language can describe" (Shelley, 58). Victor's inner turmoil demonstrates his struggle with the moral dilemmas posed by his creation.
In conclusion, I ask you, the jury, to consider the circumstances surrounding Victor Frankenstein's actions and to recognize the complexities of his character. While Victor may have made mistakes, he should not be judged solely based on the actions of his creation. I urge you to find Victor Frankenstein not guilty of the charges against him. Thank you.
Does Victor ever try to help the Creature? And if he does, what quote is it in?
Yes, Victor does attempt to help the Creature at one point in the novel. In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," after the Creature has committed numerous acts of violence and expresses his loneliness and desire for companionship, he pleads with Victor to create a female companion for him. Victor initially agrees to the Creature's request, hoping that a mate for the Creature will alleviate his suffering and prevent further harm to society.
In Chapter 17 of the novel, Victor begins the process of creating a female companion for the Creature before ultimately destroying the half-finished project out of fear of the potential consequences. He reflects on his decision, stating, "Begone! I do break my promise; never will I create another like yourself, equal in deformity and wickedness" (Shelley, 100).
This quote demonstrates Victor's internal struggle and his conflicted feelings toward the Creature. While he initially agrees to help the Creature by creating a companion for him, he ultimately decides against it out of fear of the potential dangers that may arise from having two such creatures in the world. This action showcases Victor's complex moral compass and the weight of his decisions on the fate of others.