Summary:
The relationship between Frankenstein and his monster in Mary Shelley Wollenscroft's "Frankenstein" can be used as a metaphorical map to understand Sigmund Freud's theory of the "super-ego;" the human sense of guilt and conscience. Frankenstein's guilt and the monster's overshadowing presence are guides for understanding how the super-ego works to punish a soul through anxiety.
The relationship between Frankenstein and his monster can be used as a metaphorical map to understanding Sigmund Freud's conception of the "super-ego," or in other words, the human sense of guilt and conscience. Frankenstein's sense of guilt develops around the violent, aggressive way he creates his monster. The monster causes the ripples of guilt to grow by causing him to fear losing his love ones, losing his source of protection, and punishment for his sins. After it is fully developed, Frankenstein's guilt and the monster's overshadowing presence serves as guides for understanding how the super-ego works to punish a soul through a constantly aggressive, nagging feeling of anxiety. Viewing Frankenstein through Freudian lenses as well is George V. Griffith a professor of English and Philosophy at Chadron College in Nebraska, he points out in his critical.....
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