It is debatable as to whether …

It is debatable as to whether the fate of characters in Mary Shelly’s Novel ‘Frankenstein’ is down to choice rather than destiny. The concept of Destiny vs Freewill an important theme throughout the book. Many characters throughout the storyline experience a tragic ending – especially Victor and his family members. Shelly uses Victor and Justine in comparison with the monster to highlight fate vs freewill.

Victor Frankenstein attains a strong belief that his actions are dictated by his genes – causing him to make poor decisions which consequently leads to his and the tragic end of others. From the beginning of the novel Frankenstein is set on creating new life; although not by choice but because it is his supposed destiny to do so. When Frankenstein thanks Walton for his sympathy he goes on to say how “[his] fate is nearly fulfilled. [He] waits but for one event, and then [he] shall repose in peace” meaning he is once again blaming fate rather than taking responsibility for his actions of manipulating the laws of nature and artificially creating life.

Frankenstein is unable to comprehend the impact his neglectfully thought out choices bear. He creates life only to maltreat it which in turn leads to the death of many loved ones.Justine and Victor are likeminded characters – both believe that life is dictated by fate and everything has already been planned out for the course of life.

When accused of the murder of William, Justine simply says “[she] does not fear [death] – [she] is resigned to the fate [awaiting] her”. She believes it is best to “submit in patience to the will of heaven”. Justine does not fight for her life when wrongly accused but believes there is nothing in her power to stop her prosecution from occurring. She will die due to Heaven “willing” her to do so. Her choice to not fight leads her to meet death because she blindly follows what she believes to be her “destiny’ without question.In comparison with Frankenstein and Justine, the monsters views of fate differ. From his ‘birth’ the monster refuses to “be the submission of abject slavery”.

The human characters within the novel are held as hostages to fate – they blindly follow which path fate directs their lives. The monster on the other believes that slavery is not his portion as he has the power of freewill. As the monster is neglected by his creator he makes a decision to seek revenge against him – he does not blame his misfortunes, the “will of Heaven” or allow fate to dictate how he reacts to the events that occur in his lifetime but instead fights against it. Although not in a humane way he chooses to try and better his life and fight against his supposed “destiny” which is something other characters fail to do.Destiny versus Freewill plays an essential role in the life of every character within the novel. Characters such as Victor and Justine believe that fate direct their lives and they are not to blame for their actions whereas the monster blames his misfortunes on himself and took matters into his own hand – in attempts to better his life. Every character has free will and whether they choose to acknowledge that determines how their future will turn out.