Hypocrisy: Victor and God

“Do you think God stays in heaven because he too lives in fear of what he’s created?”

—Dr. Romero, Spy Kids 2

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor plays the role of God, creating his version of Adam and simultaneously breaking the known laws of science. While Victor was incredibly passionate about this endeavor at first, when his project is finally completed, he’s filled with regret. When Victor leaves the creature to his own devices, the readers are all filled with indignation. How could Victor be so irresponsible towards what he created? This angers the audience and makes Victor an even more unlikable character in the eyes of the reader. Yet when God turned his back on Adam and Eve, and eventually humanity, no one is filled with indignation.

This hypocrisy is evident through the framing of religion and God in general: God left humanity behind because it betrayed him, yet this is viewed as the fault of humanity. Religious camps, seminars, and Sunday schools will constantly harp on the substanceless values of humanity, claiming it is the fault of society as to why God isn’t in closer and more direct connection with his billions of creatures. 

Feeling bad for the creature in Frankenstein, even through all his wrongdoings, is a common interpretation for the readers. The creature was brought into the world without any guidance, so how can one judge his actions so harshly? Even through his horrible actions, generally readers feel bad for the creature because of society’s general treatment of him and, frankly, his ugliness. In a way, everyone is a creature too—the Bible constantly tells humanity of its wrongdoings and faults, and how these faults create an ugly person. 

So in summation, those on Earth and the creature in Frankenstein are very similar. Victor and God are very similar in their behavior towards creating their creatures. Victor and God also both decide to turn their backs on these creations. Victor is hated for his decision, but God is an all loving, all knowing being that surely has the best interest of everyone in his heart.