Mary Shelley's Frankenstein presents a chilling exploration of creation, responsibility, and the catastrophic consequences of unchecked ambition. At the heart of this tragedy lies Victor Frankenstein, the ambitious scientist whose decisions, or rather his lack of considered decisions, orchestrate the novel's devastating arc. While Victor is undoubtedly the architect of the Creature's existence, his subsequent choices—driven by fear, disgust, and a profound self-absorption—transform him from a visionary creator into a negligent father figure whose failures directly precipitate the suffering of himself and all those around him. Victor's decision to abandon his creation immediately after its animation, his refusal to take responsibility for its education and integration into society, and his later pursuit of vengeance rather than understanding all fundamentally demonstrate a pattern of disastrous decision-making rooted in his own moral and emotional immaturity.
Victor's initial, and perhaps most critical, decision is his abandonment of the Creature. After years of obsessive labor, fuelled by a desire to "penetrate the secrets of nature" and "bestow animation upon lifeless matter," Victor achieves his goal. Yet, the moment of triumph is immediately followed by horror. Upon seeing the Creature's hideous features, Victor recoils, exclaiming, "now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart." His decision to flee, leaving the nascent being alone and bewildered in the world, is not just a momentary lapse; it is an abdication of his most fundamental duty. This act of abandonment sets the stage for all subsequent misfortunes. The Creature, intelligent and sentient, is thrust into a world that shuns him for his appearance. Had Victor made a different choice, had he shown even a modicum of compassion or provided guidance, the Creature might have learned to navigate society, and perhaps even found acceptance. Instead, Victor’s fear dictates his actions, proving him incapable of the very empathy required of a creator.
Following his flight, Victor’s subsequent decisions continue to compound his initial failure. He actively avoids the Creature, choosing to suppress his guilt and responsibility rather than confront it. Even when the Creature, driven by desperation and a yearning for connection, approaches him seeking a companion, Victor’s decision to initially consider, and then vehemently refuse, the creation of a female counterpart is a turning point. He rationalizes this refusal based on the potential for their procreation and the danger they might pose. However, this decision is less about altruism and more about Victor’s self-preservation and continued disgust. His fear of what the Creature might do overshadows his responsibility to what he has done. When he ultimately destroys the second creation, even this act is born of a panicked, reactive decision rather than a proactive attempt to mitigate the damage already done. This destruction, a direct violation of his promise to the Creature, shatters any remaining hope for reconciliation and hardens the Creature’s resolve for vengeance.
Furthermore, Victor's obsession with hunting down the Creature, transforming his pursuit into a vendetta, represents a final, destructive phase of his decision-making. While the Creature’s actions, such as the murder of William and Clerval, are undeniably monstrous, Victor’s singular focus on retribution blinds him to any possibility of understanding or resolution. He interprets every event through the lens of personal vengeance, ignoring the Creature's pleas and explanations. His decision to chase the Creature to the Arctic, a journey motivated by a desire to extinguish his creation, leads directly to his own demise. He is so consumed by his quest that he neglects his health and safety, ultimately succumbing to exhaustion and despair. This final pursuit, devoid of any constructive purpose, highlights how Victor's flawed decision-making—his inability to learn from his mistakes or to see beyond his own suffering—perpetuates the cycle of destruction.
In conclusion, Victor Frankenstein's tragedy is not merely a consequence of his scientific hubris, but a direct result of his consistently poor and self-serving decisions. His initial abandonment of the Creature, his subsequent avoidance and flawed negotiations, and his final descent into vengeful pursuit all underscore a profound moral failing. Victor's story serves as a potent cautionary tale, demonstrating that the act of creation, whether scientific or paternal, demands not just intellect and ambition, but also accountability, empathy, and the difficult, ongoing work of responsible decision-making. His failure to embrace these responsibilities ensures that his scientific marvel becomes a harbinger of utter desolation.