Struggle for Power Theme in Frankenstein

Many scenes in Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, depict the two main characters, Victor Frankenstein and the creature, in an intimate setting where both take the role of what might be called the “master” and the “slave.” From their first meeting right after the monster’s making to Victor’s death at the end, the novel depicts a struggle for power between creator and creation. The first scene with Frankenstein and the creature is possibly the …

…shows a reversal of position in respect to the scene of the creature’s creation. While Victor once stood over the creature in a literal sense, now the creature does so to Victor. This finalizes the monster’s position as new master of their relationship. Where it started is where it would end, but the sides have been interchanged. Once a creator stood over his lifeless creation, now that creation stands over its lifeless creator.