The Unfulfilled Desire: The Oedipus Complex in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's iconic novel, Frankenstein, has long been a staple of Gothic literature, exploring themes of creation, responsibility, and the human condition. One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is its portrayal of Victor Frankenstein's psyche, particularly his unfulfilled desire for an alive relationship with his dead mother. This article will delve into the Oedipus Complex, as described by Sigmund Freud, and how it relates to Victor's character in the novel.

Victor's creation of the monster from corpses serves as a substitute for his failed attempt to bring his mother back to life. His ardour for an alive relationship with his dead mother is unmatched, leading him to state that 'I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation' (Shelley 60). This desire is not only unfulfilled but also unrealistic, as Victor's mother is deceased and cannot be brought back.

The Oedipus Complex, a concept introduced by Freud, refers to the unconscious sexual desires of a young child for their parent of the opposite sex. In Frankenstein, Victor exhibits these traits, albeit in an inverted manner. His desire for his dead mother is not merely a manifestation of grief but also a deep-seated psychological need. This unfulfilled desire leads him to create a monster from corpses, hoping to fill the void left by his mother's death.

Freud asserts that 'the discovery that whatever reminds us of this inner repetition-compulsion is perceived as uncanny' (427). The creation of the monster serves as a reminder of Victor's own mortality and the unfulfilled desires he has for his mother. The monster, with its grotesque appearance, represents the uncanny, an unsettling feeling that something is not quite right.

Victor's disappointment in his creation is palpable, as he had expected to see his mother's likeness in the monster. Instead, he is met with a being that is foreign and unrecognizable. This failure serves as a catalyst for Victor's descent into madness and despair.

In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein offers a thought-provoking exploration of the Oedipus Complex through the character of Victor Frankenstein. His unfulfilled desire for an alive relationship with his dead mother drives him to create a monster from corpses, highlighting the complex psychological dynamics at play in the novel. As we delve deeper into the human psyche, it becomes clear that our desires can often be contradictory and unattainable, leading us down paths of self-destruction.