Narcissistic Mentality Disorder In Frankenstein, By Mary Shelley

Frankenstein removes himself from friends, family and society in order to absolve himself from responsibility of morals. Through efforts to maintain control and an acute fascination, Frankenstein alienates himself at an early age in the name of science. Victor is not entirely ignorant of the dangers of his self-satisfying obsession as he first regrettably reflects, “I was, to a great degree, self-taught with regard to my favorite studies. My father was not scientific, and I was left to struggle with a child’s blindness, added to a student’s thirst for knowledge” (Shelley 28). Rather than recognizing that his isolation is self-induced, Victor blames his alienation on his father’s ignorance. By controlling his relationships, he gains greater confidence in his own abilities, instead of relying on others’ companionship. Notably, evidence for Victor’s disregard toward “domestic affection” is reintroduced as he remarks, “I must absent myself from all I loved while thus employed. Once commenced, it would quickly be achieved, and I might be restored to my family in peace and happiness” (Shelley 138). With selfishness at the core, Victor controls his chaos by distancing himself temporarily, so that he might reunite with his family at a later date. He is being inundated by the common belief that glorious scientific achievement comes at the cost of moral and ethical sacrifice. Victor justifies his self-alienation by means of the creature; however readers

According to the article Modernity and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (2014) by Joel Paris, narcissistic personality disorder is a pathological amplification of narcissistic traits. This means that unlike a normal person, the traits in a narcissistic person that defines their personality are usually increased from a 1 to a 10. They are always the “self-absorbed” guy in the crowd.

Sigmund Freud's studies in psychoanalysis are uncannily fore-grounded in the late romantic period. The works of William Wordsworth, Percy B. Shelley, Lord Byron, and Mary Shelley, all function as poetic preludes to Freud's 18th century field. Particularly, it is Mary Shelley's Frankenstein that creates a fictional rendering for psychoanalyst. In Frankenstein, Victor's rejection of the Monster metaphorically represents the ego's rejection of the unconscious. Following from this metaphorical paradigm, Freud's theories on narcissism, the libido theory, the doppelganger, neurosis, and the Oedipus-complex all resonate in the pages of Frankenstein. After a brief introduction to narcissism and

The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual describes personality disorders as being a pattern of enduring behavior and internal experiences that tends to digress a significant amount from the individual’s cultural and societal standards (Sadock, Kaplan & Sadock, 2015). This personality disorder is diagnosed in the presence of grandiosity and the need to be admired and appreciated. There is a chronic lack of empathy as well as inflated self-esteem and the belief that one is entitled to the adoration of others. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is classified under Cluster B, showcasing more erratic and emotional behavior which can be seen in the film American Psycho.

The obsession of interacting with higher authority figures displays a complete disregard for fellow coworkers, as though they do not deserve his attention. These illusions are a part of a narcissistic personality disorder. Luis (n.d.) displays many symptoms but a clinician may require an evaluation that seeks five symptoms or more before diagnosing Luis with narcissistic personality disorder (APA, 1994). The lack of patience for others (n.d.) is a sign of a lack of empathy, another indicator of the disorder (para. 5). Coworkers describe Luis as taking advantage of others for his own success. All of these descriptions are clear indicators that Luis suffers from a narcissistic personality disorder; he does not have a compassionate nature, he profiles himself as upper management, he associates with others only to benefit himself, he displays an arrogant attitude by boasting achievements and the purchase of material items, and he expects everyone to treat him as though he is a part of upper management.

As the novel continues Frankenstein decides to create a monster and the process of this creation physically as well as mentally isolates him from his new community. Frankenstein admits that "Every night [he] was oppressed by a slow fever, and [he] became nervous to a most painful degree; the fall of a leaf startled [him], and [he] shunned [his] fellow creatures as if [he] had been utility of a crime" (Frankenstein Page 55). Once again the reader can sympathize and empathize with the pain the Frankenstein is going through from this isolation. The reader can see Frankenstein 's start of mental deterioration, generating affectionate feeling towards him. However, differently than before the reader can observe

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley has a simple origin, compared to other stories. While stories such as It by Stephen king started a several year process of creation, Frankenstein began simply as a campfire story Mary Shelley shared with her writer friends one evening. Although the origins of this novel are fairly simple, it provides an in depth psychological perspective on the darker side of human psyche through the shifting first person perspective. Usually these darker aspects are associated with the character’s personal struggles, but one specific theme in all the characters. The theme of obsession has been consistent and the central focus of the three main characters Victor, the creature, and Robert. With this central theme in mind the author, Mary Shelley shows that obsession leads to the characters suffering negative psychological and physical effects, as well as impair their decision making. This is depicted through the decline of physical and mental health through Victor’s struggles with his obsessions with knowledge and justice.

A narcissistic personality disorder is basically a person who feels that they have self-importance. The person thinks that they should have control and power above anything. The person is unable to mentally realize how much damage they are doing to others and themselves.

Phallic narcissism: When an individual is elitist, a social climber, admiration seeking, self-promoting, bragging and empowered by

In Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, the monster which is created by Victor Frankenstein acts as a mirror to reflect and bring out Victor’s hidden thoughts. In a particular study called Frankenstein – A Critical Study from a Freudian Perspective, it argues that Victor on the surface seems to be a “healthy man” (Johnson 1). In fact, he unconsciously has many dangerous thoughts, and the creation of the monster brings out those thoughts and finally leads to his failure (Johnson 2). In specific, present paper will analysis Victor’s characters by examining his intention and decisions toward the monster he creates, and the paper is intended

A narcissist is a person who admires themselves to an excessive degree. They want to talk about themselves constantly. They have to be the best at everything, which makes them incredibly competitive. If you start a conversation about any topic, they can turn that topic around to themselves. If you've been in a relationship with a narcissist, you know how draining it can be. It's likely the reason that you severed the relationship. That doesn't mean you're done with this person if you have children together. It can be tough to co-parent with a narcissist, but it's possible if you make a plan.

“I think writers are the most narcissistic people. Well I mustn't say this, I like many of them , a great many of my friends are writers”-Sylvia Plath (Goodreads). Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental disorder that many people suffer with every day...even fictional characters from books and movies suffer with NPD. For example, one fictional character that has Narcissistic Personality Disorder is Tom Sawyer from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a disorder in which people have a need for admiration (Mayo Clinic Staff).

A narcissist’s silent treatment is one of their favourite games of mind control.  It is a passive-aggressive form of emotional abuse.  Those who have never been subjected to this form of abuse will find it difficult to understand the utter devastation caused by what is sometimes known as mental murder.  The narcissist will deliberately ignore their target in order to cause harm, often encouraging others to do the same (Ostracism).  The person who is being ignored or ostracised is left feeling worthless with their self esteem lying somewhere in the gutter.