Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with transcending the limits of science set the stage for a chain of events that would unravel his life and the lives of those he loved.
Driven by a desire to conquer death and create life, Victor succeeded in bringing his creature to life, but his refusal to accept the responsibilities that came with his creation doomed them both. The creature, abandoned and left to navigate the world alone , quickly learned the pain of rejection and isolation.
Victor’s plan to create a new species was not only reckless but also morally bankrupt, as he failed to consider the emotional and social needs of his creation. Instead of guiding or nurturing the creature, Victor fled, setting in motion a series of tragedies that would haunt him to his final breath.
The monster’s early attempts to seek companionship and understanding were met with violence and fear. After being rejected by society, the creature turned to Victor, demanding a companion to end his loneliness.
Victor initially agreed, but in a moment of doubt and disgust, he destroyed the female creature before she could be brought to life. This act of betrayal pushed the monster over the edge, leading him to seek revenge by murdering Victor’s loved ones, including his younger brother William and his fiancée Elizabeth.
Victor’s plan to control and destroy his creation ultimately failed; his obsession with vengeance consumed him, but he never succeeded in ending the monster’s life.
The Moral Argument: Creator Versus Creation
The true heart of Frankenstein lies not in the horror of the creature’s appearance, but in the moral questions it raises about responsibility, empathy, and justice.
Victor’s actions, his abandonment, his refusal to acknowledge his creation’s suffering, and his inability to take responsibility for the consequences of his ambition paint him as the true villain of the story.
The monster, though capable of violence, was shaped by the cruelty and rejection he faced. His initial innocence and desire for connection give way to bitterness and rage only after he is denied any chance at happiness or belonging.
Mary Shelley’s novel challenges readers to consider who is truly monstrous. Victor’s scientific pursuit was fueled by ego and a desire for glory, while the creature’s actions, though horrific, were responses to a world that refused to accept him.
The monster’s final words to Robert Walton reveal a deep sense of sorrow and regret, suggesting that his desire for revenge was born not from inherent evil, but from a desperate need to be seen and understood.
Frankenstein (Credit: Netflix)
Walton, who hears the creature’s story, is left with a sense of pity for both Victor and his creation, highlighting the tragedy of their mutual destruction.
The moral argument is not simply about good versus evil, but about the consequences of neglecting moral obligations. Victor’s failure to recognise his duties as a creator to care for, protect, and guide his creation led to suffering for both himself and the creature.
The novel suggests that the real monster is not the one with stitches and scars, but the one who refuses to take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
The Legacy of Frankenstein’s Tragedy
Frankenstein’s legacy endures not only as a classic of Gothic literature but as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral weight of creation.
The story forces readers to confront uncomfortable questions: What responsibilities do we have toward the things we create?
Can empathy and understanding prevent tragedy, or are some wounds too deep to heal? Shelley’s novel remains relevant today, as advances in science and technology continue to raise similar ethical dilemmas.
The outcome of the antagonist’s plan, Victor’s desire to destroy his creation, was a failure. The monster outlived Victor and, in the end, was left to face the consequences of his own actions.
Yet, the true victory in the moral argument belongs not to either character, but to the reader, who is left to grapple with the novel’s complex themes. Frankenstein reminds us that the real monsters are often not those who are different, but those who refuse to see the humanity in others.
Frankenstein’s tale is a powerful exploration of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of neglect. The antagonist’s plan collapses under the weight of his own arrogance, and the moral argument reveals that true monstrosity lies in the absence of empathy and accountability.
Shelley’s novel continues to challenge readers to look beyond appearances and consider the deeper ethical questions that shape our world.
Netflix’s “Being Eddie” is not just a retrospective of Eddie Murphy’s legendary career; it’s a deeply personal exploration of the man behind the comedy. The film’s most talked-about revelation is its candid look at Murphy’s family trauma, especially the tragic death of his father.
When Murphy was just eight years old, his father was killed in a lover’s quarrel, an event that left a lasting impact on him. The documentary doesn’t shy away from showing how this loss shaped his emotional world and influenced his journey through fame and success.
Murphy also opens up about the violent divorce of his parents and how it affected his childhood. These stories help explain the resilience and determination that have defined his rise to stardom. The film goes beyond the surface, highlighting Murphy’s quiet acts of generosity that have largely gone unnoticed.
The Controversial Stories and Their Impact
While “Being Eddie” celebrates Murphy’s achievements, it also confronts some of the more controversial chapters from his past. One of the most discussed segments involves a legal battle Murphy fought in the late 1990s.
A woman claimed he was involved in activities that threatened his public image, and the documentary confirms that Murphy took legal action against several tabloids, challenging stories he believed were false or exaggerated.
Some reports suggest that Murphy’s legal team paid individuals to retract their claims, raising questions about the lengths celebrities go to protect their reputations.
These revelations have sparked debate about the balance between celebrity privacy and public accountability. Murphy’s actions highlight the challenges public figures face when their personal lives become fodder for media speculation.
While some see his legal response as a necessary defense against false accusations, others argue that it underscores the power imbalance between celebrities and the people who seek to expose them.
The documentary’s handling of these stories has prompted viewers to consider the broader implications for media ethics and the right to privacy in the digital age.
The film also touches on Murphy’s return to “Saturday Night Live” in 2019, where he received a standing ovation. This moment is presented as a triumphant comeback, symbolizing his enduring relevance and the respect he commands in the entertainment industry.
Interviews with peers like Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Kevin Hart further emphasize Murphy’s impact on future generations of comedians and actors.
Why the Revelations Matter
The impact of “Being Eddie” goes beyond the personal stories it tells. By exposing both the painful and the positive aspects of Murphy’s life, the documentary challenges viewers to look beyond the surface of celebrity and consider the complex realities that shape public figures.
Murphy’s willingness to discuss his trauma and his acts of generosity add depth to his legacy, showing that even icons have struggles and vulnerabilities.
Being Eddie (Credit: Netflix)
Moreover, the documentary’s revelations about Murphy’s legal battles and the media’s role in shaping his image raise important questions about the responsibility of journalists and the public in holding celebrities accountable.
The film encourages viewers to think critically about the stories they consume and the assumptions they make about those in the spotlight. In an era where privacy is increasingly scarce, “Being Eddie” serves as a reminder that everyone, no matter how famous, deserves the chance to tell their own story.
The documentary also explores Murphy’s influence on future generations of comedians and actors. Interviews with peers like Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Kevin Hart confirm Murphy’s impact on them and on the broader entertainment industry.
The film’s structure, which shuttles between the past and present, highlights Murphy’s ability to adapt and survive in a constantly changing industry. His return to “Saturday Night Live” in 2019, where he received a standing ovation, is presented as a triumphant moment that symbolizes his enduring relevance.
“Being Eddie” is not without its critics. Some reviewers argue that the documentary is too upbeat and polished, failing to fully address the darker chapters of Murphy’s career and personal life. However, even these critiques acknowledge the film’s value in offering a nuanced portrait of a complex man.
By blending personal stories, career highlights, and candid interviews, “Being Eddie” invites viewers to reflect on the cost of success and the importance of empathy in a world that often demands perfection from its icons.
The documentary’s surprise reveal is not just about Eddie Murphy’s past, but about the broader issues of privacy, accountability, and the human side of fame. By sharing his story, Murphy invites viewers to reflect on the cost of success and the importance of empathy in a world that often demands perfection from its icons.
