Frankenstein, or the modern Prometheus, by Mary Shelley explores the monstrous and destructive effects of obsession, guilt, destiny and man's attempt to control nature. Victor Frankenstein, the novel's protagonist and antihero, attempts to transcend the barriers of scientific knowledge and application in creating a life. His determination to bring a corpse back to life consequently makes him ill, both mentally and physically. His efforts alone consume all his time and efforts until he becomes fixated on his success. The reason for his success is perhaps that of being considered the greatest scientist ever known, but in his obsessive work he loses sight of the ethical motivation of science. His production would ultimately pain him for life, and the consequences of his undertaking would prove disastrous and deadly. Frankenstein illustrates the creation of a monster both literally and figuratively and shines a light on the dangers of man's desire to play the role of God. Since he was a boy, Frankenstein's passion has been to explore science and what it cannot be seen or understood in the field. He spent the latter part of his childhood reading the works of commonly obsolete scientists whose lofty goals included fantastic and imaginative desires to "penetrate the secrets of nature" (Vol. 1, Ch. 2). Although he was told that these authors predated more real and practical scientists, he remained intrigued by their ambitions and dedicated himself to succeeding where they had failed. When Victor is criticized in college for his outdated research studies, he takes after one of his professors, M. Waldman, in studying chemistry. In a lecture, Waldman tells of ancient chemistry masters who promised miracles and sought "unlimited powers" (Vol. 1... middle of paper... the first monster. Yet, when he had lost those dear to him, he had not anything other than motivating him to destroy the monster. What began as a scientific discovery soon became a dangerous force that the creator could no longer control. Now the consequences of his failure would stand the test of error and ends in an irreversible struggle with himself, guilt, fate and death. The monster of the novel is often mistakenly given the name "Frankenstein", however, Victor Frankenstein can ultimately be considered the true monster of this tale the obsession would lead to the corruption of his soul and creation of two monsters: one himself and the other, the creature. In an attempt to take on the role of God, nature would become a monster to Victor and destroy his life of monstrosity in Frankenstein drive the meaning of his story..