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Why Did Victor Marry Elizabeth?

Published in Frankenstein Character Motivation 3 mins read

Victor Frankenstein married Elizabeth Lavenza primarily as a desperate and strategic act to confront his monstrous creation and prevent further tragedy. He believed that his marriage would provoke a final encounter with the monster, allowing him to end its murderous rampage and protect those he loved.

Victor's Core Motivations

Victor's decision to marry Elizabeth was not solely an act of love, but a calculated gamble born out of profound fear and responsibility. He was convinced that by proceeding with the marriage, he could force a conclusive confrontation with the creature he had brought to life.

Key reasons behind Victor's decision included:

  • Preventing Further Murders: Victor was tormented by the deaths of William and Henry Clerval, understanding that his creation was responsible. He was desperate to stop the cycle of violence and believed that his marriage would serve as the ultimate lure, drawing out the monster for a final showdown.
  • A Final Encounter: He anticipated that the creature, having previously threatened to be with him on his wedding night, would certainly appear during this significant event. Victor saw this as an opportunity for the last, decisive confrontation necessary to end the monster's existence and, consequently, his own torment.
  • Protection of Loved Ones: Above all, Victor wished to protect Elizabeth. He understood that as long as the monster lived, Elizabeth and everyone dear to him remained in mortal danger. His marriage, in his mind, was a means to an end – a way to lure the monster into a situation where Victor could finally defeat it and ensure the safety of his remaining family.

The Weight of His Burden

Victor carried the immense burden of guilt for unleashing the monster upon the world. Every death caused by his creation added to his suffering. His marriage to Elizabeth, therefore, was not a joyful celebration, but a grim, calculated maneuver in his ongoing battle with the creature. He was willing to use himself and the circumstances of his wedding as bait to finally bring an end to the monster's reign of terror, hoping that no one else would die because of him.

Motivation Explanation
End the Killings Victor sought to prevent the monster from claiming any more innocent lives.
Force a Confrontation He believed his wedding night would be the monster's chosen time to strike, allowing him to engage it directly.
Protect Elizabeth His ultimate goal was to safeguard Elizabeth from the creature's wrath, even if it meant facing the monster himself.