Many scenes in Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, depict the two main characters, Victor Frankenstein and the creature, in an intimate setting where both take the role of what might be called the "master" and the "slave." From their first meeting right after the monster's making to Victor's death at the end, the novel depicts a struggle for power between creator and creation.
             The first scene with Frankenstein and the creature is possibly the first time a master and slave relationship is shared between the two characters in the novel. In the chapter of the creature's creation, Victor is alone with the progress of his work thus far. Even with the body of the creature inanimate, it is clear to see Victor playing this role of master. Without Frankenstein, the body would remain without life, worthless and dead. The body needs Frankenstein for its existence of life itself. Victor eventually performs the "masterful" act of instilling a life for the motionless matter; he grants his slave, the creature, an opportunity to live. He even views himself as the creature's master when he states, "I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet" (Frankenstein, 60). The picture of a slave bowing at a master's feet is taken literally in this scene. Not only does Frankenstein have a subconscious image of his mastery, he also makes it a reality by placing the creature beneath him.
             The act of giving life the way Frankenstein did might be considered both cruel and loving. Life, to most, is a blessing. Most world religions view time on earth as a means of proving worth to some higher being or beings. Without this time, one would not be with meaning. In this manner, Frankenstein's act was a loving one and regarded as a blessing to the creature. On the other hand, he did not take into consideration the creature's wishes when bringing him i...