How does father relate to the themes of power and friendships Frankenstein?

Fatherhood is a complex and multifaceted theme in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In some ways, it can be seen as a metaphor for the creative process itself. Victor Frankenstein, the novel's protagonist, creates a new life in the form of the monster, but he is quickly horrified by his creation and abandons it. This abandonment can be seen as a failure of fatherhood, as Victor does not take responsibility for the creature he has created.

The theme of fatherhood is also closely linked to the theme of friendship. In the novel, Victor has two close friends: Henry Clerval and Elizabeth Lavenza. Henry is a loyal and supportive friend, but Elizabeth is ultimately the one who marries Victor and becomes his wife. This suggests that a true friendship, such as with Henry, allows one to transcend some of the traditional and patriarchal structures of power represented by fatherhood.