CrucibleRev Hale Resembles Frankenstein Essay Research Paper

Reverend Hale unquestionably resembles that of the fictional character Dr. Victor Frankenstein due to both of the character’s quests for something too idealistic and complex to possibly accomplish. Though the tone, style, and plot are of two completely different concepts, further investigation reveals that two of the main characters in each book are extremely similar. Through this common link, each man’s journey is going to begin as a romantic modification in the society that surrounds them and change into a disastrous incident where death will awaken these noble pioneers.

Each man sets out completely na?ve, and attempts to change the world in some drastic way or another. Although humans have the tendency to set idealistic goals to better future generations, often the results can prove disastrous, even deadly. The Crucible and Frankenstein are prime examples of the aforementioned model. The tale of Frankenstein focuses on the outcome of one man’s idealistic motives and desires of dabbling with nature, which result in the creation of a horrific creature. This is much like the “good word” that Reverend Hale proclaims throughout the beginnings of the novel. Hale begins a journey of pure righteousness for all and death to those who do not live by the book of God. Nothing passes Victor or Hale’s minds about morals because of their overconfidence in their deep beliefs on the matters at hand. The two characters are so busy wondering if they could do something rather than thinking if they should.

Another similarity between Frankenstein and Hale is that both realize they have created a monster in their pursuit of their ultimate goal. Frankenstein watches as his “perfect” being kills those close to him before he realizes what a mistake he has made. Again, however, Frankenstein does not realize this until the damage has been done. Hale finds himself in a similar disaster as he slowly discovers what turmoil he has unleashed upon the very town he wished to purify. Hale’s enlightenment to this catastrophe is due to John Proctor. Proctor’s indestructible pride and immense courage allow Hale to finally try and end this deadly act of name-calling. “Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own… and what I touched with bright confidence, it died…” (Miller 132) Hale tells this to Elizabeth proving that he now knows his incredible error. “Beware, Goody Proctor, cleave to no faith when faith brings blood.” (132) Hale now understands that his wrong doings will result in the death of innocent people; his faith in God, albeit an interpretation by those who exclaimed “Satan” with every unfortunate event, has brought a terrible plague upon the town. One cannot see or touch this plague, but it exists nonetheless through people’s imaginations and alienated opinions. Frankenstein’s “faith” was his brilliant notion of a life form beyond those of natural bounds. “For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.” (Shelly 56) Both characters can be imagined saying this quote. Like Hale, Frankenstein worked arduously to create something that he felt was genius and “right” for the world. Again like Hale, however, Frankenstein’s ambition was, in reality, a nightmare once achieved. When Victor’s creation turned on him as well as his friends, Frankenstein comes to the same realization that Hale did, and begins an expedition to end it.

Reverend Hale closely resembles that of the character Dr. Victor Frankenstein in many ways. Both of these men start a noble crusade that is doomed to catastrophe from the very start. By the end of the book, however, the characters’ closely valued morals are questioned by none other than themselves. From the creation of a “monster” through their cherished ideals to the impractical goals they sought to achieve, Victor Frankenstein and Reverend Hale are strikingly similar in comparison.