Rationalization in Frankenstein: Justifying the Wrong Decision

Rationalization, or a justification of disapproving thoughts or actions, plagues the minds of all individuals. It often prevents people from doing what they know is right, for they are able defend their own selfish, inappropriate, and cruel conduct through persuading themselves in favor of their behavior. In fact, when presented with a pressing situation, if one does not make the decision choose the ethical or honorable pathway within 6 seconds, he will lose himself to his rationalization. For example, in psychologist Stanley Milgram's experiment, obedience to an authority figure, as it pertains to following unethical or immoral orders, was tested. Participants were recruited to administer electric shocks to unseen patients at the direction of a tall, commanding man in a white lab coat. A majority of the shock administering participants sent shocks of dangerous magnitude to the patient in the next room, even when they the patient screamed for mercy or stopped communicating altogether. The shock administering participants then justified their inhumane actions, claiming that since they were only following orders, they were not responsible for any consequences. This experiment clearly demonstrated the negative effects of rationalization on the human conscience. 

In addition, rationalization also afflicts Frankenstein's mind when he talks himself out of confessing who William's true murderer is. Even though the life of innocent Justine Moritz, beloved and dedicated house maid, is on the line for supposedly killing little William Frankenstein, Victor refuses to come forward and reveal the identity and essence of the actual criminal. He rationalizes that if he came forth to claim that a monster he created with his own two hands was his own brother's murderer, he would be deemed a madman by his family, his friends, the court, and the citizens of Geneva. Frankenstein also believes that no one would acknowledge the credibility of his declaration. So, to preserve his reputation and sanity, he restrains himself, and watches a poor, innocent, heart-broken girl be condemned for a crime she would never even dream of committing. This rationalization also serves to signify a pattern of fault within Victor: his mind continues to be is biggest enemy, for he convinces himself to create life for the controversial sake of science but talks himself out of saving a girl's life. If Victor had been denied the ability to rationalize, the novel Frankenstein would no longer be considered a tragedy.