Victor Frankenstein pursues the creation of life out of a combination of ambition, curiosity, and a desire to conquer death. The novel does not provide a singular motivation for Victor's actions, but several factors contribute to his decision to create life through his scientific experiments:
Scientific Curiosity: From a young age, Victor shows a keen interest in science and natural philosophy. He is fascinated by the mysteries of life and death, and he becomes determined to unlock the secrets of the natural world.
Desire for Glory: Victor is driven by a desire for scientific fame and glory. He wants to achieve something remarkable and make a name for himself in the scientific community. The idea of creating life from non-living matter represents the ultimate scientific achievement.
Fear of Death: After witnessing the death of his mother, Victor becomes preoccupied with the concept of mortality and the fragility of life. He is haunted by the idea of death and wants to find a way to conquer it through his scientific experiments.
The Influence of Natural Philosophy: Victor's education in natural philosophy, particularly the works of the alchemists and early scientists, inspires him to believe in the possibility of animating life through scientific means.
The Challenge of Nature: Victor sees the act of creating life as a challenge to the laws of nature. He becomes obsessed with the idea that he can become like a "God" by bringing life into existence.
Personal Ambition and Hubris: Victor's pursuit of creating life can also be seen as an act of hubris, a reckless and excessive pride. He becomes blinded by his ambition and ignores the ethical and moral implications of his actions.