What is the primary conflict faced by the protagonist in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the primary conflict faced by the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, revolves around the consequences of unchecked ambition and the quest for knowledge. This theme is central to the narrative, as Victor's insatiable desire to push the boundaries of science leads him to create a living being from dead matter. His ambition drives him to defy natural laws and ethical considerations, ultimately resulting in tragic consequences for himself and those he loves.

Victor's obsession with scientific discovery blinds him to the moral implications of his actions. As he grapples with the creature he has brought to life, the narrative explores the repercussions of his ambition—loss, guilt, and the devastating impact of his quest on his relationships and mental state. The conflict illustrates the dangers inherent in the pursuit of knowledge when it disregards ethical boundaries, making the exploration of ambition and its consequences the pivotal struggle in the story. This thematic concern is at the heart of Shelley's work and reflects broader anxieties about the potential for science to transcend moral limits.