Dangerous and Destructive obsession with acquiring Knowledge

Although knowledge is generally considered valuable and safe in modern society, when one begins to obsess over acquiring knowledge it can evolve into a dangerous and possibly destructive addiction. The novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is a gothic fiction that integrates the occurring theme of dangerous and destructive knowledge throughout the main characters in the novel. The obsession with acquiring knowledge progresses into a dangerous and in some cases destructive addiction, which the brutality of the outcomes heavily depends on the importance of the characters role in the novel. Walton (although he is not the ‘main’ character in the novel) did the tango with obsessing over knowledge. He wanted to exceed expectations and reach the North Pole, however his obsession was not fulfilled and Walton had to draw back on his endeavor to the North Pole, escaping with minimal damage and certainly no destruction. The second character that took his chances with knowledge was the creature. The creature strived to learn how to be loved, find his creator and essentially be accepted by humans. However his intentions quickly turned into an out of control addiction, and based on the creature’s role in the novel his outcome was destined to be destructive. The Creature killed many, however escaped his own tragedy. Victor is the final character who decided to devote his life to acquiring knowledge, more specifically his studies in natural philosophy and creating life. Victor got so involved with his studies that he shut him self out from all human contact, even from his own family. Victor, being the protagonist of the novel, will receive the worst outcome based on the theme of severity progressing through the importance of the character in the...

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...s the second most significant character in the novel, based on the general theme his obsession should be the second most destructive, and it was. Victor is the protagonist in the novel, so by definition his obsession should be the most destructive out of the three main characters. Victor was obsessed with science ever since he was little, however he became more involved with this obsession when he was introduced to the studies of natural philosophy and creating life. Victor was so dedicated he even managed to create life, however his own creation was the beginning of his own and his families’ downfall. Clearly Victor’s obsession was the most destructive out of the three characters, perfectly following the progression of the theme throughout the book. Knowledge is a dangerous and destructive obsession that the main characters of the novel Frankenstein suffer through.