Dehumanization In Frankenstein

As this scientific innovation continues right before us, the need to see our exponential growth through a different lens becomes a necessity. Literature is a powerful tool whereby composers use their texts to foreshadow changes they see and highlight ideas that are universal. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley encompasses what it means to be human and raises awareness regarding scientific advancement and the way mankind is becoming ‘god’ in the world of science.

Frankenstein has become a cautionary tale of the monstrosity capable by man cautioning us about the ramifications of scientific advancement. The novel critiques man being dehumanized and ostracizing people for being “fiend like”. It’s the themes of Frankenstein such as the hubris nature

Frankenstein is centered on Victor Frankenstein, a scientist eager to “transgress the bounds of knowledge.” But on his quest to do so, his relationships with others are abandoned in order to accomplish his desires. He becomes fascinated by the rise of Galvanism, a major aspect in Shelley’s context. As his fascination peaks, he decides to build a monster by “infusing a spark.” Thereby, Frankenstein assumes the role of God where he disrupts the chain of creation. This was considered abnormal, as during Shelley’s context, religion had significantly influenced the values of the time. Therefore, as Victor has usurped God, he has overstepped the boundaries of religion. He becomes punished when the “dull yellow” eyes of his monster open where its physical monstrosity overcomes Victor. His disgust and fear of his own creation leads to him labeling it the “scoffing devil”, where the monster becomes an “abortion” and isn’t provided with love and care, a basic human

Victor’s hubris is evident in the line, “a new species would bless me as its creator…no father could claim the gratitude of his child as completely as I should deserve theirs.” The religious connotation of “father” shows Victor’s pretentiousness in elevating himself to the level of God. However, he lacks the compassion of a “father” and his abandonment of his creation fosters resentment within the creature. Shelley uses Frankenstein as a cautionary tale to show how over ambition can lead to destruction and loss of innocent life. It is a warning to her society, which is undergoing radical changes due to developments in technology, that science must have moral guidelines to ensure that scientists consider and take responsibility for the consequences of their