]Why do two individuals have the same behavior even though they are raised completely different? Does knowledge ultimately bring the demise of a human? This phenomenon presents itself through the novel Frankenstein, where knowledge encourages violent behavior and despair. In this gothic novel, Victor Frankenstein produces a grotesque monster, who in turn becomes rejected by his creator. Shortly after, Frankenstein’s creation resides and adapts with the De Lacey family, learning the language and customs of society. After reading how his creator banished and despised him, he vows revenge against him and assassinates all of his family members. Throughout the novel, Mary Shelly mirrors the dispositions of Victor Frankenstein with his creation in …show more content…
order to portray how they react to the good and evil from the outside world and how they respond to knowledge, therefore, nothing in society is entirely good or evil. Shortly following the birth of Victor Frankenstein, he acquires “good” knowledge at an early yet rapid pace through his early studies; however, he procures the evil knowledge from society, leading him into his demise. Frankenstein unexpectedly discovers the “elixir of life”, or the gift of creation. Risking his health to create staggering discoveries, Frankenstein finally discovers how to turn death into life. Frankenstein expresses his increasing excitement, and says, I paused, examining and analyzing all the minutiae of causation, as exemplified in the change from life to death, and death to life, until from the midst of this darkness a sudden light broke in upon me, a light so brilliant and wondrous, yet so simple, that while I became dizzy with the immensity of the prospect which it illustrated, I was surprised, that among so many men of genius who had directed their inquiries towards the same science, that I alone should be reserved to discover so astonishing a secret. (37) Frankenstein’s sense of knowledge prompts an overwhelming temptation that presses him to steal the ability of creation from God and turn death into life.
Shelly makes an allusion to the Greek myth Prometheus, where she symbolizes fire in the myth to represent how knowledge is acquired through thievery. For example, while Prometheus stole fire from the gods, Frankenstein stole the gift of creation from God, thus procuring the evil knowledge that God forbids them to know. Frankenstein’s early yet innocent chemistry studies now incorporate into Frankenstein’s evil creation of life, thus creating the good and evil present in a society. Truly, Frankenstein stole the forbidden knowledge of creation from God, and thus leads to his demise. Later, Frankenstein acknowledges that knowledge corrupts his life, warning society not to make the same mistake. In this setting, Frankenstein warns Walton about the detriment that knowledge can bring through one’s obsession. Frankenstein emphasizes his warning to Walton, stating, “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow” (38). Finally gaining experience from his trials and toils through the novel, Frankenstein acknowledges his mistake for his “obsession of knowledge” that leads him to create his grotesque monster, and now understands how society has a determination that is overwhelming through their stubbornness in achieving success. The phrase “how much happier” represents how Frankenstein now values happiness over knowledge; he desires to influence the mad scientists of his era to indulge in joy and happiness instead of becoming unsatisfied with their discoveries. Truly, Shelly represents the double-edged sword of knowledge through the good and evil motifs present in society. In conclusion, society can be overwhelmed by the
evil in knowledge and ultimately misuse it. The creation represents a more developed form of his creator through his obsession of the evil knowledge in society, which ultimately leads to his desperation from the tragic events that leads to his death. While residing with the De Lacey Family, the creation questions his identity and place in life through his understanding of the various novels that he finds in a leather satchel. Reflecting on what each novel says, the creation applies the messages directly to his heart, stating: As I read, however, I applied much personally to my own feelings and condition. I found myself similar, yet at the same time strangely unlike to the beings concerning whom I read, and to whose conversation I was a listener. I sympathized with, and partly understood them, but I was unformed in mind; I was dependent on none and related to none. 'The path of my departure was free'; and there was none to lament my annihilation. My person was hideous and my stature gigantic. What did this mean? Who was I? What was I? Whence did I come? What was my destination? (109) Through the creation, Shelly highlights the problem of acquiring too much knowledge, which leads the creation to question his place in the world and establish a negative self-concept for him. For Frankenstein’s creation, knowledge is not the source of inventing or creation; rather, knowledge brings despair. The creation emphasizes the phrase “I found myself similar” to allow his readers to understand that he has not fully dehumanized himself yet; rather, he attempts to understand how his own appearance and actions compare to society. Comparing his sense of knowledge with Frankenstein, however, they both share the trait of questioning their fate and place in society. While the creation reflects upon his origin, he realizes that he had no creator to sustain him, contrary to Adam in Paradise Lost, the most captivating novel that he reads. The creation acquired the good knowledge while learning various languages, but the evil knowledge came forth through reading the novels and making him miserable. Indeed, increased knowledge can bring society into despair rather than delight. Moreover, the creation develops his way of life and learns about the hardships of society through the De Lacey family. When the creation resides in a small hovel outside a cottage in Germany, he studies the languages that the De Lacey family spoke. Concerned about his increased knowledge about society’s views on him, the creation states, Of what a strange nature is knowledge! It clings to the mind when it has once seized on it like a lichen on the rock. I wished sometimes to shake off all thought and feeling, but I learned that there was but one means to overcome the sensation of pain, and that was death. (102) Now understanding the duality of good and evil through knowledge, the creation learns that if he were to relinquish his knowledge, he would have to commit suicide and end his life. To explain the creation’s never ending struggle to lose knowledge, Shelly skillfully employs a simile to explain how knowledge sticks as tight to the brain as compared to “a lichen on a rock”. The creation and Frankenstein would be willing to expunge their increased knowledge, due to the unhappiness that results from augmented critical thinking skills. For example, the creation’s violent actions and behavior emerge due to his knowledge of the hatred of society towards him, and as a result he takes his revenge on society through assassinating innocent individuals. Truly, the duality of good and evil in knowledge presents itself in the transformation from innocence to maturity. Shelly presents that nothing is truly good or evil through the pros and cons of acquiring the different types of knowledge present in society. In conclusion, the creation regrets his gain of increased knowledge, and thus places him into deep misery. Raising a child through nature or nurture both results in corruption through the actions of society. Frankenstein first considers raising up his creation through his unconditional love, or through nurture. At first glance, however, Frankenstein acquires a small delight in his creation; he even thinks that he is a future heir for him, and states his excitement, “For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness” (98). By having thoughts about producing happiness for his creation, Frankenstein presents the potential to become a successful father through his way of nurturing children. Since Frankenstein was raised from nurture and innocence, thus he is shielded from family and financial issues his family may face, and therefore desires to raise his creation the same way to also give him a happier childhood, however, Frankenstein forcefully throws his creation into society’s hands. Without the presence of love, an individual would not be raised correctly, and will begin to be corrupted by the values of society instead of the value of moral ethics. Even being raised differently, the creation’s “wickedness” also symbolizes Frankenstein, due to them being corrupted and rejected by society. Therefore, the morally good part of Frankenstein and the creation’s heart has now turned more evil due to the negative judgment that society places on them. Furthermore, even the creation desires to be raised by nurture instead of being forcefully raised up by society. After reading the various novels at the De Lacey family, he questions his way of being raised, longing for a loving father who are present with the protagonists of the novels. Longing for a caring father, the creation states his desire, saying, “Perhaps, if my first introduction to humanity had been made by a young soldier, burning for glory and slaughter, I should have been imbued with different sensations” (117). In the process of reflecting on his life, the creation longs for a father who can raise him up to become a successful man in life through the father’s unconditional love. The creation even suggests that if he were raised with nurture instead of being thrown into nature, he would have been “imbued with different sensations”, adjusting his current heart of evil into good. Through the creation’s description, Shelly urges us to be sympathetic to the creation due to the fact that he never was brought up by moral ethics, but only by corruption. As readers, Shelly urges us to exonerate the creation from harming society due to the lack of nurturing that he has received. Indeed, without nurture, the root of corruption plants itself into the individual who has been raised by the evil nature of society. By raising the creation with nurture, he would possess a heart of good instead of a heart of evil, and would not abuse this privilege. Compared to Frankenstein, however, he abuses his privilege by being brought up by nurture, and thus becomes evil through his conformity to the evil in society.In conclusion, even though being raised differently, Frankenstein and the creation act in very similar ways. Overall, Shelly presents her argument of how Frankenstein and his creation act in similar ways through the good and evil nature of society. By using good to produce evil through their knowledge, society has ultimately controlled Frankenstein and the creation, leading to their demise. Similarly, the argument of being raised by nature or nurture results in the creation and Frankenstein possessing the same violent behaviors and actions. Thus, Shelly places emphasis on the duality of good and evil of society, and how we should maintain the good in our hearts and not be conformed by the corruption in society. Works Cited Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Frankenstein. New York: Dover Publications, 1994. Print.
The result of society’s resentment, Shelly’s cynical text unmasks the fact that Frankenstein’s creation was not produced as innately monstrous but instead learned to become a monster over time. Once again utilizing the literary element of irony, the monster’s exclamation “Nay, these are virtuous and immaculate being!”, demonstrates the monster’s resentment towards not only humans but also himself. Realizing biological inferiority to be the cause of his misfortune, the monster’s frustrations underline the novel’s central paradox of the natural versus the artificial. That is, because human beings exist within the natural order of society and therefore control the law, characters such as Victor, Felix, and even Walton’s carelessness remain protected. Meanwhile, Frankenstein’s creation, an artificial production, exists as mankind’s ostracized enemy regardless of the being’s emotional or intellectual superiority. Beyond envy, the monster’s monologue additionally reflects a sense of desperation. Utilizing the repetition of the word “injustice,” Shelly’s literary choice solidifies the perpetual denial of societies crimes against Frankenstein’s monster. Concluding his speech with the word “injustice”, Frankenstein’s monster testimony signifies the unavoidable truth the being’s presence never caused
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein explores the downfall of certain human characteristics, set to the backdrop of creation, destruction, and preservation. The subtitle denoted by Shelly herself supports this idea, by relating the fact that the title can be viewed as either Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus. One scholar, Marilyn Butler, also maintains this by noting, "It can be a late version of the Faust Myth"(302). Shelly uses the story of the main character, Victor Frankenstein, to produce the concept of a dooming human characteristic of which Frankenstein states, "I have . . . been blasted in these hopes"(Shelley, 152). The reader finds, as a result of his thirst for knowledge and infatuation with science, Victor creates a living being by whom he has "suffered great and unparalleled misfortunes"(Shelley, 17). Eventually, Victor realizes this self-destructive trait, but he is not able to save himself stating, "I have lost everything, and cannot begin life anew"(Shelley, 16). Although everything in his life that is dear has been lost, Victor is able to convince one in his same position--Robert Walton--to not "lead [his crew] unwillingly to danger"(Shelley, 151). While addressing the concept of characteristic and self-discovery, it is possible to realize that the monster also possesses the characteristics held by both Victor and Walton; except in his learning, the monster is driven to continue to cause destruction. Most important about the thirst for knowledge is that, as a form of human characteristic or downfall, it leads to large, critical pieces of self-discovery. In obtaining these critical pieces, Frankenstein finds satisfaction in j...
In a world full of novelty, guidance is essential to whether a being’s character progresses positively or negatively in society. Parents have a fundamental role in the development of their children. A parent’s devotion or negligence towards their child will foster a feeling of trust or mistrust in the latter. This feeling of mistrust due to the lack of guidance from a parental figure is represented in the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation in Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein. The creature created by Frankenstein was shown hatred and disgust from the very beginning, which led to its indignant feelings toward his creator and his kind.
Critic Northrop Frye says, “Tragic heroes tower as the highest points in their human landscape that they seem the inevitable conductors of the power about them, the great trees more likely to be struck by lightning than a clump of grass. Conductors may of course be instruments as well as victims of the divine lightning”. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein greatly exhibits the theme of the consequence of knowledge and irresponsibility among others through its tragic hero, Victor Frankenstein. Northrop Frye’s quote is certainly true when looking at Frankenstein’s situation. Victor is a victim of his divine lightning, and ultimately causes much trouble for himself; however, Victor also serves as the tragic hero in the lives of the monster, his family, and his friends.
In "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein creates a monster that brings chaos and deaths to Victor Frankenstein's family and friends for revenge. This is one example of how too much knowledge can be dangerous. In addition to Frankenstein, the classical novel, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Hyde." exemplifies why too much knowledge can cause chaos. In the novel, Dr. Jekyll creates salt in his laboratory that changes his physical appearance. Thus makes an alter ego named Hyde who murders citizens of England for pleasure. This changes Dr. Jekyll since he keeps switching appearances until one day, he changes to Hyde permanently. These examples show that the misuse of knowledge is dangerous. From bringing misery to Frankenstein to changing into a murderous alter ego, humans cannot handle too much
Victor Frankenstein, blinded by pride, remained unaware of how his experiment would affect not only him, but the world around him as he formed his new discovery. His secret to creating life only caused more life to be lost. Because of Victor’s reckless behavior, he caused the depressed and lonely world around his own creation, one who, in the end, Victor did not want to take responsibility for making, no matter how remarkable. The Creation, a being of unfortunate circumstance, exemplifies how knowledge has dangerous and everlasting effects if not used safely or for good intentions. Unfortunately, The Creation leaves his own damage behind as well, again showing how knowledge is harmful, by killing Elizabeth, Victor’s wife, Henry Clerval, his dearest friend, and other members a part of Victor’s family and friends. This demonstrates how knowledge, if not used wisely, can lead to death and suffering. The power of knowledge, in Mary Shelley’s writing, is a gift bestowed on those who can handle the power responsibly, as opposed to using it for selfish boasting. In contrast, she uses these two characters to show the importance of being knowledgeable in both science and responsibility and the unforgivable mutilation that comes if you fail to overcome
... good, but can be turned to evil by society’s narrow-minded view of what is normal, and the corruption of the mind through knowledge and education. The repercussions of Victor’s and others alienation of the creature turned a caring individual to an evil one. Shelley succeeds in bringing Rousseau's theory to life, that one is born good, but he can be turned to evil through civilization and education. This story still has a great meaning for us today. Millions of people are outcast by society, not only because of physical appearance, but also because of sexual orientation, social status, and religion. Once people quit looking so narrow-mindedly at one another, the world will be a much better place, and Frankenstein's "monster" will rest in peace!
Education is a tool to advance an individual and a society; however, education can become a means to gain power when knowledge is used to exercise control over another. In Frankenstein, knowledge becomes the downfall of both Victor Frankenstein and the Monster. The novel explores the consequent power struggle between Victor Frankenstein and his creation, the dichotomy of good and evil, and the contrast between intellectual and physical power. Finding themselves in mirroring journeys, Victor Frankenstein and the Monster are locked in a struggle for dominance. Through these two characters, Mary Shelley explores the consequences of an egotistical mindset and of using knowledge to exercise power over others.
The theme in a piece of literature is the main idea or insight on characters. Most pieces of literature do not limit itself to one but many other themes all collected into one. This is just like in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This horrifying story was produced in 1818 and has several themes that she portrays throughout. The theme of dangerous knowledge is unmistakably seen theme in Frankenstein. In Frankenstein we see this theme through three of the main characters, Victor Frankenstein, Robert Walton and the creature. We can see how their desire for knowledge can take them places and show them eventually what they are looking for. Sooner or later it will take them to dangerous and unwanted places. The desire for knowledge can eventually lead one to its grave. Victor Frankenstein’s scientific endeavor, Robert Walton’s search for the North Pole, and the creature’s kind heart but scary features creates this theme of dangerous knowledge.
In the gothic novel Frankenstein, humans have a bottomless, motivating, but often dangerous thirst for knowledge. This idea was clearly illustrated throughout the novel by Mary Shelley. The three main characters in the novel shared the thirst for knowledge that later lead to their downfall. In the novel knowledge is a huge theme that led to atrocious life to anyone that tried to gain it. Knowledge is hazardous; therefore, I support Dr. Frankenstein’s warning about knowledge being dangerous and that knowledge shouldn’t be gained.
Albert Einstein once said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So is a lot.” Einstein believes that there is a point where the acquisition of knowledge becomes dangerous for humans. Mary Shelley extensively explores the effect dangerous knowledge has on the characters in her book Frankenstein. Throughout the book, Frankenstein and the creature are corrupted by knowledge that changes their outlooks on life. In both cases, the information that corrupts the characters was not meant for them to be discovered. When Frankenstein is discovered in the Arctic by a sailor named Walton, he is taken on board of Walton’s boat. Frankenstein then tells Walton about his quest for information, and it changes Walton’s perspective on the pursuit of
In the novel Frankenstein written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelly, Knowledge is power for Victor Frankenstein. Mary Shelly explains that Dr. Frankenstein’s hunger for the knowledge to create life out of death only leads to Victor’s unfortunate monster. The consequences that Victor Frankenstein experiences from creating a creature from his own madness leads to his death as well as the creature. Mary Shelly explains in her novel Frankenstein that Victor’s need to study life and how it is created is dangerous; furthermore, the abomination that the doctor creates should have never been created; however, the monster that Victor creates is his own monstrosity.
By definition, knowledge is the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association (Merriam-Webster.com). In the novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley considers knowledge as a “dangerous” factor. The danger of it is proved throughout the actions of the characters Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the creature. The characters all embody the theme of knowledge in different ways. Shelley supports her opinion about knowledge by using references from the Bible and Paradise Lost. She uses these references to show the relationship between God’s Adam and Frankenstein’s creature, and how nothing turns out as great as God’s creation. Mary Shelley’s goal is to teach a lesson on how destructive the desire for knowledge really is.
knowledge is found at the heart of the novel, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Mary Shelley constructs her novel in a form of tripartite that consists of three speakers Victor, Victor’s Creature, and Robert Walton. The pursuit of knowledge is conveyed by the alluring antagonist Victor in his endeavor to go beyond human adeptness and discover the elixir of life. The pursuit of knowledge is shown through another character, Frankenstein’s Creature whose pursuit of knowledge prompts him to become aware of himself. Robert Walton through the pursuit of knowledge learns that his own strive for success leads him to learning that his selfish pursuits are effecting the people around him. The pursuit of knowledge is proved to be dangerous to all three speakers Victor, Victor’s Creature, and Robert Walton and all three prove to the reader how destructive knowledge can be.
Mary Shelley in her book Frankenstein addresses numerous themes relevant to the current trends in society during that period. However, the novel has received criticism from numerous authors. This paper discusses Walter Scott’s critical analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in his Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine Review of Frankenstein (1818).