Science, Morality and Responsibility in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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Science vs. Morality and Responsibility in Frankenstein

The most frightening horror story can only be called such if it is believable. Nothing is so unnerving as lying awake at night with very real fears. No monster can harm you, unless the monster was genetically engineered by a mad scientist. The theme of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein - scientific investigation without consideration of morality and responsibility - is a very relevant topic in today's world. This theme, along with the less obvious themes of revenge, prejudice against deviation from the norm, and fate all make Frankenstein one of the most unique and terrifying horror novels ever.

Victor Frankenstein had a normal, if not ideal, childhood. His father was well respected, and he had a comfortable environment in which to learn and develop. His life began to change when he discovered a volume of works by the German physician Cornelius Agrippa. At first this mild curiosity exploded into a genuine interest and he began to read works from other authors - Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus - scientists which had lived several centuries earl...

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Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus. Edited with an Introduction and notes by Maurice Hindle. Penguin books, 1992

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http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/class/sf/books/frank/papers/FrankCS.html

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Williams, Bill. On Shelley's Use of Nature Imagery.

http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/class/sf/books/frank/papers/FrankWJW.html

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