Self Indulgence In Frankenstein

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Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein describes a mad scientist by the name of Victor Frankenstein and the initially amiable creature assembled by him. Through questionable means of experimentation, this monster is constructed through the reattachment of several cadavers and a bolt of lightning. Upon achieving the magnificent feat of reanimation, Victor, rather than revelling in his creation, is appalled, abandoning the creature. The physical appearance of the monster terrorizes everyone he meets and is unfortunately shunned from the world. The newborn monster develops a nomadic lifestyle after being ostracized by nearly every community he travels to, but eventually finds refuge near a secluded cottage. While returning from a nearby forest, the creature …show more content…

Shelley references the Sorrows of Werter to convey that being weary of how a new discovery will create tension does not mean the information should be withheld. The evolution of the creature’s personality reflects how the abandonment of an idea, early in it's creation, can lead to the concept becoming harmful. Frankenstein reminds readers of the importance of sympathy, especially amidsts an era where power lies less in the hands of the brawn and more with scholars and scientists. If the public is to find out that they are being deceived, the repercussions may end up greater than the effect of the discovery. Paradise Lost reminds the monster that he was created by someone who craved power. Victor's disregardment of the creature after obtaining the ability to create life, left the creature without someone to teach a general comprehension of society, resulting in the monster eventually becoming confused, rotten and dangerous. Shelley is cautious of those who fear rejection and those who pine for truth above all else because their morals do not better humanity. Frankenstein is even relevant today with regards to the growing number of groups who share similar beliefs to for-profit pharmaceutical companies, believing that one must pay hefty amounts to reap the benefits of a new drug. Much like Victor, the CEO’s of many companies today are more concerned with profit than ethics. Additionally, information is withheld by governments to shape public perception and increase the regime's legitimacy, much like how the creature initially enjoyed seeing humans, before he came to the conclusion that they were unrighteously terrified of him. Whether through fear or greed, if the discovery is not managed with compassion, it will surely produce more destruction than

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