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Ethical dilemmas in frankensteins
Frankenstein moral analyzing
Ethical dilemmas in frankensteins
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Frankenstein
“If I were to remain silent, I’d be guilty of complicity” (Einstein). In Mary Shelley's classic, gothic novel “Frankenstein”, she emphasizes how everyone has to take action for one’s consequences and do the right thing. Dr. Frankenstein made others suffer because he was horrified by his creation and did not want to own up to his actions nor did he want to be perceived as a madman. This in turn shows that responsibility for one’s actions is a duty even if those actions have negative consequences, one has to accept them and try to fix them.
When Dr. Frankenstein was researching about galvanism and “having the capacity of bestowing animation” he understood it was “inconceivable difficulty and labour” (Shelly 43) to do the experiment, yet he continued to work on his creation. At this point he understood that he was going to become the creator and his creature would be a responsibility like a father claiming gratitude of his child (Shelley 44). This entails that no matter what, one has to see things through and if they understand that possessing such power, it is one's duty to see things through and take responsibility for what their actions can bring about. Unfortunately, in Dr, Frankenstein’s case, he does not see things through. Once he finishes his experiment and
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his end product is a “catastrophe” (Shelly 48) he starts to regret and is in full terror and disgust. He then becomes sick and full of regret in which he declares it a failure and tries to rid of it. Even tho his creation stood by his side and waited for him to wake up, Dr. Frankenstein send him away with great anger. This indeed demonstrations that one has a duty to anything that is theirs and has to care for them. As time progresses, the creature is trying to survive in the world and is alone. Dr. Frankenstein lives on with remorse and regret but does nothing in order to fix what he has done. The creature is therefore neglected and as he tried to make human contact, he was simply send away with things being thrown at him or with screams of terror. This led the creature to seek for vengeance once he heard his creator's name as he approached William (144). He strangles him, and as the creature notices what he has done, he plots a way to ruin Frankenstein and make him feel miserable. Dr. Frankenstein could have avoided this event if he simply gave love and care and if he were to accept his duty of looking after his creation. Another instance was when Justine was put to trial and Dr. Frankenstein knew who the real murderer was, except he took no action. Instead he remained quiet for he did not want to be considered a “madman”(83). Dr. Frankenstein’s imprudent actions demonstrates that if one does not embrace the consequences, others will suffer and remorse would reside within oneself. Within the storyline, the creature tried to fend for itself and try to understand without the help of his creator.
The creature, then realized that he needed help. He found some guidance from the cottagers as he observed their way of life and how each of them cared for each other (131). This shows that if one lets things go and does not care for their belongings or actions, it can then become a burden or an unnecessary responsibility for other people. In addition to this, resentment flourished within the creature as he cursed Dr. Frankenstein (137). This shows that even rebellion can occur if the necessary actions are not taken or if one simply puts off their duty or doing the right
thing. Reiterating Einstein's words, if one does not assume duties and responsibilities negative consequences can occur. As seen in MaRY Shelley’s novel. Dr. Frankenstein caused a lot of trouble to his family and society as a whole. All of this can be applied on a great spectrum such as family, friends, and on a personal level. If one decides to do something knowingly it can have consequences, whether positive or negative, one has to embark upon them and finish what they have started.
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
Victor Frankenstein, protagonist of the novel Frankenstein, allegorizes his quest from being an over dedicated scientist to a desolate man, stranded in the Arctic ice, with the obligation to stress the importance of leading a balance and moderate lifestyle—“I cannot describe to you the agony that these reflections inflicted upon me: I tried to dispel them, but sorrow only increased with knowledge. Oh, that I had forever remained in my native wood, nor known nor felt beyond the sensations of hunger, thirst, and heat!” (Shelley 102). On condition that this might help him redeem his sins, Frankenstein takes it upon himself to avenge the death of his beloved ones. Similarly, the Creature, mostly driven by feelings of rejection and abandonment, is also engulfed in sorrow and thus plans to relieve some of it by “returning the favor”.
Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818 about the scientist Victor Frankenstein who committed sin-filled crimes of pride for his own personal benefit, but redeems himself by confession. Shelley wrote this novel for the sole purpose to warn “all men make mistakes, But a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repair the evil; the only crime is pride” Man should not play God and should apologize for his mistakes committed. In the work, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley drives Dr. Victor Frankenstein to pursue morally wrong, selfish, and prideful crimes that eventually lead to his redemption; however, not without compromising his life, the lives of others, and his immortal soul.
In Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, values of society are clearly expressed. In this particular society and culture, a great value is placed on ideologies of individuals and their contribution to society. In order to highlight these values, Shelley utilizes the character of Victor Frankenstein. Frankenstein is the main character of the novel, and with his alienation, he plays a significant role that reveals the surrounding society’s assumptions and moral values of individualism and use in society. This is done through Victor’s actions of self-inflicted isolation.
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.
The fact that Frankenstein’s creation turns on him and murders innocent people is never overlooked; it has been the subject of virtually every popularization of the novel. What is not often acknowledged is the fact that Frankenstein himself embodies some of the worst traits of humankind. He is self-centered, with little real love for those who care about him; he is prejudiced, inflexible and cannot forgive, even in death. While some of these traits could be forgivable, to own and flaunt them all should be enough to remind a careful reader that there are two "monsters" in Frankenstein.
Since the fall of Adam, humanity has always been keenly aware of the existence of good and evil, right and wrong, justice and injustice. Any person who has been betrayed or abused has felt the weight of injustice. Anyone who has been mistreated has experienced the desire for vengeance. However, opinions begin to differ when defining the boundaries of justified revenge. Varying perceptions prevents humans from viewing and validating the motives of others. In Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, the two main characters were driven to madness by their desire for revenge against each other. In the book, Victor Frankenstein and his creature both relayed the same story; however their individual perspectives drastically shift the roles of the perpetrator and the victim. Mary Shelly’s brilliant juxtaposition between the Creature and his Creator demonstrated the relativity of justified revenge.
...ions toward one another. However, Frankenstein’s uncaring, negligent-parent approach to his creation who emotionally resembles a lost child, allows Shelley to establish the conflict between scientific discovery and moral consequence, as well as the greater conflict between right and wrong. She allows the audience to question who the true villain is in the story, and allow each reader to determine for themselves if the “parent” Frankenstein or the “childlike” monster is truly to blame for all the evil deeds that occur. Today, our society should view Frankenstein as a cautionary tale of the possibilities and consequences of scientific discovery mixed with greed.
Remorse is a complex feeling; one that was not common in the period in which Mary Shelly’s novel Frankenstein was written. The literary work , written for a contest, shows the free thinking of the time and covers the danger of thinking too recklessly. Cadence was the name of the game. “’You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been,’” (p.31), Frankenstein says to Robert Walton, offering a clear warning that corresponds directly to the regret Victor feels for his sin. In the real world and in this particular piece of literature, remorse is incredibly powerful.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a nineteenth century literary work that delves into the world of science and the plausible outcomes of morally insensitive technological research. Although the novel brings to the forefront several issues about knowledge and sublime nature, the novel mostly explores the psychological and physical journey of two complex characters. While each character exhibits several interesting traits that range from passive and contemplative to rash and impulsive, their most attractive quality is their monstrosity. Their monstrosities, however, differ in the way each of the character’s act and respond to their environment. Throughout Frankenstein, one assumes that Frankenstein’s creation is the true monster. While the creation’s actions are indeed monstrous, one must also realize that his creator, Victor Frankenstein is also a villain. His inconsiderate and selfish acts as well as his passion for science result in the death of his friend and family members and ultimately in his own demise.
While history often views the story of Frankenstein as little more than a horror story about a monster, it is obviously much more. It is a tale that explores the darker side of mankind, loneliness, guilt, sorrow and above all the dangers of manipulating nature. The bounties that humanity has reaped through the works of science have indeed been great, but the consequences of some such discoveries can be far greater.
...eatures. Victor Frankenstein is given this power when he discovers the secret to reanimating dead remains, by which he creates the Being we have all come to call Frankenstein. In her novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley depicts this amazing power and the change it causes in not only Victor’s life but in the world. Along the way the young Victor Frankenstein creates more than what he initially believed but his greed and vanity shield him from recognizing the responsibilities and implications that arise, all of which are analyzed the by David Collings in his essay “The Monster and the Maternal Thing: Mary Shelley’s Critique of Ideology.” As Uncle Ben once told Peter Parker “remember, with great power. Comes great responsibility.” Victor acquired great power but disregarded all responsibilities that resulted out of his creations, therefore creating himself as a monster.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, explores the monstrous and destructive affects of obsession, guilt, fate, and man’s attempt to control nature. Victor Frankenstein, the novel’s protagonist and antihero, attempts to transcend the barriers of scientific knowledge and application in creating a life. His determination in bringing to life a dead body consequently renders him ill, both mentally and physically. His endeavors alone consume all his time and effort until he becomes fixated on his success. The reason for his success is perhaps to be considered the greatest scientist ever known, but in his obsessive toil, he loses sight of the ethical motivation of science. His production would ultimately grieve him throughout his life, and the consequences of his undertaking would prove disastrous and deadly. Frankenstein illustrates the creation of a monster both literally and figuratively, and sheds light on the dangers of man’s desire to play God.
Countless situations created in life will always have some consequence, whether the outcome is a positive outcome or a negative outcome. During the novel, Frankenstein, there are many incidents portrayed through the characters that have both a positive outcome and a negative outcome, no matter the type of situation. The majorities of the situations that are conveyed in this novel almost always have a negative outcome because of the way the effects damage and hurt the innocence of the other characters in the story. In this novel many of the negative outcomes are a consequence of a hideous monster, known as Frankenstein’s monster, which was created by the hands of Victor Frankenstein.
I took their word for all that they averred, and I became their disciple” (21). Frankenstein embodies the movement in science to understand everything, and that is not necessarily a good thing (Storment 2). Frankenstein only understands that this train of thought is bad when he reaches the pinnacle of knowledge and produces the creature. The fruits of Frankenstein’s labor end up costing him the lives of his friends and family, as well as his own sanity. The feeling of guilt thrives in Frankenstein because he knows his work was the direct cause of the chaos in his life.