The Dangers of the Pursuit of Knowledge
Science is continually evolving and will continue to evolve as society evolves. The driving force behind the evolution of science is the pursuit of knowledge. Generally, curiosity and the desire to learn are good qualities to possess, however, in Mary Shelley shows the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge in her novel, Frankenstein. The pursuit of knowledge can become so powerful that it can become an obsession. In the novel, Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the creature demonstrate the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge with their obsession for knowledge.
To begin with, the pursuit of knowledge is shown through Robert Walton in his journey to the North Pole. The novel begins with Walton discussing …show more content…
He is a curious young scientist who eventually finds the secret of life to create life and prevent death. He pursues his thirst for knowledge though “natural philosophy and particularly chemistry” (42). After many months of experimentation and determination, Frankenstein finally creates his infamous creature. Immediately after witnessing his success “the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled [his] heart” (55). He immediately regrets his decision to create life and refuses to create a companion for his creature. By ignoring social, ethical and religious implications of his actions, only when it is too late and lives of innocents are taken does Frankenstein truly realize the extent of his actions. When Frankenstein refuses, the creature terrorizes Frankenstein by murdering his closest friends and family. Frankenstein decides to dedicate his life to destroying his creature, but the creature prevails. Shelley uses Victor Frankenstein as an example to show that scientists and society should be held responsible for their creations and discoveries or there will be consequences. This means that there have to be standards in science and that it should not be used for evil. Shelley recognizes this and has the creature ask “was man, indeed at once so powerful, so virtuous, and magnificent, yet so vicious and base?” (114). Therefore, science and the pursuit of knowledge is …show more content…
Shelley goes into great detail and length following the creature around, which is thought to be irrelevant to the rest of the plot. She wants the reader to understand that it is not the creature or creation that is evil or dangerous, but that he has been made that way by society. In the beginning the creature is good by helping the cottagers cut wood, saving a girl from drowning, and wants to apart of this seemingly loveable and peaceful society. It is not until the creature is mistreated, abused, and rejected by society does he turn to negative behaviour. His “sufferings were augmented also by the oppressive sense of the injustice and ingratitude of their infliction. My daily vows rose for revenge – a deep and deadly revenge, such as would alone compensate for the outrages and anguish I had endured.” (143). He later says that he is malicious because he is miserable (147). Shelley shows that the creature is not evil, but that the through neglect and rejection by the creator does the creature turn evil. When the creature finds out about Frankenstein’s death he weeps over his body and tells Walton of his sufferings and the he wishes that he regrets becoming evil. When Walton first sees the creature his reaction is like everyone else, but Walton sees the creature for who is truly is, not a monster
Science is continually evolving and will continue to evolve as society evolves. The driving force behind the evolution of science is the pursuit of knowledge. Generally, curiosity and the desire to learn are good qualities to possess, however, in Mary Shelley shows the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge in her novel, Frankenstein. The pursuit of knowledge can become so powerful that it can become an obsession. In the novel, Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the creature demonstrate the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge with their obsession for knowledge.
To begin with, the pursuit of knowledge is shown through Robert Walton in his journey to the North Pole. The novel begins with Walton discussing …show more content…
He is a curious young scientist who eventually finds the secret of life to create life and prevent death. He pursues his thirst for knowledge though “natural philosophy and particularly chemistry” (42). After many months of experimentation and determination, Frankenstein finally creates his infamous creature. Immediately after witnessing his success “the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled [his] heart” (55). He immediately regrets his decision to create life and refuses to create a companion for his creature. By ignoring social, ethical and religious implications of his actions, only when it is too late and lives of innocents are taken does Frankenstein truly realize the extent of his actions. When Frankenstein refuses, the creature terrorizes Frankenstein by murdering his closest friends and family. Frankenstein decides to dedicate his life to destroying his creature, but the creature prevails. Shelley uses Victor Frankenstein as an example to show that scientists and society should be held responsible for their creations and discoveries or there will be consequences. This means that there have to be standards in science and that it should not be used for evil. Shelley recognizes this and has the creature ask “was man, indeed at once so powerful, so virtuous, and magnificent, yet so vicious and base?” (114). Therefore, science and the pursuit of knowledge is …show more content…
Shelley goes into great detail and length following the creature around, which is thought to be irrelevant to the rest of the plot. She wants the reader to understand that it is not the creature or creation that is evil or dangerous, but that he has been made that way by society. In the beginning the creature is good by helping the cottagers cut wood, saving a girl from drowning, and wants to apart of this seemingly loveable and peaceful society. It is not until the creature is mistreated, abused, and rejected by society does he turn to negative behaviour. His “sufferings were augmented also by the oppressive sense of the injustice and ingratitude of their infliction. My daily vows rose for revenge – a deep and deadly revenge, such as would alone compensate for the outrages and anguish I had endured.” (143). He later says that he is malicious because he is miserable (147). Shelley shows that the creature is not evil, but that the through neglect and rejection by the creator does the creature turn evil. When the creature finds out about Frankenstein’s death he weeps over his body and tells Walton of his sufferings and the he wishes that he regrets becoming evil. When Walton first sees the creature his reaction is like everyone else, but Walton sees the creature for who is truly is, not a monster