In the times that Frankenstein is written, exploration and application of science is exploding along with developments in all aspects in Industrial Revolution. One dramatic event in scientific community at that time is the famous “vitalist debate” engaged by two medical professionals John Abernethy advocating vitalism and William Lawrence propagating materialism. Critics constantly assume what standpoint in the debate is Shelley taking by analyzing her main character “the Creature” in Frankenstein. One prevailing opinion is that Mary Shelley employs key opinions of Lawrence on radical science, including materialism, which is regarded as an invasion of Christianity (Butler 258). However, there are also critics who believe that Shelley is more deeply influenced by vitalism.
