Frankenstein as a Cautionary Tale of Science
... We trust that technology and science will improve our standards of living (will make tasks easier) and lead us to salvation. ... In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor’s ordeal can be read as a tale of warning. ... Victor is the ideal student and fledgling scientist, his faith in science, however, and his lack of moral considerations and critical foresight, land him in the path of a fatally destructive force. ... In Frankenstein, the pursuit of knowledge inevitably leads to misery and disappointment. ... Knowledge affects Frankenstein in a more complex way. ... Clerval has less education that Frankenstein. ... Perhaps due to his youth or lack of philosophical training, Frankenstein overlooks some important considerations when approaching his task of creation. ... From a Biblical standpoint, Frankenstein’s actions are clearly wrong. ... Frankenstein also lacks objectivity. ... All that he can see is how his discoveries in this new field of science will help mankind. ... Herein lies another lesson regarding how not to approach science. ... Victor Frankenstein neglects to realize that this monster could be an awesome burden on society. In the sections of the book where Frankenstein converses with Walton on the ship, it is clear that he has undergone some changes, he has matured. ... Another theme that is woven throughout the text deals with the evolution of science. ... Krempe tells Victor that “the elixir of life is a chimera”, and Frankenstein seems to latch on to that idea. ... This describes Frankenstein’s creature quite well. ... There seems to be no communication between the old science and the new, the old is thoroughly disregarded and the current ideas are held as gospel. ... Victor evens mentions that if his father had explained to him that the science he was studying was “exploded”, he might have never taken on the task that led to his ruin. ... The story of Victor Frankenstein has existed since its inception in one distilled manner or another but on close examination it is clear that Shelley has more to offer than demons and murder.