How Does Society Encourage The Pursuit Of Knowledge In Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein highlights mankind’s yearning for knowledge. Usually, societies encourage the pursuit of knowledge and emphasize on the importance of it; however, Shelley diverges from this idea and focuses on the dangers that result from it instead. This notion is idealized in which the intense longing for knowledge drives the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, into going beyond the laws of science and creating a monster he soon resents. Following his creation, a cascade of tragic events occur, altering Victor’s life and causing him ultimate misery. Thus, the consequences Victor faces for creating the monster demonstrates that exceeding boundaries to pursue knowledge leads to self-destruction. Initially, Victor blindly devotes
himself to working on his creation and intends on gaining recognition, not recognizing the harmful effects it could have. After months of indulging in his work, he finally understands the horror of his creation. During this moment of realization, Victor says, “… I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished … horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley 65). Consequently, Victor becomes consumed by his desire for knowledge, resulting in his illness and devastation. His fervent pursuing of creating a new species distracts him from the true nature of his work, only to be noticed after it is complete. Victor’s miserable state and abhorrent reaction to his creation illustrates how one can unknowingly complete a task and not realize its detrimental effects until afterwards. Furthermore, this leaves mankind in a state of utter despair, for knowledge has dominated them.