Can knowledge be both a blessing and a curse? In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the protagonist, Victor creates a monster that threatens the human race. How did he create this monster? Knowledge. We all handle knowledge differently; some use it to better the world, some use it to harm the world, and some do not use it at all. Throughout the novel, knowledge is exemplified as both a blessing and a curse. (Knowledge is used throughout all of the novel.) Since knowledge can be both a blessing and a curse, what makes knowledge a blessing? Knowledge can be considered to be a blessing when it benefits the possessor. This means when the person holding knowledge receives an advantage, or benefit, …show more content…
The monster could not have survived on his own after being abandoned, if it were not for his ability to acquire knowledge. The monster was born without knowledge but had the overwhelming capacity to learn it. He explained, “I was a poor, helpless, miserable wretch; I knew and could distinguish nothing; but feeling pain invade me on all sides, I sat down and wept.” (71) The monster was suffering and was on the verge of death, until he had found himself sleeping in a lean-on shelter to one of the cottages. While he camped here, he discovered himself listening and learning from the cottagers. He gained knowledge by observing the cottagers teaching Safie. (The monster's ability to learn enabled him to survive and take care of his immediate physical needs and then to expand his …show more content…
For example, the development of the monster. This can be considered a blessing because the knowledge he used to create the monster led to Victor’s great scientific advancements. This can be considered a curse because the monster murders many on Victor’s family and friends, and the monster terrorizes Victor. The destruction of the monster can also be considered both a blessing and a curse. It could be considered a blessing because humanity does not know about the monster. This means Victor does not have to take responsibility for his actions. This is also a curse because the extermination of the monster would relieve guilt from Victor by knowing the monster can no longer hurt anyone. (Knowledge can be both a blessing and a curse.) Knowledge can be both a blessing or a curse. Knowledge can affect good or bad; or big or small. It affects everyone. Not only can it have a positive effect, it can have a negative effect. Many different variable determine which it is. Everyone handles the power of knowledge differently; some change the world, and others make it harder for the world to be changed. (Everyone is affected by knowledge in the