Some Readers Have Seen Frankenstein as an Illustration of the Fear of the Power of Science. to What Extent Do You Agree with This View Based on Your Reading so Far?
The 19th century was a time of enlightenment where philosophical thought began and man's concern for a greater psychological form developed. However, during this time of enlightenment and exploration, the values of religion and ethical thought challenged science and its moral reasoning. Frankenstein could be seen as an illustration of the fear of the power of science due to these social changes; however there is evidence within the text to support other aspects such as society and religion being the focal point of fear.
On a basic level, it could be argued that Victor’s search for knowledge ultimately leads him to his transgressions and eventual demise; through the medium of science he is able to create a creature that is fearful and monstrous, this suggests the power of science is something to be feared. However, the creation of the monster could be viewed as a misuse of science, rather than an accurate demonstration of its other altruistic uses; Victor had the knowledge and power to create life however just because he could do it, doesn’t mean he should; a moral debate still applicable to modern society. Science could be seen as fearful within Frankenstein due to the reader’s (especially that of Mary Shelley’s audience) inability to understand how it works, before the 1800’s and the great amount of scientific, social and political change and development, science; especially medicine, was seen as witchcraft and something to be feared. With the age of enlightenment came more acceptance however the majority of the population was still skeptical and fearful of science as it was unknown to them. Shelley could therefore be suggesting that scientific experiments to explore the depths of the unknown are dangerous and shouldn’t be done, thus inciting fear. In Frankenstein, it demonstrates how terrible the consequences can be if scientific knowledge and power falls into the wrong hands, the way Victor is depicted at many points throughout the book suggests he is mad with
On a basic level, it could be argued that Victor’s search for knowledge ultimately leads him to his transgressions and eventual demise; through the medium of science he is able to create a creature that is fearful and monstrous, this suggests the power of science is something to be feared. However, the creation of the monster could be viewed as a misuse of science, rather than an accurate demonstration of its other altruistic uses; Victor had the knowledge and power to create life however just because he could do it, doesn’t mean he should; a moral debate still applicable to modern society. Science could be seen as fearful within Frankenstein due to the reader’s (especially that of Mary Shelley’s audience) inability to understand how it works, before the 1800’s and the great amount of scientific, social and political change and development, science; especially medicine, was seen as witchcraft and something to be feared. With the age of enlightenment came more acceptance however the majority of the population was still skeptical and fearful of science as it was unknown to them. Shelley could therefore be suggesting that scientific experiments to explore the depths of the unknown are dangerous and shouldn’t be done, thus inciting fear. In Frankenstein, it demonstrates how terrible the consequences can be if scientific knowledge and power falls into the wrong hands, the way Victor is depicted at many points throughout the book suggests he is mad with