The Role Of Scientific Discovery In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Scientific discovery is neither innately good nor bad; however, it does require the responsible yielding of that knowledge and the proper relaying to the scientific community. In the letters, the reader is introduced to Victor Frankenstein, on the verge of death, who even then speaks warmly of his scientific ambitions that he has since left in the dust and is now lonely himself. Speaking to Walton who is on his own journey of scientific discovery, Victor recognizes the mistake Walton is apt to make, forewarning, “You seek for knowledge and wisdom as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be the serpent to sting you, as mine have been,” (Shelley 15). Here, Victor acknowledges the failure of his ambitions and his failure to achieve success in the scientific community. Even then, he only views the Creature as
I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror, and disgust filled my heart,” (Shelley 43). The pinnacle of his failure is seen here, as he cannot recognize the purpose of his own invention. Victor sought to produce simply because he could, and now that this being exists he does not know what to do with it. The actions that follow do not offer any sort of redemption for his honor, where the only praiseworthy path would be to raise and care for the being ― yet even this he does not do. Victor’s admission that his experiment “far exceeded moderation” underscores the obsession that overcame him, and his angered reaction to the minor details, such as appearance, showcase his intolerance towards the being. Critic Alan Rauch concludes, “The solitude and seclusion that Frankenstein seems to require for his work can only result in knowledge that can neither have context nor