To what extent do you agree with this assertion? Support with close textual reference
Frankenstein’s instinctual lust for knowledge and mechanical love for the human anatomy drives his interference in the natural process of life. This interference is harshly ramified within Shelley’s novel through specific characterisations and reference. Frankensteins clear defiance and interference in the natural mechanics was a case of science and ethical responsibility being abused. Shelley’s explicit writing style and emphasis on the consequences which Frankenstein faced, highlights her ideas and concerns about the instinctive …show more content…
line separating science and ethical responsibility.
“How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavored to perform?”
Frankenstein’s ambitious and hypnotised state of mind leads him to the creation of his ‘monster’.
His efforts, however, are undercut by his creations grotesque appearance. Frankensteins monster was not a product of collaborative scientific effort but of dark, supernatural workings. The appearance of the monster and ultimate rejection by Frankenstein emphasises Shelley’s concerns about the extent of where science can go before it’s considered unethical or immoral.
Frankenstein changes over the course of the novel from an innocent youth fascinated by the prospects of science, into a disillusioned, guilt-ridden man determined to destroy the fruits of his arrogant scientific endeavor. In creating a being, Frankenstein was aware that the outcome of this beings physce or appearance could not be articulated or formulated. Shelley emphasises Natures inability to be formulated and it’s essence of beauty and tranquility and juxtaposes this with the ugliness of the Monsters physical appearance.
“The cup of life was poisoned
forever”
This powerful analogy distinctively relates to this permanent change once structure has been interrupted. The soul binding effect on Creator and Creation is embedded within the underlying text of the novel and is at the forefront of its meaning. Once Frankenstein created this living entity he has an instinctive connection to it. The way in which Frankenstein rejected his creation and unremorseful in his allegations of its being amplified Frankenstein’s disappointment of his work. The cup being poisoned forever relates to the burden in which his creation has not only on Frankensteins life, but the natural voice of humanity. His creation doesn’t only provide inconvenience and suffering to his life, but ultimately this knowledge and creation could affect the mechanics of humanity’s progression.
I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me
Frankenstein’s monster is ultimately burdened with his grotesque appearance due to his creator’s flaws. Frankenstein not only has felt the burden of his creation but the monster himself has been alienated and isolated from humanity. Frankensteins interruption of the natural processes of life has not only affected him, but ultimately his creation. Frankenstein’s monster feels worthless due to his physical appearance, which really doesn’t bring to justice his natural benevolence and child-like curiosity within his workings.
"William, Justine, and Henry-they all died by my hands."
Frankensteins eventual ultimatum that he had caused the death of his loved ones provides another shift of physce within his character. His emotionless and lobotomised state of mind has driven his character to this obsession of knowledge and natural process. The death of his family is a metaphor for a greater idea of Shelley’s. Frankensteins journey was ramified by numerous consequences, fatality, morbidity and ultimately his death. Retrospectively, this is only on small scale compared to the progressing image of this ethical responsibility and science dispute, which was coming to light in the 19th Century.
Shelley presents devastating consequences for Victor Frankenstein’s over indulgence in the journey of knowledge and the blatant interruption in the natural process of life. Fatality, Morbidity and his ultimate death provide blows of warning and concern throughout her novel.
Written by Adam Cuthbertson (A)