Frankenstein's Quest For Knowledge

His quest for glory and making a name for himself leads his crew into danger by getting their ship stuck in ice up in the Arctic Circle. Before he had his encounter with Victor he writes to his sister saying, “You cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall confer on all mankind to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries…” (6) He states that she can’t contest the benefit that he’ll leave on mankind, although it’s obvious his intentions are of fame and glory. His feeling of deserving praise and glory are similar to the religions that state that God deserves praise for all He does. Walton’s intentions of wanting praise and glory negate the praise he “deserves” for exploring the North

In Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein she focuses on the pursuit of knowledge and how that relates to life. In chapter four specifically, there is a lot of discussion about life, death, the creation of life, and the creator all in relation to Victor Frankenstein’s pursuit of knowledge about it. Throughout this chapter he is discussing his struggle of how far to take his interest in science and life, but after becoming so obsessed with his findings and discoveries it is not hard for him to continually push on seeking more and more information about human anatomy and life. Shelley has presented Frankenstein’s endless need for knowledge as a form of instrumental reasoning and how it takes over his life in an extremely negative way because he is

During Chapter 5, Victor created the monster but he didn’t give him the proper care that the creature needed to be able to live with society. In page 35 and 36 within the chapter, he “escaped and rushed downstairs,” as he was filled with horror for what he had created. So he abandoned it as it was too much out of his control, leaving him alone in the cruel world that won’t accept him. Because of the lack of care and affection, the creature learned to hate as he tried to make the world like him, but failed. And as a first act of his hatred, he started to kill all of Victor’s family to get back at him for recreating him. He strangled William as he has “the print of the murderer’s finger on his neck.” He killed Henry as he also had “black marks” around his neck.” And he killed Elizabeth by rushing into Victor’s room and having the same fate as the other two. All of his family were gone and not there to be with Victor, just like how the creature felt when his father left him. Sad. Helpless. Alone. And that’s what became the death of Frankenstein. A slow, painful death with no one to be there with

Victor Frankenstein, who tried to learn the secret of life and death in his youth, having a tragic consequence in his life through his obsessive and oppressive discovery of knowledge. When he finds Robert Walton has the same passion for unknown knowledge as he once did, he warns him that, “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been” His words to Walton introduce the danger of knowledge from himself, which includes his unhealthy life state and isolation in social

These desires caused Victor Frankenstein to be reckless and make selfish choices. Victor hopes that by telling Walton this he can persuade him to more careful and aware to not make the same reckless decisions. As Frankenstein’s story is being told he begins to no longer appear to be such an admirable character to the reader as we discover his true identity and

Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge. Much like humans, the creature learned to have desire for things, show emotion and thrive for knowledge. The creature wanted to understand everything, while he also was demanding a mate from his master. Victor knew his work could cause problems the day he came alive, but was not sure how the science would effet himself and others. The knowledge that the creature gained from the humans he observed might be the reason for the ending of “Frankenstein” ,as well as, the knowledge Victor has of science, therefore, the question is whether the acquirement of any knowledge is dangerous or not to all of us.

However the dangers are seen through the end result of his journey for knowledge. Walton’s longing for the “unvisited regions” which “hurry’s [him] out of the common pathways of men” is clear through the fact that he believes he “may be wafted to a land, surpassing all others in wonders and in beauty every region hitherto discovered”. Unlike the other protagonists, he appears to be aware of the “wild seas” he is to face. This emphasises the true desire he feels for gaining of knowledge and that it may be worth the risk. The dangers of knowledge cannot be seen by Walton’s journey as he gains what he thinks is the man that he “could sympathise [with]” and “whose eyes would reply to [his]”. This is illustrated when Walton sates that “I begin to love him as a brother” and that “his constant and deep grief fills me with sympathy and compassion”. This illustrates the form of happiness that has occurred because of his search knowledge, although it is temporary, it still offers a relief that can be seen throughout the majority of the novel. However, this relief is contrasted with grief and sorrow felt by Walton as “a gentle smile passed away from his lips”. Walton has lost “all hopes of utility and glory” as he “has lost my friend”. Shelley uses the word “my” (friend) instead of “a”

In the gothic novel, Frankenstein, written in 1818, author Mary Shelley tells a blood chilling story of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Many of the main concepts in the Romantic literary movement are prevalent throughout the novel. Some of these concepts include nature as beauty and truth, strong personal motivation, and gothicism which inhibits intense emotion and complex psychology. Victor’s  monstrous creation can be categorized as a romantic hero because of his continuous rejection from all forms of society. On the surface level the novel is of suspense and horror, yet it  profoundly aims to highlight the dangers of overstepping the boundaries of ethical science. Written during an era of vast technological and

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a profound book that showcases the human quest for knowledge, scientific curiosity, discovery and creation that can lead to consequences that have an unintended and broad impact on the individual and society at large. Throughout the book and following the main narrative's letters, Robert Walton demonstrates his desire to go beyond any other human explorer by attempting to reach the North Pole. Robert Walton is the captain of the ship heading to the North Pole who discovers Victor Frankenstein, nurtures him back to health and hears Victor’s story of his creation of "the monster”. Victor Frankenstein is a brilliant scientist who is alike Robert Walton, due to the fact that he wanted to unlock the secrets of life

“One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought” (Shelley 9). As Walton shares his story with Victor Frankenstein, it becomes evident that they share the same tenacity for knowledge. They value the attainment of knowledge more than human life. Victor insists that “None but those who have experienced them can conceive of the enticements of science” (Shelley 23). He claims that “In other studies, you go as far as others have gone before you, and there is nothing more to know; but in a scientific pursuit there is continual food for discovery and wonder” (Shelley 23). Victor Frankenstein’s motivation is the quest for knowledge and to go

In Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, she uses the theme of The Danger of Knowledge through characterization, plot and narrative structure. Shelly uses The Danger of Knowledge through characterization when she created each main character in the story. Each character has their own "Danger of Knowledge." We see Victor Frankenstein, Robert Walton, and the Creature strive for knowledge only to take them to dangerous and unwanted places. Victor Frankenstein goes against his father's wishes and studies science, leading him to create an un humanly monster. At first he felt very successful but than the monster lead to destruction of everything he had ever loved. Robert Walton pursues his knowledge by going on a journey to the North Pole. Robert Walton says,

One’s careless behavior can place them in horrible predicaments. As superior beings, every individual learns how to behave. If that individual behaves well, then they will receive good in return. If that individual’s behavior is corrupt, they know the consequences are dire, or do they? There are a few reasons defending that Victor Frankenstein’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge was not the cause of his tragic end. In all actuality, it was Victor’s unawareness that brought him to his terrible fate. During the creation of the monster, Victor was not cautious with his decisions; he was, instead, boastful and fanfaronade. His abandonment towards his creation caused a great divide between their relationship, sadly, resulting to his horrific death.

In Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, there are many central themes that emerge from this short gothic novel, but I’d like to focus on the main theme that caught my attention, which is the dangers of knowledge. Frankenstein was born from the thirst of knowledge that overcame Victor. For Victor, this surge for knowledge was more significant to him than anything else, as he later proves this by taking no importance to his own health. At an early age, he became fascinated by electricity and “galvanism” which lead him to pursue the study of science and its many possible applications. His obsession with knowledge caused him to go beyond human limits and create a monster from gathered dead body parts and ultimately lead to his own death. Although the yearning for knowledge is advocated by professionals, parents, teachers and leaders. Often times depending on the individual too much knowledge can lead to deadly consequences or one’s own fate, and be a danger not only to themselves but to those around them as well.

Although science research is important, some innovations can be harmful to society. In the book “Frankenstein”, as the Shelley (2008) suggests that knowledge can sometimes be destructive. In order to prevent pursuit of destructive knowledge, it is important to conduct science research based on ethical principles. This can act as a solution to the constant tension between the utopian vision of science and their possible dystopian effects. Although the book was published over two centuries ago, its concepts are applicable in the modern techno-science culture. Today, the book is often used as a reference to warn scientists against potential consequences that can result from uncontrolled quest of knowledge and dominion over nature. Basically, “Frankenstein”

Readers get their first taste of Victor Frankenstein when he climbed aboard Walton’s vessel in an emaciated and harrowing physical state. After being on the ship for a few days Frankenstein notices Walton’s ambition towards pursuing his goals and decides to forewarn him of such endeavors by recounting the tales of his own tragic life. When the actual story of Frankenstein begins, readers are introduced to a younger and more innocent Victor in great physical health. He was brought up in an affluent and doting family, where he eventually received a human gift, Elizabeth, for him to cherish and look after. As he got older he expressed an ardent interest in natural philosophy and discovering the secrets of the physical world. This piece of information begins to reveal an arrogance and God-like complex within Victor.