Examples Of Ethical Issues In Frankenstein

Rachael Covington

Mrs. McBreen

April 25, 2023

British Literature

Frankenstein Essay

Frankenstein’s Intent, Result, and Repercussions

‘Just because we can, should we?’ This age-old question is a perfect example of what makes bioethical dilemmas so difficult. Explained by The Hastings Center, bioethics is the interdisciplinary study of ethical issues arising in the life sciences, health care, and health and science policy (The Hastings Center). In 1816, Mary Shelley (1797-1851) wrote Frankenstein while on a vacation during the Year Without a Summer. Astoundingly, the eighteen year old produced a historic masterpiece that faces some difficult questions. Shelley’s novel was also one of the first to popularize the gothic genre of fiction. While

He gave a decently ethical reason for his undertaking when he confesses, “…I thought, that if I could bestow animation upon lifeless matter, I might in process of time… renew life where death had apparently devoted the body to corruption,” (Shelley, pp. 53) although it quickly became apparent the scientist knew what he was doing was wrong. Keeping his employment secret, Victor refused to enlighten any of his friends or family of his project. If the man were proud of and certain in the integrity of what he was trying to accomplish, why did he refrain from informing anyone about his experiment? This is a clear sign that the title character’s intent may not have been noble or certain. After the Creature’s reanimation, another indicator is displayed in the fact that Frankenstein had no follow up plan for a successful experiment. Irresponsibly, Victor failed to stop and think of what he would name the creature, where it would stay, how it might react after being awoken, etc. Satisfied to jump feet first into his perilous operation, Frankenstein disregarded these questions in order to accomplish his endeavor, bringing about drastic

He’d made a terrible mistake. Abruptly, Victor’s mindset changed: “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 form?” (Shelley, pp. 56) Plagued by nightmares and wishing to forget the troubles he had caused, the title character callously abandoned his new, hideous creation. Not only had Frankenstein reanimated a living, breathing being and then completely deserted it, in doing so, he subjected everyone else to the mercy of the Creature. In the beginning of the novel, one cannot help but feel sympathy for the monster. Terrified, the poor wretch found himself forced to navigate the early stages of his life independently as he lacked any help from his maker. It was also a sorrowful factor that Frankenstein acted with repulsion to the Creature when the being strived for his creator’s love and affection. If Victor had not turned his back on the entity, and instead did his rightful duty in educating the brute, perhaps the immediate result would have been a more commendable