Frankenstein Loss Of Knowledge Essay

In the 18th century, the era of enlightenment transitioned to the era of romanticism . Instead of following religious directions, enlightenment thinkers turned to scientific study and experimented with the idea of Galvanism, like the main character in the novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein. Although progressive in his work, Victor tampers with the natural processes of life which bring out the theme of the danger knowledge can hold. In her Gothic novel, Frankenstein, written in the Romantic period, Mary Shelley highlights the hubristic and apathetic nature of Victor Frankenstein’s endeavors as a tragic flaw which jeopardizes not only his family, but also humankind. Victor's denial of moral responsibility for his creation underscores his

Victor is compassionless in the sense he did not consider how the Monster’s appearance will serve him in a negative way. The Creature is left to reside in a dark shack and begins to learn about himself like his strengths and weaknesses, knowledge through the books, and becomes his emotional attachment to the De Lacey's. He observes the family and even helps them out through bringing supplies and cleaning the snow off their driveway. However, the De Lacey family did not reciprocate these feelings. When the Creature finally gets the courage to introduce himself, Felix “with supernatural force tore [him] from his father” yet again leaving the monster to feel bitter anguish and neglect. No matter the friendly deeds of the Creature, people are unable to overlook his appearance and assume he is inherently malicious. The repeated rejection, loneliness, and anger for his existence on earth makes the monster feel “for the first time the feelings of revenge and hatred” in which he “bent his mind towards injury and death” to his creator (Shelley 125). The monster understands that he has no purpose of existing as his own creator as well as other humans shun him from society. The monster never feels the love and bond he so desperately wants from his “father” that when he stumbles upon William

When the Monster asks for a female companion, Victor sincerely considers his point of view. Victor has a moment where he does have a change of heart for the monster as “his words had a strange effect upon [him], and [he] compassionated him and sometimes felt to console [the Creature]” (Shelley 133). Victor learns of the Monster's struggles and is left feeling remorse. He agrees to create a companion to give his Monster, but when he finishes the female counterpart, Victor, this time around, thinks of the possible dangers that could arise with a female companion. The Monster “saw [Victor] destroy the Creature on whose future existence he depended for happiness, and with a howl of devilish despair and revenge, withdrew” (Shelley 152). The Creature is furious at Victor for not keeping his promise, and at the likelihood of his like continuing in solitude. The Creature warns Victor that he will be there on his wedding night. Victor is oblivious to the fact that the Creature kills Elizabeth because he is envious of Victor's life in which he will never have. Victor takes no responsibility to provide a good life for his creation that the Monster has no other duty than to torment Victor and show him what his life is like. Until this point, Victor avoided the Monster but now, he dedicates his life to