Frankenstein's Ambition Research Paper

801 Words4 Pages

In the novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores the perils of unchecked ambition through the tragic story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist whose pursuit for knowledge leads to catastrophic consequences. Shelley's narrative delves into the complexities of human ambition and the ethical dilemmas that arise when the pursuit of knowledge surpasses moral boundaries. Victor Frankenstein’s relentless ambition to create life results in disastrous outcomes, serving as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of modern scientific endeavors that neglect ethical considerations. Victor Frankenstein’s journey starts with a deep ambition, driven by a thirst for knowledge and the desire to achieve greatness. From a young age, Victor was curious and fascinated by science. He says, "I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life …show more content…

37). This curiosity becomes an obsession with discovering the secrets of life itself. Victor’s ambition reaches its peak when he finds a way to bring life to dead matter, saying, "What had been the study and desire of the wisest men since the creation of the world was now within my grasp" (Shelley, 2008, p. 34). Driven by his desire to go beyond human limits, he works tirelessly to create life. This shows that Victor's initial noble pursuit of knowledge transforms into an uncontrollable obsession, setting the stage for future tragedies. The disastrous results of Victor’s ambition highlight the novel's main message: seeking knowledge and power without considering ethics can lead to horrible outcomes. Victor’s initial success in creating life is overshadowed by his failure to think about the responsibilities and consequences of his actions. He warns, "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how