Risks Of Cloning In Frankenstein

Within the last two centuries, cloning technology has evolved so tremendously that it is a common practice within biomedical research. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), cloning is the process of replicating existing DNA. The primary purpose of cloning in the 21st century is for medical research; however, various cloning purposes have been used to help rebuild populations of endangered animals (NHGRI). Although cloning science is now used for beneficial and productive purposes, Mary Shelley’s most famous novel, Frankenstein, depicts the dangers and risks of cloning. In her book, scientist Victor Frankenstein defies human nature and recreates life out of the remains of the deceased. Despite the creature’s typical human abilities, he is rejected by society because of his

Furthermore, it has been scientifically proven that the products of cloning have slightly varied genetics, and may not behave the same way as the original copy of genes. As Satomi Angelika Murayama (ME) of Berkeley explains, “Although the donor and the clone will look exactly the same physically, as they have individual genomes, internally, they will be different individuals. The environment in which we grow up in and the experiences that we have throughout our life define us and shape us uniquely as individuals.” In Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein abandons his creature, leaving the creature defenseless against those who fear him. Although Frankenstein did not replicate DNA like in modern cloning, this concept still applies. In the novel, the creature recalls “children shrieking” and “women fainting” at his sight (Shelley 123). Because of his grotesque appearance, society rejected the creature and attacked