Stem Cell Research In Frankenstein

The novel Frankenstein represents more than just a book on manufacturing a creature and bringing it to life like any science fiction movie. The theme of science related topics and thoughts are heavily present in the novel. One attribute to the novel in the scenario of the creation is stem cell research and cloning. Cloning and stem cell research is prevalent in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein through the formation of Victor’s creature showing a deeper scientific outlook of the novel.

Stem cells and their research is an important factor in understanding the aspect of the creature’s awakening. A stem cell is “a simple cell in the body that is able to develop into any one of various kinds of cells”(Webster 1). While there are many types of cells,

The ES cells are taken from umbilical cords during the growth of the organism inside of the womb. These cells being in such high demand cannot accomplish its duties with there being less of ES cells rather than IPS cells. IPS, which stands for induced pluripotent stem cells, are similar but are full grown and mature adult cells that have to be “reprogrammed” to shift their duties as cells. (Kamp 1). Kamp states that this would allow organ transplants in the future that would less likely be rejected by the body by changing the cells to adapt and perform the same with the new heart, liver, etc. The research on IPS cells remains to be a hot topic as there is a wider range of variety as well as being more numerous than embryonic stem cells. As stated by Kathi E. Hanna, “Stem cells are unique and essential cells found in animals that are capable of continually reproducing themselves and renewing tissue throughout an individual organism’s life. ES cells are the most versatile of all stem cells because they are less differentiated, or committed, to a particular function than adult stem cells.” With further advancement

In the story, Victor creates his monster/creature by combining different ligaments and body parts and bringing it to life through a shock of electricity. The study of stem cells ranges back to the 1800’s through the research of alchemy, biology, and chemistry. Frankenstein is the interpretation of this research at the time period of the novel. Victor used the “research” of stem cells and cloning to make non-living parts from different beings come together to form one creature. The stem cells would allow the cells in the ligaments and other parts to adapt to a new atmosphere, blood type, etc and become new cells with different jobs in the body. The cloning mechanism in the novel forms when the creature asks Victor to create another monster so he will not be lonely (Shelley 135). The formation of another creature requires the need for cloning of essential body parts that are similar to the first monster. While portions of the novel focused on the stem cell research and cloning, another theory present is Galvanism. Luigi Galvani’s theory of Galvanism is the belief of electricity or electrical currents that can run through a living organism’s body and is used by interacting with the pulses in the body to create movement of the body and eventually life (Dibney 1). In the same way that Victor creates