The Influence Of Knowledge In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Many advances in science have solved problems and had a positive influence, but some advances have been catastrophic. An example of this is, Zyklon B that was originally used as a disinfectant in the 1920s and later was used to kill mass quantities of people by the Natizis in World War 2. This is certainly the case in Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein. In the novel, Shelley illustrates this idea through the character of Victor Frankenstein, who is so deeply enticed by pursuing knowledge that his life collapses. Through her development of the character, Frankenstein, Shelley demonstrates desiring knowledge can be disastrous. Frankenstein pursues knowledge at all costs, even when he knows the consequences will be catastrophic. As a child,

After the death of his wife, Elizabeth, Victor grieves for the murders his monster inflicted: “The death of William, the execution of Justine, the murder of Clerval, and lastly of my wife, even at that moment I knew not that my only friends were safe from the malignity of the fiend” (188). Victor sees directly what acquiring knowledge has done to him. His creation has destroyed his life and now he has to deal with the consequences of his actions. Victor reveals another example of how knowledge is important to be pursued. After two years of not being in communication with Victor, Justin writes to Victor saying, “You have been ill, and even the constant letters of dear kind Henry are not sufficient to reassure me on your account. You are forbidden to write-to hold a pen; yet one word from you, dear Victor, is necessary to calm our apprehensions” (50). Whilst working on his creation, Victor has completely disregarded his family and has his friend write letters to them ensuring that he is well. His family has become uneasy over him, though he seems not to care as he is so greatly involved in his creation. After Victor’s life collapses, he still continues to preach the pursuit of