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The Role Of Knowledge In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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Frankenstein analyzes knowledge, and the pursuit of it, in the environment of the industrial age. The book further examines the ethical, moral, and religious effects of science. Victor Frankenstein, the main character, is the key guide in the book who shows the dangers of knowledge. Yet, Mary Shelley, the author, contradicts herself within the text and seems to say that curiosity is inherent in mankind and cannot be done away with. Frankenstein’s monster is shown as a scientific feat; however, it seems to only bring sorrow and devastation to the creator. It’s as if the universe decided to use Frankenstein’s monster as a punishment towards the creator for his need, or addiction, for knowledge. It reminds me of the story of Prometheus, he gave man fire which was supposed to be for immortals only (a divine knowledge). This is reflected in Frankenstein, where Victor reaches past regular mortals to obtain a secret only meant for those with divine power. In essence, Dr. Frankenstein obtained the power of God and made life without man or woman. …show more content…

He says, “learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge…” But even still his statement is saturated in contradictions. Victor first demands his listener to “learn” from him and then he warns of the danger of knowledge. Knowledge is linked to learning, one leads to the other. Victor’s statement of “how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge” contradicts his demand to listen, which then means he doesn’t want the listener to take his advice. Victor then says the man “who believes his native town to be the world,” is “happier” than one who has a thirst for

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He has always wanted to know why things are the way they are; simply accepting things as they were was not good enough. “I confess that neither the structure of languages, nor the politics of various states, possessed attractions for me. It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me…” (Victor 31). AS Victor grew older, his curiosity only grew alongside with him.

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This relentless pursuit, despite the extreme physical and emotional toll, showcases the depth of Victor's hubris. In his final moments, on the brink of death, he acknowledges the consequences of his actions, lamenting. “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will

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Although knowledge can fascilitate daily life by making technological and scientific advancements, classic novels like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde demonstrate the danger in too much knowledge. In Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, Dr. Frankenstein is in pursuit of creating life. Initially, this iedea seems like a beneficial development in science, but this changes quickly. The creation has a horrid countenance, and receives no love or compassion from anyone.

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While Victor is talking to Walton, he says, “Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me – let

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Victor is reflecting on the way that he was brought up, his parents are kind and indulgent and he is given many opportunities as a man as opposed to a woman, while he isn't oppressed by gender roles he is still met with the the social pressure to succeed on behalf of his gender which is a positive outcome of Victors gender. "No youth could have passed more happily than mine. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. We felt that they were not the tyrants to rule our lot according to their caprice, but the agents and creators of all the many delights which we enjoyed. When I mingled with other families, I distinctly discerned how peculiarly fortunate my lot was, and gratitude assisted the development of filial love.

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One of the prominent theme in Frankenstein is the danger of knowledge. Victor Frankenstein find himself exploring the world of science where “it was the secret of heaven and earth… the outward substance of things or the inner spirits of nature and the mysterious soul of man” that attracted him (Shelley 18). It is apparent that Victor have a thirst for knowledge through the reading of the alchemy books which lead him to go on go beyond what the normal human limits can do, that is, the answer to life. His new-found knowledge ultimately set him up for failure as he became addicted with creating life to the point where he robbed graveyards for limbs and committing many unholy acts to create his monster. His unchecked ambition proves to have devastating

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Transformational Knowledge in Frankenstein There are countless ways to interpret Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. New scientific insight constantly shines on the novel as scholarship brings in history of the period and Shelley’s background. While using the lens of an 1814 lecture on the nature of life or Percy Shelley’s engrossment with electricity can show undeniable bearing on the text, these readings do not fully encapsulate Shelley’s critiques of science. Critics tend to only use these factors to acknowledge any scientific impact on the writing, and while I agree with them, I believe readers need to stress the issue of knowledge as much as historical factors.

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Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ encompasses how the continuous thirst for knowledge, a characteristic of human nature can bring about worldly change when the relationship between light and darkness is understood. During Shelley’s time, the Enlightenment period, new technologies and scientific advancements arose due to developments of the Industrial Revolution- these progressions were believed to bring new lights to civilisation; the ‘progress of man’. Her novel challenges these established values through her portrayal of Victor Frankenstein, the flawed protagonist. Throughout the novel Victor overtly seeks power derived from scientific knowledge, disregarding darkness and its potential dangers and consequences. The divine imagery used in “It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn,” typifies Victor’s arrogant

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Victor’s pursuit of knowledge comes from his curiosity of the world, as his idea of creating the master race needed the secret of ever-lasting life. Following chapter 2, Victor analyzes Elizabeth, as she enjoyed the appearance of things, while he was delighted in investigating how they came to be. He says, “The world was to me a secret which I had desired to divine” (25). This characterizes Victor; how his curiosity of things were one of the earliest things he could remember, and how he’s determined to invest into how everything works. The pursuit of knowledge is a dangerous quest, as shown from Victor’s

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Victor’s isolation and confinement is what led to the decline of his physical and mental well-being. These texts work together to display how Victor’s pursuit for knowledge suppresses his ability to reach his full potential. Victor is unable to maintain his affectionate relationships with his loved ones because of his pursuit for achievement. In addition to Victor being affected by

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Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein carries a multitude of deep and pressing themes. When explored, one can ponder and consider many of the controversial issues that plague the world today. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein uses acquired knowledge to create an intelligent, emotional, and cunning creature. However, Victor becomes an arrogant and selfish individual, and by foolishly ignoring the circumstances of his scientific actions, ultimately causes the death of his entire family. In the process, the theme of utilized knowledge is explored heavily within Victor and the creature.

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