Frankenstein Essay

frankenstein Dustin Wadsworth Mrs. Martin British Literature Frankenstein essay 18/03/13 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is an acclaimed novel written in 1818. She touched on many different subjects in the book. One of which was the act of science going against religion. When people of faith believe something goes too far. This seems to still be an issue today. The book fallows the life of Victor Frankenstein. He begins to become fascinated with different scientific theories, such as alchemy. He goes to a college called Ingolstadt, where one of his professors scolds him for believing in such insane theories. Victor says “Remember, I am not recording the visions of a mad man. The sun does not more certainly shine in the heavens, than that which I now affirm is true.”(47). Victor is trying to explain how he views his interests, and how science and religion can coexist. There are many ways that something can be viewed as playing god. When someone creates a scenario where they are playing the role of god, it is not going to be viewed kindly by the religious community. Victor has become obsessed with the idea of restoring life to the dead. He explains this by saying “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.”(48). He begins to feel a sense of empowerment from the idea of creating life. Creating something that would see him as a god like figure, but he is not considering the repercussions of his actions. Once Victor creates the monster, he regrets what he had done. He has succeeded in his pursuit of scientific discovery, but at what cost. The creature has killed his brother William, and the servant, Justine, was executed for the murder. Victor blames himself for their deaths. The creature confronts Victor, and tells him his story. He tells Victor that if he were to create him a companion, that he would have no reason to harm anyone ever again. To which Victor replies