Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley in 1818, is a novel that explores the consequences of man playing God and attempting to create life through science. The story follows the scientist Victor Frankenstein, who becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life and eventually creates a monster through his scientific experiments.
Throughout the novel, there is a clear theme of the fear of science and its potential dangers. Victor is initially driven by his curiosity and desire to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, but as he delves deeper into his experiments, he becomes consumed by his own ambition and ego. As a result, he creates a being that is monstrous and destructive, leading to his own demise and the suffering of those around him.
One of the main fears explored in Frankenstein is the fear of the unknown. Victor's pursuit of knowledge takes him down a path that he cannot fully comprehend, and as a result, he unleashes a force that he cannot control. This fear is exemplified through the monster, who represents the unknown and unpredictable nature of science. The monster is a creature that is not fully understood and is therefore feared by those around him.
Another fear explored in the novel is the fear of the consequences of science. Victor's creation of the monster has disastrous consequences, not only for himself, but also for those around him. The monster is rejected by society and becomes bitter and vengeful, leading to a series of murders and ultimately causing Victor's own death. This fear highlights the potential dangers of science when it is pursued without caution or consideration for the consequences.
In conclusion, Frankenstein is a novel that explores the fear of science and its potential dangers. Through the character of Victor Frankenstein and the creation of the monster, Mary Shelley highlights the dangers of pursuing knowledge without caution and the potential consequences of playing God.
