Mary Shelleys Frankenstein - Essay Example

He thought that achieving his purpose of “artificially” creating life would bring him utmost contentment, however, the outcome has brought to him much fear because he believed he had instead created a monster.  As Frankenstein narrates his life, the author gives away bits and pieces which relates to what would ultimately become of the main character.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the author’s main point? Why or why not? For Frankenstein: What are your reflections and thoughts on this particular section? Use at least two quotes from this section to support your reaction.

            In view of the things happening in real life, I agree with the author’s main point.  Just look at how man has devised ways and means in order to be god-like.  We have created multiple killing machines to inflict harm on others just so they would yield to our desires.  We have discovered how to replicate the DNA and perform cloning in the guise of improving one’s genes.  However, we still fail to realize that such inventions would potentially lead to our downfall should we fall short of regulating their applications.  Man believes that he has to power to discover the marvels of science, however, if he fails to control this power and violates natural laws, his doom becomes inevitable.

            As Shelley imparts to us in this novel, “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 would allow.”  In this passage, readers are advised to do everything in moderation and with utmost caution, specifically the pursuit of knowledge.  We should learn how to respect God-given life.

            Similarly, the author conveys, “A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind, and never to allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquility.”  With this she sends a message on contentment and how this state relates to peace of mind.  As evidenced by Frankenstein himself, we can see how his passion not only disturbed his tranquility but also brought him horror and disdain.

3. Record a line or two from the reading that got your attention and explain your selection.

            The particular passage which especially caught my attention was, “No word, no expression could body forth the kind of relation in which she stood to me – my more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only.  More than a duty; it was a necessity, a passion….” 

This is how Victor described his feelings towards Elizabeth.  The way Victor felt for Elizabeth was very compelling.  As early as childhood, readers are able to witness Victor’s attitude with regard to matters that fascinate him, i.e. Elizabeth and natural science.  He becomes so much attached to a cause or purpose such that his affections always have a tendency to become obsessions.