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Research In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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There is a thin line between going too far with scientific research and what is acceptable for the greater good. Most people don’t know where this line starts and stops which can lead to problems. This is presently shown in Mary Shelley's book Frankenstein as the main character, Victor Frankenstein, goes beyond this line almost to the levels of “god”. He wants to create life from death to help some of the world’s problems, such as disease. He goes to great extents to fulfil his dreams, but in his arrogance, he doesn’t see the repercussions that his research could have on himself and others. His work is what gives his life meaning, but ultimately leads to his destruction. When your passion becomes your job, it could make you happy for the …show more content…

Shortly after his monster is created, Victor falls into a deep illness. Victor Frankenstein couldn’t handle the stress of what his passion has lead him to accomplish. Victor says, “But I was in reality very ill; and surely nothing but the unbounded and unremitting attention of my friend could have restored me to life” (Shelley 50). He can’t even take care of himself because he is so sick. Shelley may be pointing out that Victor can’t bear the consequences that his, and the monster’s actions have brought about and is overwhelmed with guilt and sadness. In addition, Frankenstein’s monster starts to ruin his life. The monster wants revenge against Victor for leaving him to fend for himself, but the monster wants him to suffer. The monster decides to kill Victor’s family. Froma Walsh, a Professor, says “Loss is a powerful nodal event that shakes the foundation of family life and leaves no member unaffected. More than a discrete event, it involves processes over time, from the threat and approach of death” (8). This is especially cruel because Victor has to live with knowing he could have saved them. Lastly, the monster makes Victor goes through the process of making another monster. Even though the monster promises to leave with his mate, Victor still knows that there would be two of those “things” running around in the world. The monster promises to completely ruin his life because Victor decided to destroy the second monster. Victor knows of what’s to come, but he doesn’t stop

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