Scientific Discoveries In Frankenstein

1443 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Ethics in natural sciences

First, scientists should worry about the consequences of their discoveries. These discoveries have unbalanced how society is supposed to function. In a matter of fact, now today, these new and old inventions still have a major impact in the world today, even if we haven’t realized it. The question we can ask is to what extent should scientists worry about the consequences of their discoveries? Scientists should worry about the consequences of their discoveries because of the following arguments; a lot of scientific discovery were later used for horrible purposes. More, scientists should consider doing more tests before realizing a new project, to predict future consequences. In fact, a lot of inventions later caused deadly side effects.
Primarily …show more content…

According to novel, ‘I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation’’ (Shelley.38). This quote said by Victor expressing his ambition for science. In addition, he was so fascinated in his studies that he decided to bring back the dead to life, which later resulted in the dead of his brother William, his friend Henry, and his love Elizabeth. According to the novel, ‘‘How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe…the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart’’ (Shelley.48). This quote from Victor explains the feelings he had after creating the monster; he is filled with horror at his own creation. According to novel, ‘‘at such moments vengeance…I pursued my path towards the destruction of the demon more as a task from heaven’’ (Shelley.213). In this quote Victor has lost everything he cared for and searches only for revenge. As shown, Victor only wanted to save people and bring back life but instead it turned around on him which led to the death of most of his family and him. It is why scientists should be more vigilant with their inventions, they should use the ambition to think about every possible effect it could have on others before it’s too late. Overall, there’s always a moral …show more content…

Equally, these inventions were at first efficient and had a lot of use during it’s time, before they had a deadly impact. For example, mercury in thermometers, which was very dangerous, especially when mercury is in a liquid form. Further, the liquid mercury can evaporate and breathing in theses vapors can cause severe symptoms such as; coughing, breathlessness, burning feeling in the chest, muscle twitching, increased heartbeat, headaches and even death due to respiratory failure. Additionally, this is called mercury poisoning which is very deadly when it comes to the human respiratory system. Another example, leaded petrol, a cheap gas which was more efficient and more long lasting. However, it was extremely toxic, polluting land which caused lead poisoning too many people including children. In a matter of fact, lead poising caused an increase in violent crimes, causing side effects to the brain. Example, Chris Gentilviso

Show More
Related

  • Frankenstein Annotated Bibliography

    587 Words  | 2 Pages

    Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature highlights Frankenstein as the work of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, published in 1818, and it brought into the Western world one of its best known monsters. Elements of gothic romance and science fiction help in telling the story of young Swiss scientist Victor Frankenstein, as he creates a horrible monster by putting together limbs and veins, leading to destruction and his later regret. The creature is left alone in the world, even by his own creator, for his hideous appearance, and through watching humans he learns their ways of living. Haunting Victor due to his loneliness, he forcefully makes Victor agree to make him a female companion, but Victor’s regret and misery enables him to tear up his

    Read More

  • Victor's Guilt In Frankenstein Essay

    380 Words  | 1 Pages

    Victor's gradual descent towards the dark side of the human psyche is clearly portrayed through Shelley's writing. As stated in previous discussions, Victor's original motivation in pursuing a career in the science field was purely out of love for the world of science and a true passion for acquiring knowledge. However, as the novel continues, we witness his motives go from authentic to impure. As such, we delve into the dark side. His pursuit of knowledge and his creation of the monster are all on the purer or perhaps lighter side of the psyche. It isn't until he abandons him that we begin to see him cross over. His choices to abandon the creature, to let someone else to die for its crimes, to create it a companion only to kill her, to allow the ones he loved to die at its hand, and to still refuse to claim it in the end are all acts

    Read More

  • Cruelty In Frankenstein Essay

    739 Words  | 2 Pages

    If Victor had stayed around and showed the monster the real world, he might have not have went on to perform violent actions. This portrays Victor as a selfish character and gives more of an insight on his personal life. As a child, Victor is only interested in furthering his own knowledge and not worried about anyone else. He spent much of his time “drawing the picture of [his] early days... when [he] would account to [himself] for the birth of that passion which afterwards ruled [his] destiny” (Shelley 34), or otherwise a magnificent creation that would change his future. When constructing the Monster, he put all of his relatives in the back of his mind, and only focused on his own success and victory. This further explains the theme of being selfless and only doing certain things that will benefit

    Read More

  • Mutability In Frankenstein

    951 Words  | 2 Pages

    Shelley 94). Victor’s various thoughts of rage and hatred that had at first deprive him of utterance, but he recovers only to overwhelm the creature with words expressive of furious detestation and contempt, as he recalled creature’s misdoings to his loved ones. However, Victor pauses to “conceive,” to “feel,” and to “reason” with monster (M. Shelley 94). As Victor follows his creation, he notices the “air [to be full] of exultation” and “the rain” beginning “to descend,” showcasing Victor’s consent to change his view. (M. Shelley 98). Chapter 10 is exemplary of the Romantic Period where story becomes an allegory for real emotions and struggles. Victor’s

    Read More

  • Critical Analysis: It Always Costs By David Suzuki

    1006 Words  | 3 Pages

    The situations of technological flaws he chose as his examples added integrity to his arguments as well as proved his thesis. The author was skilled at explaining these examples profusely, thus further educating the readers and making them aware of how innovation can turn horribly wrong. One of Suzuki’s significant examples was the use of the DDT insecticide. The sole purpose of this chemical compound’s use was to kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes in hope of saving lives of those living in tropical climate countries. Although DDT did assist many, its use created more harm and damage than good. Evidently, that was not the goal of this insecticide; it was created to be helpful and to provide in a difficult circumstance. However, its side effects unmistakably cancel out any beneficial aspects it might have had. This example clearly illustrates the negative impacts technology has had on humanity. Another example Suzuki decided to put forth is the use of the oral contraceptive. Many overlook issues technology creates; they are too preoccupied with the benefits, it is all anyone can see! The oral contraceptive has undoubtedly helped countless women worldwide. However, as the author states in his essay, “ It was only after millions of healthy, normal women had taken the pill for years that epidemiologists could see negative effects. No amount of pretesting could have

    Read More

  • The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks, And De-Extinction

    910 Words  | 2 Pages

    Technology is supposed to be seen as such an advancement and great accomplishment. What others may not always know is sometimes it isn’t all fun and games, it could be dangerous. As seen when we created the atomic bomb and guns, their only purpose is to destroy and cause pain to others. Although they are not always in use they are a constant threat to our well being. We need to take into consideration the positives and the negatives of the technology we create now in present day. Many people change their position on this overarching question: What responsibility do people have when developing new technology? In the texts “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, “the Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot, and “De-Extinction” answers the questions that it may impose. Each of these texts share one same belief: Society holds

    Read More

  • Science, Technology, and Morality in Shelley's Frankenstein

    1101 Words  | 3 Pages

    Science is not inherently evil and never will become evil. Though the knowledge gained from science can be used toward producing evil, intended or not, and can be dangerous. The story of Victor Frankenstein shows the irresponsibility possible in the advancement of science and furthers the caution which humanity must take when it attempts to master its environment or itself. The proponents of cloning humans today should remind themselves of the lesson which Victor Frankenstein before they have to deal with the products of their research and learn the hard way.

    Read More

  • Frankenstein Out of Class Essay

    712 Words  | 2 Pages

    As a tragic hero, Victor’s tragedies begin with his overly obsessive thirst for knowledge. Throughout his life, Victor has always been looking for new things to learn in the areas of science and philosophy. He goes so far with his knowledge that he ends up creating a living creature. Victor has extremely high expectations for his creation but is highly disappointed with the outcome. He says, “I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley 35). Frankenstein neglects the creature because of his horrifying looks, which spark the beginning of numerous conflicts and tragedies. At this point, the creature becomes a monster because of Victor’s neglect and irresponsibility. The monster is forced to learn to survive on his own, without anyone or anything to guide him along the way. Plus, the monster’s ugly looks cause society to turn against him, ad...

    Read More

  • How Does Mary Shelley Create Sympathy For The Monster In Frankenstein

    612 Words  | 2 Pages

    First, Before the monster is created Victor says that he hopes this creation would bless him as his creator, and that the creature would be excellent nature and would be beautiful. After the creature is created Shelley creates sympathy for him by Victor’s description of him in a unique yet horrific way, “he’s ‘gigantic,” “deformed,” “yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath” this makes the creature abhorrent to typical humans. When thinking of the descriptions together, Shelley has created a vivid, unnatural image of the monster in the mind’s eyes. The language Shelley uses is powerful and emotive “shall I create another like yourself, whose joints wickedness

    Read More

  • Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    4333 Words  | 9 Pages

    In this essay I will be looking at the differences between the creation of the first and second monster, how Mary Shelley portrays the feelings of Victor and the monster and the different myths and legends that she refers to within the novel. Victor Frankenstein had a wonderful life as a child: 'No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself' (p.39) He was loving and cared deeply for his family, especially for his foster-sister, Elizabeth, who he looked upon as his own, and saw as a 'more than sister' (p.37). Victor always had an 'eager desire to learn' (p.39) about 'the secrets of heaven and earth' (p.39). When he was thirteen years old he started studying the works of Cornelius Agrippa and the fact that his father called it all 'sad trash' (p.40) fuelled his curiosity and enthusiasm and caused him to study even more which was to him, 'the fatal impulse that led to my [his] ruin' (p.41).

    Read More

  • Human Connection In Frankenstein

    590 Words  | 2 Pages

    When Victor died, the monster wept over his body. “‘But soon,’ he cried with sad and solemn enthusiasm, ‘I shall die, and what I now feel be no longer felt. Soon these burning miseries will be extinct,’” (277). This quote from the monster exhibits the void he felt after Victor died. The realization that his creator is dead becomes too much to bear for him, so he proclaims that he will die. This is symbolic to Mary Shelley’s real life.

    Read More

  • Victor Frankenstein: The Real Monster of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    1574 Words  | 4 Pages

    Although some critics say that the monster Victor has created is to blame for the destruction and violence that follow the experiment, it is Victor who is the responsible party.  First, Victor, being the scientist, should have known how to do research on the subject a lot more than he had done.  He obviously has not thought of the consequences that may result from it such as the monster going crazy, how the monster reacts to people and things, and especially the time it will take him to turn the monster into the perfect normal human being.  This is obviously something that would take a really long time and a lot of patience which Victor lacks.  All Victor really wants is to be the first to bring life to a dead person and therefore be famous.  The greed got to his head and that is all he could think about, while isolating himself from his friends and family.  In the play of  Frankenstein, when Victor comes home and sets up his lab in the house, he is very paranoid about people coming in there and finding out what he is doing.  At the end of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Victor says:

    Read More

  • Victor as the Monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

    865 Words  | 2 Pages

    Because of Victor’s need for fame and desire for power leads to Victor becoming a monster. Victor begins his quest to bring life to a dead person because he does not want anyone to feel the pain of a loved ones death. At first he is not obsessed with his project. As he moves along in the project he thinks about what will happen to him. "Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world. A new species would bless me as its creator and source, many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me." (Shelley 39) He realizes that he will become famous if he accomplishes the task of bringing a person back to life. The realization that he will become famous turns him into an obsessive monster. He wanted to be admired, and praised as a species creator. He isolates himself from his family and works on the creature. “I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation, but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.” (Shelley 156) By spending most of his time inside on his experiment, he has no time to write or contact his family. He puts fear within his family because they fear for him.

    Read More

  • Blind Ambition in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    770 Words  | 2 Pages

    After Frankenstein discovered the source of human life, he became wholly absorbed in his experimental creation of a human being. Victor's unlimited ambition, his desire to succeed in his efforts to create life, led him to find devastation and misery. "...now that I have finished, the beauty of the dream had vanished..." (Shelley 51). Victor's ambition blinded him to see the real dangers of his project. This is because ambition is like a madness, which blinds one self to see the dangers of his actions. The monster after realizing what a horror he was demanded that victor create him a partner. "I now also began to collect the materials necessary for my new creation, and this was like torture..." (Shelley 169). Victor's raw ambition, his search for glory, has left him. His eyes have been opened to see his horrible actions, and what have and could become of his creations. As a result, Victor has realized that he is creating a monster, which could lead to the downfall of mankind. His choice is simple, save his own life or save man.

    Read More

  • Dangers of Technology Exposed in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    1592 Words  | 4 Pages

    In Frankenstein, Shelley creates two very complex characters. They embody the moral dilemmas that arise from the corruption and disturbance of the natural order of the world. When Victor Frankenstein is attending school, he becomes infatuated with creating a living being and starts stealing body parts from morgues around the university. After many months of hard work, he finishes one stormy night bringing his creation to life. However, “now that [Victor] had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled [his] heart” (Chambers). Right after Victor realizes what he has done, he falls into deep depression and must be nursed back to health by his friend. Victor spends the rest of the story facing consequences and moral problems from creating unnatural life. When he realizes that the ‘monster’ has killed his brother, even though no one believes him, he feels responsible for his brother’s murder because he was responsible for the existence of the ‘monster’. Also feeling responsible, Victor...

    Read More

More about Scientific Discoveries In Frankenstein

Open Document