Scientific Obsession

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Using Frankenstein, Mary Shelley discusses the relationship between man and science and the consequences of abusing that relationship. Shelley describes this relationship in an exciting manner that includes monsters, failed experiments, and the fateful life of an individual. Frankenstein describes a man whose journey begins as an innocent quest for knowledge but his life soon becomes a lesson to any other who dares to challenge the boundaries of science. Shelley uses Victor’s frequent travel abroad of create his passionate and obsessive nature which reveals the consequences of testing the boundaries of science which in turn leads to unexpected, chaotic outcomes. Shelley uses prolonged periods of isolation to help develop Victor’s passionate and obsessive nature. Development of his nature is shown clearly at the time when Victor is creating the first monster, as he describes how “my cheek had grown pale with study and my person had become emaciated with confinement (Shelley 40).” Victor goes so far as to describe himself as “confined” as if he is a lone prisoner to his work. He is a...

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