Evil in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein - 1462 Words

Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is very much a commentary on the Enlightenment and its failure to tame the human condition through reason. The human condition can be defined as the unique features which mold a human being. The creature is undoubtedly a victim of this predicament. He grapples with the meaning of life, the search for gratification, the sense of curiosity, the inevitability of isolation, and the awareness of the inescapability of death. These qualities and his ceaseless stalking of his master conjure up the metaphor that he is the shadow of the Enlightenment. Indeed, the Enlightenment is represented through Frankenstein whereas the creature is the embodiment of everything it shuns. These include nature, emotion, and savagery. The two characters are understood as counterparts and yet strikingly similar at the same time. The creature is considered a monster because of his grotesque appearance. Frankenstein on the other hand is a monster of another kind: his ambition, secrecy, and selfishness alienate him from human society. He is eventually consumed by an obsessive hatred of his creation. Both characters also commit primordial crimes. Although rationality pervades through Frankensteins endeavours, it can be argued that he becomes less human the more he tries to be God. The secret of life lies beyond an accepted boundary from which none can return. By creating life Frankenstein ironically sets the stage for his own destruction as well as that of his family. TheShow MoreRelated Mary Shelleys Frankenstein as a Portrait of Evil Essay1701 Words   |  7 PagesFrankenstein as a Portrait of Evil   Ã‚  Ã‚   Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is more than just a story of a creation gone bad; it is rather a story of evil that compares Victor Frankenstein to Prometheus and his monster as a God-like figure. Mary was able to do this by all of the influences that she had. These influences made her able to write a new, modern, Prometheus that did not directly call upon God, but, however, it did directly call on evil.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The influences that Mary ShelleyRead MoreGood and Evil in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay853 Words   |  4 PagesGood and Evil in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley. She was born in 1797 and died in 1851. Her parents were also progressive writers, and their work would have influenced Shelleys work. Frankenstein is written in the gothic horror genre. The idea of Frankenstein actually came to Mary Shelley in a half waking nightmare. She herself said, When I placed my head on the pillow I did not sleepà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ My imagination, unbiddenRead MoreEssay on The Themes of Good and Evil in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1346 Words   |  6 PagesHow are the themes of good and evil explored in Chapters 16 and 17 of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein? Not only does the idea of ‘good vs. evil’ have relevance in today’s society, but some of the ideas behind the medical advances shown in ‘Frankenstein’ and the moral issues of creating new life in unnatural ways such as cloning, should we really be making life for scientific advances or should we be leaving to nature? During Chapters 16 and 17, Frankenstein is telling the sailor what the Read MoreMary Shelleys Frankenstein as a Tale of a Struggle Between Good and Evil1462 Words   |  6 PagesMary Shelleys Frankenstein as a Tale of a Struggle Between Good and Evil Mary Shelleys novel Frankenstein can be conceived as an anomaly for many things with its many underlying themes but most predominantly it is a power struggle between good and evil. The main character named Frankenstein develops a lust for knowledge early on in the novel and although this has its circumstances it is seen as an evil obligation. Mary Shelley sees Frankensteins great ambition to createRead MoreEmotional Isolation in Mary Shelleys Life and in Frankenstein1159 Words   |  5 Pagesisolation in Frankenstein is the most pertinent and prevailing theme throughout the novel.   This theme is so important because everything the monster does or feels directly relates to his poignant seclusion.   The effects of this terrible burden have progressively damaging results upon the monster, and indirectly cause him to act out his frustrations on the innocent.   The monsters emotional isolation makes him gradually turn worse and worse until evil fully prevails.   This theme perpetuates from Mary ShelleysRead More The Dangers of Science in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay example1019 Words   |  5 PagesScience in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Mary Shelleys novel Frankenstein cannot merely be read as a literary work of the early 19th century. It represents the workings of young Shelleys mind. Further, it represents the vast scientific discoveries of the time, combined with Mary Shelleys intuitive perception of science. She views science as a powerful entity, but also recognizes the dangers if uncontrolled. Shelley demonstrates this fear in the book as science drives Victor Frankenstein to createRead More Comparing Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Kenneth Branaghs Frankenstein1212 Words   |  5 PagesComparing Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Kenneth Branaghs Frankenstein Most Americans have some idea of who Frankenstein is, as a result of the many Frankenstein movies. Contrary to popular belief Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a scientist, not a monster. The monster is not the inarticulate, rage-driven criminal depicted in the 1994 film version of the novel. Shelley’s original Frankenstein was misrepresented by this Kenneth branagh film, most likely to send a different message to theRead MoreComparison Between Frankenstein And Mary Shelley s Frankenstein1644 Words   |  7 Pagescomparing the creature in Mary Shelley’s original novel Frankenstein to multiple newer representations. The creature is portrayed differently in almost all illustrations; unfortunately, all modern representations of the creature tend to be wrong. The creature’s physical characteristics, intellectual abilities, morals, and actions are all drastically different when comparing modern representations to Shelley’s actual portrayal of the being, and these changes can ruin Shelley’s depiction of who the creatureRead MoreHuman and Important Cautionary Guide Essay1078 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction to Frankenstein Mary Shelley The ethical debate concerning biotechnological exploration into genetic cloning has created a monster in itself. A multitude of ethical questions arises when considering the effect of creating a genetically engineered human being. Does man or science have the right to create life through unnatural means? Should morality dictate these technological advancements and their effects on society? The questions and concerns are infinite, but so to are the curiositiesRead More Mary Shelly Essay examples1564 Words   |  7 PagesMary Wollstonecraft Shelly has written many books in her life. She has received much criticism about one of her books inperticular, Frankenstien. Frankenstein was one of her most famous novels. Shelly had written Frankenstein in order to enter a contest but what few people realized was that Frankenstein was one of many nightmares that Shelly had during her rough childhood. Shelly has become one of the most renowned Gothic authors because of her use of graphic desc riptions and settings and her