November 10, 2024

The Modern Prometheus: The Fault of Victor Frankenstein

In the novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, the author conveys that actions have consequences. Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who sets out to create a companion, ends up creating a monster who wreaks chaos everywhere it goes.  Although Victor Frankenstein did not intend on causing chaos, it is ultimately his fault for the havoc caused by the monster.  Since Science is an extremely mysterious field of study, those conducting experiments need to be wary and aware that extreme and dangerous consequences may arise as seen throughout the book.

Scientists need to consider the consequences that their actions may have. For example, in Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein creates a monster that will do his bidding. His need to dominate and feeling of superiority become a barrier. Instead of obeying its master, the monster instead causes problems everywhere it goes. The monster is extremely lonely and insists that it wants a female companion from Victor Frankenstein. However, Victor Frankenstein refuses to create a female companion and the monster instead destroys Frankenstein’s personal life. The monster kills Henry Clerval, a close friend of Victor Frankenstein. The monster also kills his bride as a result of not creating a female companion. Despite abandoning the monster, creating a female companion would have fixed the situation as the monster wouldn’t have been lonely anymore. Even though Victor Frankenstein did not intend for the monster to cause this much chaos, his ignorance and opposition to treating the monster with love led to his downfall.

Frankenstein lives, 200 years later - The Washington Post

Victor Frankenstein’s actions demonstrate that within the field of Science, scientists need to be conscious of the fact that their actions have consequences. There have been many examples seen throughout history that demonstrate that actions may have unintended consequences. For instance, when the Manhattan Project was started, its main goal was to create Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The United States was able to successfully detonate a nuclear weapon. When they launched the two atomic bombs on the two Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the main goal was that these weapons would end the war. While they achieved this goal, these weapons led to the destruction of two industrial cities. It also led to thousands of civilian deaths in Japan. Japan surrendered after these two weapons were used. The impact following the war was much more unintended. Countries now focused on competing with one another in order to create their own WMD. This arms race destroyed the international system, as tensions between nations increased due to this competition. The arms race was also a contributing factor to the Cold War between the United States and Soviet Union. Both Science and Technology can be dangerous if not properly used.

It is ultimately the fault of Victor Frankenstein for the chaos that ensued. The monster sought to receive attention and love from its master, Victor Frankenstein. However, once he saw how ugly his creation was, Frankenstein wanted nothing to do with it. He abandoned the monster. As a result, the monster vowed to have revenge against its creator. The monster sought to strip Victor Frankenstein of everything he loved. Victor Frankenstein’s creation ultimately became his downfall. After the monster killed his friend and bride, Victor Frankenstein attempted to escape the monster’s wrath. He soon died of hypothermia while in the Arctic. Had Victor Frankenstein treated the monster with love and respect, it is likely that none of this would have happened.

Frankenstein is still extremely relevant within society today. Prior to conducting experiments, scientists need to fully accept the responsibility of their experiment or creation. Following the scientific method is a key part of this. Furthermore, a key theme of the book is that parents need to care for their children. In a sense, the monster was Victor Frankenstein’s child. He created it from nothing and abandoned it. In terms of technology, the book shows how destructive it can be. Victor Frankenstein uses technology to create the monster. In a way, Science and Technology are partially to blame for the events throughout the book. Victor Frankenstein is ultimately the key figure to blame for the chaos caused by the monster. His ignorance of his creation led to his downfall and ultimately stripped him of everything he loved.

As a result of not considering the consequences prior to creating the monster, Victor Frankenstein succumbed to his own demise. The death of his loved ones is his fault as well. The message of the book serves as a valid model for society. A lack of accepting responsible leads to failure. Although the book was written over two hundred years ago, it’s still extremely relevant today. The messages presented throughout the novel teach us that society is not perfect whatsoever. Clearly, actions can have unintended consequences, however, these unintended consequences need to be considered in order to minimize the problem to the fullest extent.

Frankenstein - Or, The Modern Prometheus: Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft: 9781722471217: Amazon.com: Books

 

Sources:

https://www.articulateshow.org/articulate/frankensteins-impact-lessons-for-the-modern-world

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/01/22/frankenstein-movie-history/4458425/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/frankenstein-lives-200-years-later/2016/08/23/e6c572c8-64ad-11e6-96c0-37533479f3f5_story.html

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