Everyone famously known as one of the first science fictions that Mary Shelley probably single handedly made popular by asking us what if we took a blank body and restored it to life, whats human knowledge seems intended for. It is about Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who fashions living beings from dead tissue only to be fermented by his very own creation. Far from just another horror story, this is a unique take on a tale of science outpacing our ability to cope with the repercussions in an emotional reverie about ambition and responsibility that asks how far we can go before what's left isn't worth saving. A careful analysis of Victor Frankenstein compared to Prometheus and the consequences that arise when man plays god highlights how important Mary Shelley still is today.
There is an analogous relationship between Victor Frankenstein and Prometheus within the two stories, showing how both of them are responsible as creators. In Greek mythology, Prometheus is a Titan who defied the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity - an act that enabled creation itself. In this same way is Victor likewise going against nature-- giving life to that which has none. For their respective trespasses both characters bear life-ruining results, Prometheus for being tortured evermore by Zeus and Victor unwillingly subject to the monster he has created. They are each cautionary tales of humanity's ability to go too far and the responsibilities that come with being able to create life. Furthermore, both characters wallow in a deep pit of their own doing. Prometheus is chained to a rock; Victor, in guilt and fear, withdraws from his family and the society. The heavy personal cost of the hubristic quest for god-like powers, these narratives remind us that what we are capable of creating does nothing to release from our moral and ethical responsibilities - if anything it amplifies them.
In "Frankenstein," the central image hangs on this question of whether someone capable of life itself can ever be a god. The novel ultimately claims that, for as intelligent and powerful as Victor is scientifically speaking; he will never ascend to godhood. He fails in this - he cannot see the results of his actions and, therefore, is no longer to dictate or take up responsibility for what he brings into being. Whereas a caring god would have molded Adam with love, Victor was motivated by hubris and personal aggrandizement more than real compassion for his creation. As a result of his neglect and disgust with the creature, we see tragic consequences being made again emphasizing that there is a night-and-day difference between having the power to create versus using it wisely. In addition, Victor's emotional and mental degradation that occurs throughout the novel serves to underline how unsuitable he is for godhood. The nightmares are mixed with anxiety and an obsession to kill oneself, a feeling of impending doom- all symptoms arising from the pure reasons why no human will ever be fit or healthy for gods. Shelley's story, in other words ultimately argues that the capacity to create life does not imply moral and ethical perfection or godly practicality, a perfect rejoinder for those begging hairsplitters who still maintain Ishmael-like condescension toward God who blaster-headed an Eden grate safely distant from them.
In addition to its narrative, Frankenstein resonates at a broader level with themes discussed in recent discussions of science and technology. Victor Frankenstein, mired in ethical confusion by the time the novel tells his tale. contain echoes into contemporary debates about genes and genetic modification, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies Like Victor's, these ambitions have the potential to generate unforeseen adverse consequences as well as great benefits. It is human concerns that the book will remind us of, as it should with something about how much danger constant and unchecked scientific progress brings wth itself. It encourages us to think about our roles in the power we have over life and nature, as a warning against hubris with statements that one can surprise ones gods or otherwise seek knowledge. In addition, "Frankenstein" opens a dialogue about the societal and environmental effects of science. On battles against climate change, biodiversity loss and the ethical treatment of sentient beings her work is a reminder and lesson. Now, by pointing out the dangers of technological hubris and arguing for the ethical stewardship that can prevent its worst effects from ever being realized in "Frankenstein," Shelley remains terribly pertinent with valuable ideas about human invention just as relevant now, perhaps more so than they have been since.
Inconclusion, the Frankenstein of Mary Shelley is an eternal essay on issues and moral questions concerned with creation life. The novel compares Victor Frankenstein to the mythological figure Prometheus warning of the perils of a scientific race with an eye toward ethics. In the end, it says that making life is not equal to being a god because for true godliness one need knowledge, foresight and more importantly ethical qualities — things Victor gravely lacks. Frankenstein is a powerful parable about our responsibility in pursuit of scientific knowledge, and the dire consequences that can result if we push too hard against higher barriers.
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