Frankenstein

How does Mary Shelley see advancements in science as affecting humanity and its relationship with the natural world in the novel Frankenstein' INTRO * Mary Shelley's Frankenstein builds an emphasis of the detrimental effects science can have on humanity and its natural world. It draws parallels in our modern society, and shows that there is a danger in the impersonal relationship that science creates between the scientist and his work.  It seems that Shelley was saying that when science is done merely on the basis of discovery without thought to the affect that the experimentation can have, we risk endangering everything close to us. * Victor Frankenstein, A young Swiss boy who grew up in Geneva reading the works of the ancient and outdated alchemists * attended Ingolstadt University, * learnt about modern science and, within a few years, mastered all that his professors had to teach him. * a monster, which ironically through the “creation of life” will now signify the end for many lives, * The monster he created could be seen as a representation of all those who are wronged in the selfish name of science * monsters exterior is very much contrasted to his personality. The monster is a rather kind and compassionate being and through the constant rejection of other humans, it pulses fury through his veins which results in him seeking revenge against victor for bringing him into this world. * Victor’s personality varies throughout the novel. Prior to the creation of the monster, Victor is a very enthusiastic, kind and humble person who holds a fascination of science. We see his ambition for knowledge when he says * “ It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn” * ” I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.” * The novel tries to create a image of how greatly crossing the boundaries of science can affect one and many others, we see this through the novel in Victors contrasting attitudes and personalities where prior to the creation, though he was still obsessed with science, there was no actual “scientific advancements” within his experiments at this stage which is why his personality reflects a more strong, happier and selfless character and was part of a happier family. * “Seek happiness in tranquility and avoid ambition”.POETIC LANAGUAGE Hence his ambition and refusal to quit his dream has made him pay. Overall Victors personality is a prime example of the effects science has on humanity and the ability it has to destroy everything one holds close to him if it is not used in the correct way. * To most who endeavour to begin reading the novel Frankenstein, all have a pre-meditated understanding of the name of the “monster” to be Frankenstein, however symbolism is cleverly evident within the title of the novel where “Frankenstein” is actually Victor, the creator, not the monster himself. This reflects that Victor develops a monster within himself with the help of advancements in science. * science causes humanity to become “inhumane”. * Secrets being revealed does not always have positive effects on humanity, Sometimes ones oblivion to a certain belief is what builds there faith and love for that certain part of their life, such as having faith in god, which science has been trying to disprove for centuries. Victor Frankenstein almost plays God in the novel to create life, which is ultimately “inhumane” and in result of this, many lives are lost and hearts are crushed in result of it. * In conclusion, the 19th century was a important century for the scene of scientific advancements, and Mary Shelley’s novel was written as a “warning” to humanity that science contains inhumane effects on society if it is not used correctly.