The story of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley tells the typical story of the dangers of technology. In a world of rapid scientific advancement, it is hard not to get caught up in the whirlwind of new and interesting discoveries. However, sometimes technological advancements are taken too far and become a detriment to society.
Although Frankenstein is a fictional story, its moral structure greatly mirrors that of many real life struggles. The protagonist Frankenstein is fascinated by science and dedicates his entire livelihood to “infusing life into an inanimate body” (Shelley 83). This is a novel technology that brings great excitement and purpose to Frankenstein’s life. However, it isn’t until after the creation of this “monster” that Frankenstein realizes the moral repercussions of his invention. Frankenstein shared, “now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley 84). Along the same lines, he exclaims that this invention “became a thing such as even Dante could not have conceived” (Shelley 84). He had created a demon, and there was no turning back. Frankenstein’s zest for innovation and evolution backfired, and his cutting-edge invention came back to bite him in the butt. Frankenstein’s terrible sickness and the murder of his brother both provide evidence of the fact that Frankenstein’s invention of this creature was morally wrong.
Even in 1818, Shelley was able to foresee the dangers of scientific technology. Today, advancements such as cloning and designer babies bring up identical struggles. Although these inventions are captivating and potentially beneficial, they have many moral detriments as well. The story of Frankenstein is symbolic of the universal moral struggle that scientists face when approaching a technological advancement.
It is very interesting that you’ve noted the date of the book. I didn’t think about that. This novel, written in 181, is the oldest work we have read. Personally, I do not necessarily feel Shelley intentionally makes the connection to the future detriments technology will pose on society. I agree the story outlines how technology can cause great devastation, but I do not necessarily believe Shelley made the connection to society in the future. Right now, it is just my opinion against yours and as we read more maybe it will become more clear and lean toward mine or your argument. Great post!
As we’ve discussed in class, technology can benefit or hurt us. In this novel, I am not sure toward what end this novel will focus. On one hand, the monster is portrayed as evil, but we do not have any concrete evidence that he is. Although Frankenstein suspects that he killed his brother, it has not yet been proven. I think the book could go either way.
Throughout the other novels we have studied, the class has discussed the possibilities of technology be beneficial or harmful to our society. As you have clearly indicated, from the first volume of Frankenstein, it appears that technology has only been harmful. Through his obsession with technology, Frankenstein not only separates himself from his friends and family, but also his physical isolation drains the life out of him, staying up all night to work on his project and ultimately becomes chronically ill. Despite the fact that Frankenstein refers to his creation as a “monster”, we as the readers cannot be positive that his creation murdered WIlliam as there appears to be no hard evidence of that assumption. Therefore, it will be interesting to read the following chapters and discover whether the technology that created this “monster” is actually harmful to society.
I agree with your comment that “its moral structure greatly mirrors that of many real life struggles.” Even though the novel was written so long ago, technology is constantly advancing. While technology can be harmful, it has benefitted us a lot more than it has harmed us.
Traditionally, science is strictly research. But, Shelley infuses emotions and other humanlike characteristics into Frankenstein’s studies. His creation causes the deaths of many people and leaves whole families emotionally distraught. Shelley shows the reader what could happen if science does not stay in its usual boundaries and goes beyond experimentation. For instance, the examples that you named where the scientific field takes it further than expected.
This is a great conversation happening here in the comments, and I look forward to continuing it in class today.