4.3 Science, ethics, and the human condition in Frankenstein

Frankenstein tackles the ethical dilemmas of scientific progress during the Industrial Revolution. It questions the responsibility of scientists and the consequences of unchecked ambition, using Victor's creation of the creature as a cautionary tale.

The novel explores what defines humanity and monstrosity, challenging societal norms. It delves into the impact of rejection and isolation on the creature's development, highlighting the destructive consequences of ostracism and the nature vs. nurture debate.

Scientific Ethics and Responsibility

Advances in Science and Technology

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• Galvanism refers to the contraction of a muscle stimulated by an electric current, a scientific concept that influenced Shelley's portrayal of Victor's creation of the creature
• The Industrial Revolution marked a period of rapid technological advancements and mechanization, which raised questions about the consequences of unchecked scientific progress (assembly lines, factories)
• Enlightenment ideals emphasized reason, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge, which shaped Victor's ambitions and his disregard for ethical boundaries in his scientific endeavors (rationalism, empiricism)

The Responsibility of Scientists

• Frankenstein explores the concept of scientific responsibility, questioning the ethical implications of pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge without considering the consequences
• Victor's obsessive pursuit of knowledge and his desire to uncover the secrets of life lead him to create the creature, demonstrating the dangers of unbridled scientific ambition
• The novel suggests that ignorance can be a form of protection, as Victor's lack of foresight and disregard for the potential ramifications of his actions ultimately lead to tragedy (creature's suffering, deaths of loved ones)

The Monster's Humanity and Rejection

Defining Monstrosity

• The creature's physical appearance is described as monstrous and grotesque, leading to his immediate rejection by society and his creator, Victor
• Despite his hideous exterior, the creature demonstrates human qualities such as the capacity for love, learning, and the desire for companionship, challenging the notion of monstrosity
• The novel raises questions about the nature of humanity and what truly defines a monster: physical appearance or actions and behavior

The Consequences of Social Rejection

• The creature's repeated experiences of social rejection and abandonment, starting with Victor's abandonment and the De Lacey family's rejection, shape his development and fuel his anger and resentment
• The lack of acceptance and the creature's isolation from society lead him to seek revenge against Victor, highlighting the destructive consequences of ostracism and loneliness
• The creature's narrative emphasizes the importance of nurture and the impact of societal acceptance or rejection on an individual's character and actions (nature vs. nurture debate)

Themes of Creation and Morality

The Promethean Myth and Playing God

• Frankenstein draws upon the Promethean myth, which tells the story of the Titan Prometheus, who created humans and gave them fire, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and the potential consequences of overreaching
• Victor's act of creating life mirrors the actions of Prometheus, as he seeks to bestow the spark of life upon inanimate matter, essentially playing God
• The novel explores the hubris and the dangers associated with attempting to control or manipulate the natural order, as Victor's creation ultimately leads to destruction and suffering

Moral Ambiguity and the Gray Areas of Right and Wrong

• Frankenstein presents a complex moral landscape, where characters' actions and motivations are not clearly defined as right or wrong, good or evil
• Victor's scientific pursuits and his desire to conquer death can be seen as noble, yet his lack of responsibility and the suffering caused by his actions raise ethical questions
• The creature's acts of violence and murder are reprehensible, yet his experiences of abandonment and mistreatment evoke sympathy and understanding, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator (murder of William, framing of Justine)