In reading the classic novel Frankenstein, I noticed that there are multiple relationships between science, knowledge, and different characters. What kinds of relationships can be seen between these three things in the novel?
One relationship I noticed is between Dr. Frankenstein's lifestyle and scientific knowledge. This knowledge was Victor's drive in life ever since he was a young child. When Victor was young, he watched his father perform electrical experiments. This began his interest in science. Once he began attending college lectures, his interest in science exploded. To Victor, science is the only route to knowledge. Once he creates his monster in chapter 4, he is frightened by the creation and is astounded that his methods did not work correctly. Because his scientific knowledge fails him, Victor goes into withdrawal from society. Clearly the link between science and knowledge affects Victor's life detrimentally. After creating the monster, Victor cannot even bear to speak with his very own teachers.
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Hmmm, I completely see what you're saying about Victor. Before his creation came about, he was still very introverted. Because he saw science as knowledge, and was often by himself when making discoveries, it was only natural for him to find salvation and comfort in scientific research and discovery by himself.
ReplyDeleteI sort of found this relationship in class today when we were talking about Frankenstein's monster venturing out and discovering new things in his new world. Like a child's first steps, or a caveman first discovering fire, the Monster wants to gain knowledge by observing the "science" of the environment. He does not necessarily WANT the knowledge but his natural instinct tells him to look around and observe and touch and feel and smell everything around him. It's this natural instinct that kinda makes us all unconsciously incorporate knowledge through sacrifice in our lives. Victor sacrificed his social stature and any semblance of a life. As we dive deeper into topics and work, whatever it may be, we always find ourselves getting caught up and losing sight of aspects of other parts of our lives.
It's funny that we can find things about ourselves in the novel!
I agree with Matt in that Victor uses science almost as a substitute for society prior to his creation. Upon seeing that his creation fails however, he feels that using science as a crutch has failed him as well. This combined with the horrible outcome of his experiment has caused him to shed all faith in science, as he vows to destroy what he has created through his scientific endeavor. Throughout the novel Victor cuts himself off from society whether it be to pursue scientific creation, or to destroy it. This is like what Cara-Joy was saying about Victor being introverted.
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