Frankenstein :: essays papers

Frankenstein Mary Shelleyîâ€" ¸ Frankenstein is filled with various underlying themes, the crux being the effect society has on The Creatureîâ€" ¸ personality. In fact, the ethical debate concerning biotechnological exploration into genetic cloning has created a monster in itself. A multitude of ethical questions arises when considering the ramifications of creating a genetically engineered human being. Does man or science have the right to create life through unnatural means? Should morality dictate these technological advancements and their effects on society? The questions and concerns are infinite, but so to are the curiosities, which continue to perpetuate the advancement of biotechnological science. In literature, Mary Shelleyîâ€" ¸ Frankenstein serves as bio-ethical exhortation for today îâ€" ¸ technological advances in genetic cloning. Mary Shelleyîâ€" ¸ Frankenstein provides a clear distinction between the theoretical grandeur of manîâ€" ¸ ability to scientifically author life and the stark reality, which it encompasses. Shelley prophetically illustrates some of the potential hazards of breaking through the barrier that separates man from God. Her insight allows the reader to trace these reputations through Victor Frankenstein, the monster, and eventually society. The character of Victor Frankenstein illustrates the path of destruction scientists can create when ignoring their moral community. Victor was so impassioned with his life îâ€" ¸ work that he has lost all soul or sensation but for this one pursuit. Frankensteinîâ€" ¸ blinding ambition prevented him from seeing the potential consequences of his actions until it was too late. The first sign of Victorîâ€" ¸ fatal flaw of egotism is that he forgets his bond to nature and to the people he loves. î˜ £ new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would own their being to me.? (933). His absence of moral judgement is the catalyst for what becomes the demise of the creature, society and ironically himself. It would be years before Victor fully realized that his neglect of moral obligation to the creature and society had unleashed a hideous monster that would eventually destroy his society as revenge for the monsterîâ€" ¸ sense of abandonment. î˜ « shuddered to think that future ages might curse me as their pest, whose selfishness had not hesitated to buy its own peace at the price, perhaps, of the existence of the whole human race.? Frankenstein led by the desire to widen human knowledge finds that fulfillment of his lofty ambition has brought only a curse to mankind.