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The sanctity of the soul and the essence of life are profound, delicate elements that demand careful consideration and ethical reflection. Dr. Victor Frankenstein, portrayed in Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," embarked on a perilous journey to defy the boundaries of natural science, oblivious to the profound consequences that awaited him. This essay examines Victor Frankenstein's moral evolution throughout the narrative, tracing his initial aspirations, the realization of moral transgressions, and the subsequent growth in awareness and regret.
Victor Frankenstein, in his youth and naivety, harbored a burning desire to unravel the mysteries of the unknown.
Unlike other academic pursuits, where knowledge is built upon existing foundations, the field of natural science offered limitless potential for discovery. As Victor contemplates, "In other studies you go as far as others have gone before you, and there is nothing more to know; but in a scientific pursuit there is continual food for discovery and wonder" (Frankenstein 35-6). Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Victor envisioned himself breaking the shackles of conventional wisdom and challenging the very fabric of life.
However, his idealistic quest led him to commit atrocities against the natural order.
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Ignoring the sanctity of death, Victor ventured into forbidden realms by assembling disparate body parts into a single being, disregarding the ethical and moral implications of his actions. He failed to grasp the profound significance of death as an integral part of life's natural cycle. As Derek Dawidson articulates, "Death is about moving onto another existence, and life is trying to figure out your life's rebirth or beginning of a life" (Dawidson).
Victor's misguided attempt to play God resulted in an affront to the very essence of humanity.
Victor's moral awakening unfolded gradually as he witnessed the consequences of his scientific ambitions. The gravity of his transgressions became palpable when the creature he had birthed came to life. It was at this moment that Victor began to question the morality of his actions and the true cost of his pursuit of knowledge. The narrative reflects his evolving understanding and mounting regret as he grapples with the implications of his creations.
When Victor encounters Robert Walton, he imparts a cautionary tale, revealing his deep remorse: "You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been" (Frankenstein 15). Victor's regret is evident as he attempts to dissuade Walton from pursuing a path that mirrors his own tragic journey. The message is clear: unbridled pursuit of knowledge and obsession with a singular goal can lead to insanity and self-destruction. Victor, now aware of the consequences, aims to spare others from the perils of unchecked scientific ambition.
Victor Frankenstein's metamorphosis from an innocent seeker of knowledge to a tormented creator unfolds as a cautionary tale about the perils of playing God. His initial intentions, driven by an earnest desire to expand scientific understanding, resulted in the creation of a solitary and wretched creature. Victor, too late to rectify his errors, grapples with the weight of his moral transgressions and their profound impact on the life he brought into existence.
The narrative underscores the theme that playing God with mortal lives inevitably leads to self-destruction. Victor's journey serves as a stark reminder that the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition extend beyond the creator to the very fabric of humanity. His creation, devoid of companionship and condemned to a life of isolation, epitomizes the unintended and tragic outcomes of playing with the forces of life and death.
In conclusion, the moral evolution of Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" reflects a profound shift from youthful idealism to mature remorse. His journey serves as a cautionary tale about the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration and the devastating consequences of playing God. Victor's growth in awareness and regret highlights the imperative for responsible scientific conduct and the ethical considerations that should accompany the pursuit of knowledge.
The Moral Evolution of Victor Frankenstein. (2016, Jul 30). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/goals-of-dr-victor-frankenstein-essay
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