Humans are always looking for ways to experiment with nature, testing the limits of our natural world. Continuous advancements expand our understanding of science and the potential of unearthing future discovery and development. As scientists push for further innovation, it seems rare negative outcomes that can be triggered by a scientific advancement. After scientists successfully cloned a sheep, research has brought mankind closer to the prospect of cloning a human being.
Many believe that this is going too far, as humankind is not entirely comfortable with the prospect of playing God. Scientists have slowed on further advancement, not wanting to be responsible for something the world isnt ready for. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, a man named Victor Frankenstein is determined to uncover the connection between life and death, by bringing a lifeless creature into existence. Determined to challenge nature and develop a new species, Frankenstein pursues his experiment to the end.
When the outcome reveals that something went terribly wrong, Frankenstein disregards all responsibility, which leads to deadly consequences. Frankenstein is shocked to witness his creation was not a beautiful being, but a appalling and horrifying creature. No mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy again endured with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. (p. 43). The creature, which possessed a good heart, couldnt understand why his creator had deserted him. He obtained natural instincts and emotions, wanting love and companionship.
As he travels alone into the world, everyone he comes across either runs from him or tries to hurt him. He struggles for survival, as he has no way to live or be happy. Being devastatingly feared and unaccepted by society, the creature seeks revenge on Frankenstein, who placed him into this world of torment. All the anger and confusion that the creature has toward society he blames on Frankenstein. After being repeatedly rejected, he slips into a violent state where his purpose is to cause Frankenstein to suffer, just as he has been forced to endure.
There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No; from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and more than all, against him who has formed me and sent me forth to this insupportable misery. (p. 121). As he spends each agonizing day in torture, the creature comes to think of nothing but the revenge he will soon seek to gain. The creatures method for payback is to kill everyone close to Frankenstein, so he will feel the same loneliness and worthlessness.
His first victim is Frankensteins son, William. He strangles the young boy to death, afterward feeling triumphant. After the killing he exclaims, I too can create desolation; my enemy is not invulnerable; this death will carry despair to him, and a thousand other miseries shall torment and destroy him. (p. 127). The creature discovers that he can make an extreme impact on others. This is his way of getting the attention that he didnt receive when he was first brought to life. In order to try to save himself and his loved ones, Frankenstein can no longer choose to ignore his creation.
