A Pioneer in Science
Mary Shelley was undoubtedly a pioneer in the horror genre. Frankenstein’s monster is an iconic figure with even more recognizable looks. Who is the Monster in the Novel Frankenstein? Lessons in Modern Science.
However, those who have read the novel know that there is far more to the tale than a destructive, fear inducing green monster.
Mary Shelley was also a pioneering force in environmentalism, heeding a warning to scientists. She recognized a pattern within scientists that would have far reaching impacts in modern society. Mary Shelley offered important lessons in the ego of scientist.
A Scientist’s Motivation
In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley the creative genius Frankenstein is convinced that through his ingenuity and innovation that he has complete and utter control of the natural systems.
During the time period Frankenstein was being written there was an emergence of scientific innovation that challenged the idea that nature and science was controlled by God, this was reflected in Shelley’s novel.
With the increase of technologies and knowledge came an interesting shift in power, with the ability to modify nature in new ways humans felt that they are higher up in the natural order.
“They (modern scientist) penetrate into the recesses of nature, and show how she works in her hiding places. They ascend into the heavens … they can command the thunders of heaven, mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with its own shadows” (Professor Walden, Shelley 28-29).
Victor’s concentration in the attainment of knowledge in the sciences is the very thing that led to his ignorance. His ignorance produces a destructive unstoppable force that no one could have predicted.
He felt it his duty to, ”pour a torrent of light into our dark world…excellent natures would owe their being to me” (Shelley 33).
This sense of responsibility came solely from his ego and dominion over the natural systems of the world. Frankenstein feels as if he was struggling against a “palpable enemy”, his only objective is to conquer this enemy for his own personal gain.
Who is the Monster in the Novel Frankenstein?
Perhaps it is the ego and dominance of a scientist.
Loss of Control
Victor finally achieves his goal. He creates life through his very own will and control.
With this landmark achievement there is a brief astonishment of beauty.
Followed quickly be pure disgust and repulsion by the very creator himself. He is overwhelmed by the sublime unnatural disposition of his creature.
Victor releases all responsibility of the monster and all sense of control is lost.
The lost creature turns to nature and the wild for solace and a sense of belonging.
The destruction that resulted is not the creature’s sole fault. The fear that resulted was not the creature’s sole fault. But rather is in large part the fault of the out of control hubris of a scientist.
Popular media and recent depictions of the creature would have the culture believe otherwise.
Lessons in Modern Science
The truth of the horror and fear of monsters lying within modern science and scientists is difficult to bear.
Modern scientific developments involve a complex chain of events. Each intervention within natural systems disrupts a delicate balance.
For example pesticides, burning fossil fuels, gene editing, habitat destruction etc.
Frankenstein’s motives for his scientific development come from the impulse to dominate nature. Frankenstein’s sole shortcoming is not in the creation of the creature itself. But rather the inability to nurture and care for his creation.
What are the motives for modern day scientific developments? How can modern day society nurture their creations? How will we address the consequences of our creations?
Right now many of creations are uncared for and on a path of destruction. However it is within our societies control to care for these creations and change the approach we have around science.