Assignment Question
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Historical / Scientific: Examine Frankenstein as a scientist. What are his influences and what is his motivation and ultimate goal? How does his portrayal reflect 19th century scientific progress or concerns?
Answer
Introduction
Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” stands as a timeless classic, addressing profound themes of scientific discovery, ambition, and their unforeseen consequences. At the heart of this narrative is Victor Frankenstein, a character who embodies the archetype of the ambitious scientist. This paper will delve into an extensive analysis of Frankenstein’s role as a scientist, exploring the influences that shaped his quest for knowledge, his motivations, and the ultimate objectives he seeks to achieve. Additionally, we will closely examine how his portrayal is a reflection of the scientific progress and concerns prevalent in the 19th century, effectively contextualizing the novel within the intellectual and societal climate of the time. Throughout the paper, we will draw upon a substantial body of scholarly and credible sources to fortify our analysis, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of this multifaceted character.
Frankenstein’s Influences
Victor Frankenstein’s character in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is shaped by a myriad of influences that drive his scientific pursuits. His fascination with scientific exploration is deeply rooted in the historical and intellectual context of his time, as well as personal motivations. In this section, we will explore these influences and how they contribute to his relentless pursuit of knowledge. One of the prominent influences on Victor Frankenstein is the legacy of alchemy and natural philosophy. These arcane disciplines, prevalent in the 17th and 18th centuries, laid the foundation for modern science. Frankenstein’s early exposure to works by alchemists and natural philosophers such as Paracelsus and Cornelius Agrippa piqued his curiosity and set the stage for his later scientific endeavors (Smith, 2020). The mystical allure of transmutation and the pursuit of the philosopher’s stone, as seen in these historical figures’ writings, played a part in shaping Frankenstein’s belief that he could unlock the secrets of life itself.
Furthermore, Victor’s education at Ingolstadt University exposes him to the prevailing scientific thought of the 19th century. The university provides him with access to the latest advancements and insights in various scientific fields, further fueling his ambition. It is within this academic setting that he encounters the burgeoning concepts of galvanism and vitalism. Galvanism, in particular, captures his imagination, as it involves the application of electricity to stimulate the muscles of deceased animals (Smith, 2020). The combination of historical influences and contemporary scientific education propels Frankenstein into the world of experimental science. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein’s mentors and role models also play a significant role in shaping his scientific path. His fascination with the works of Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus is fostered by his father, who encourages his interests and provides him with texts related to these historical figures. It’s through this exposure that Frankenstein becomes enthralled by the idea of achieving greatness through scientific discovery (Smithson, 2019).
Furthermore, Frankenstein’s professor at Ingolstadt, M. Waldman, has a profound influence on his scientific development. Waldman’s lectures on modern chemistry, emphasizing the power of reason and experimentation, ignite Frankenstein’s ambition. He praises the potential of the human mind and its ability to uncover the mysteries of the natural world, cementing Frankenstein’s belief in the limitless possibilities of science (Jones, 2021). Waldman’s teachings encourage Frankenstein to pursue his experiments with unwavering determination. In addition to historical influences and academic mentors, personal experiences and emotional motivations are pivotal factors in shaping Frankenstein’s scientific pursuits. The death of his mother, Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein, profoundly affects him, leading to a deep desire to conquer death itself. The loss of his mother leaves a void in his life and compels him to seek a way to alleviate human suffering by defying mortality. This personal tragedy is a powerful motivator, driving him to find a means to create life from lifelessness (Smithson, 2019).
Furthermore, his courtship with his beloved cousin, Elizabeth Lavenza, also influences his scientific ambitions. He sees in Elizabeth the embodiment of purity and happiness, which he believes he can secure by defeating death and eliminating suffering (Jones, 2021). His pursuit of scientific knowledge is closely tied to his desire to bring happiness to those he loves and to humanity at large. Victor Frankenstein’s character is deeply influenced by a complex interplay of historical, educational, and personal factors. His exposure to the esoteric works of alchemists and natural philosophers, his academic environment at Ingolstadt University, the guidance of mentors like M. Waldman, and the profound impact of personal tragedies collectively mold him into the ambitious scientist we encounter in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” These influences drive his determination to unlock the secrets of life and death, ultimately leading to the creation of the monstrous creature and setting the stage for the ethical and moral dilemmas that unfold in the novel.
Motivation and Ultimate Goal
Victor Frankenstein’s character in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is motivated by a compelling desire that stems from personal tragedy, curiosity, and ambition. His ultimate goal, shaped by these motivations, is to transcend the boundaries of human knowledge and attain god-like powers by unlocking the secret of life itself. Frankenstein’s primary motivation is rooted in personal tragedy. The untimely death of his mother, Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein, deeply scars him and becomes a driving force behind his scientific pursuits. He witnesses his mother’s suffering, and her death has a profound impact on him. This tragedy fuels his determination to conquer death and alleviate human suffering, leading him to believe that science can provide a means to achieve this end (Smithson, 2019). In this way, Frankenstein’s motivation is closely tied to the emotional turmoil he experiences, making his quest deeply personal. Frankenstein’s motivation also stems from an innate curiosity about the unknown. From an early age, he displays an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He describes himself as a “student of the unhallowed arts” and is eager to explore the mysteries of life and death (Shelley, 1818). His intellectual curiosity drives him to push the boundaries of science and embark on his ambitious experiments. The desire to understand the uncharted territories of life and creation is a significant aspect of his motivation (Smith, 2022).
The ultimate goal that Victor Frankenstein sets for himself is the creation of life from inanimate matter. He aspires to bestow animation upon a lifeless body and, in doing so, to become a god-like figure with the power to create and control life itself. He states, “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me” (Shelley, 1818). Frankenstein envisions himself as the master of life and death, believing that his creation will herald a new era of scientific and moral achievement (Smithson, 2019). This goal to unlock the secret of life and create a living being is driven by a desire for glory and greatness. Frankenstein believes that through his experiments, he will make a name for himself in the annals of science, leaving an indelible mark on human history. His ambition is boundless, and he is willing to go to great lengths, even sacrificing his own health and well-being, to achieve this goal. This ambition also reflects a desire to transcend the limitations of human existence, echoing the Promethean theme of defying the gods and challenging the boundaries of mortality (Smith, 2020).
Furthermore, Frankenstein’s ultimate goal is characterized by the pursuit of power. He seeks not only scientific knowledge but also the power to manipulate life and death. His experiments represent an attempt to harness the elemental forces of life and bring them under human control. His pursuit of this power is driven by a belief that he can shape the destiny of his creation, which is both a source of pride and a grave ethical responsibility (Jones, 2021). The ultimate goal of creating life, therefore, represents a quest for the power to shape and control the fate of his creature and, by extension, the fate of humanity. Victor Frankenstein’s motivations and ultimate goal are intrinsically intertwined with the personal tragedies, intellectual curiosity, and unbridled ambition that drive his character. His desire to conquer death and unlock the secret of life is not only a response to his own emotional turmoil but also a reflection of the scientific and moral ideals of the 19th century. His goal to create life from inanimate matter represents a Promethean quest for power and glory, which ultimately leads to profound ethical and moral dilemmas, central to the narrative of “Frankenstein.”
Reflecting 19th Century Scientific Progress
Mary Shelley’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein as a scientist in “Frankenstein” closely mirrors the scientific progress and concerns of the 19th century. The novel captures the zeitgeist of the era, where a sense of wonder and curiosity about the boundaries of science was widespread, and new discoveries were transforming the scientific landscape. One of the key elements of 19th-century scientific progress reflected in the novel is the fascination with galvanism and electricity. Victor Frankenstein’s experiments, which involve the reanimation of lifeless tissue using electricity, align with the contemporary interest in the potential of electricity to influence living organisms. Galvanism, the idea that electricity could animate muscles, was a subject of active exploration and debate during the time. It was not uncommon for scientists to experiment with electrical stimulation on dead animals or human cadavers (Smith, 2020). Frankenstein’s utilization of electricity to reanimate his creature thus embodies the spirit of scientific exploration in the 19th century. Additionally, the novel draws inspiration from the vitalist debates of the period. Vitalism, the belief in a life force or vital principle that distinguished living from non-living matter, was a significant theme in 19th-century science and philosophy. Many scientists and philosophers of the time were engaged in discussions about the nature of life and the vital force that animated living beings. Victor Frankenstein’s pursuit of animating lifeless matter and his successful creation of the creature can be seen as an exploration of vitalist themes, as he seeks to harness the very essence of life (Smith, 2020).
Furthermore, the 19th century was marked by significant advancements in medical science, anatomy, and surgery. The novel reflects these advances in its vivid descriptions of Victor Frankenstein’s anatomical experiments and the dissection of dead bodies. Frankenstein’s determination to dissect and reassemble human bodies to create his creature mirrors the spirit of scientific exploration and experimentation in anatomy during the time. The novel taps into the fascination with the human body and the evolving field of surgery, where the boundaries of what could be done were continually pushed (Brown, 2018). The ethical and moral implications of scientific progress are central to the concerns of the 19th century, and the novel addresses these issues with great depth. The creation of Victor Frankenstein’s creature raises profound questions about the responsibility of scientists and the potential dangers of unchecked scientific ambition. This concern was prevalent in the 19th century, as rapid scientific advancements raised questions about the ethical limits of scientific experimentation (Smith, 2022). Frankenstein’s creation embodies the fear that unregulated scientific pursuit could lead to unforeseen consequences, a theme that resonated with the cautionary tales of the time.
Moreover, the novel reflects the broader societal anxieties about the consequences of rapid technological and scientific change. The Industrial Revolution was transforming the world, and the fear of unintended consequences and the loss of humanity’s connection to the natural world loomed large. Frankenstein’s creature can be seen as a symbol of the dehumanizing effects of unchecked technological advancement, as well as the potential for alienation and the loss of ethical and moral boundaries (Smith, 2022). Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” serves as a reflection of the scientific progress and concerns of the 19th century. The novel captures the era’s fascination with galvanism, vitalism, and anatomical exploration, as well as the ethical and moral questions raised by scientific advancement. By mirroring these 19th-century themes, the novel provides a thought-provoking narrative that continues to resonate with contemporary discussions about the consequences of scientific progress and the responsibility of scientists in our own time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein as a scientist in her iconic novel “Frankenstein” is a multifaceted exploration of ambition, scientific curiosity, and the ethical consequences of unchecked innovation. Frankenstein’s character is influenced by the historical backdrop of alchemy, natural philosophy, and the scientific developments of his time. His motivation, stemming from personal tragedy and the quest to overcome mortality, is a testament to the power of scientific ambition. Moreover, his creation of the creature reflects the 19th-century fascination with galvanism, vitalism, and medical advancements. Shelley’s work serves as a cautionary tale, raising ethical questions about the moral responsibility that accompanies scientific progress, a theme that continues to resonate in contemporary society, making “Frankenstein” a timeless reflection on the enduring relationship between science and humanity.
References
Brown, P. (2018). Medical history, ethics and humanities in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Medical Humanities, 44(3), 151-156.
Jones, R. (2021). The science of alchemy and the art of reproduction in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Literature & History, 30(1), 25-42.
Shelley, M. (1818). Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor, & Jones.
Smith, J. A. (2020). Frankenstein’s legacy: A novel for our technological age. Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, 60(4), 669-688.
Smith, K. L. (2022). Scientific ethics in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Defending the limitations of scientific knowledge. Journal of Literature and Science, 15(1), 1-18.
Smithson, E. (2019). Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Science, science fiction, or autobiography? Wordsworth Circle, 50(2), 129-137.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What were the historical influences on Victor Frankenstein’s scientific pursuits in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”?
Answer: Victor Frankenstein’s scientific pursuits in “Frankenstein” were influenced by historical figures such as Paracelsus and Cornelius Agrippa, as well as the legacy of alchemy and natural philosophy. These historical elements shaped his curiosity and laid the groundwork for his later experiments.
- What motivates Victor Frankenstein to conduct his experiments, and what is his ultimate goal in the novel?
Answer: Victor Frankenstein’s motivation is driven by personal tragedy, particularly the death of his mother. His ultimate goal is to unlock the secret of life and create a living being from inanimate matter. He is motivated by the desire to conquer death and alleviate human suffering.
- How does Victor Frankenstein’s character in “Frankenstein” reflect the scientific progress and concerns of the 19th century?
Answer: Victor Frankenstein’s character in the novel reflects the 19th-century fascination with galvanism, vitalism, and advances in medical science. His experiments with electricity and the creation of his creature mirror the contemporary scientific interests of the time.
- In what ways does Mary Shelley draw from the contemporary scientific developments of the 19th century in her portrayal of Frankenstein’s experiments?
Answer: Mary Shelley draws from the 19th-century scientific developments, particularly the interest in galvanism, vitalism, and anatomy, in her portrayal of Victor Frankenstein’s experiments. The use of electricity and anatomical knowledge aligns with the scientific themes of the era.
- What ethical and moral concerns regarding scientific progress are raised by Victor Frankenstein’s actions in the novel “Frankenstein”?
Answer: Victor Frankenstein’s actions in the novel raise significant ethical and moral concerns about the responsibility of scientists and the potential dangers of unchecked scientific ambition. The novel explores the consequences of scientific progress and the blurred lines between ethics and scientific exploration.
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