Playing God

Playing GodPlaying GodWhat is science? In the nineteenth century many believed it was attempting to play God. During this era new scientific discoveries in Europe were immense, and line over them was extreme. Not only did this new movement challenge the principles of Christianity but the belief in God. bloody shame Shelleys Frankenstein through passkey Frankensteins perilous journey shows the destruction behind mans thirst for scientific knowledge and the honorable reasons as to why man should non play God (cite).Victor Frankenstein attempts to go beyond charitable bounds and undertake in the greatest mistake of his heart. Victors experiment created in the name of science holds the primaeval to which Victor believes is his future success (cite). The Accomplishment of his toils is described as a wretched male range formed from the corpses of others (Frankenstein, 34). Through his efforts, Frankenstein brings this figure to liveness, and his desire to succeed and discover imp el him to play God. It was the secrets of heaven and earth that he desired to learn and whether it was the outward substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious nous of man that occupied him (22) (cite.) However, Frankenstein is so deeply captivated with bringing about life that he fails to have it off the moral affects the creature will have on society, and most importantly that there could possibly be an explanation we cant create life unnaturally or be immortal. After the completion of his experiment, Frankenstein begins to understand some of the consequences when he states, how can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pain and care I had endeavoured to form?(34) (cite).Is it not irresponsible and foolish to create life from death, while what is alive is not fully comprehended? When Frankenstein saw his creation and admitted his dissatisfaction, some may conduct why he would create such a mon ster knowing it would definitely not last into society. The clear explanation would be he fears his own death, thus trying to obtain the knowledge of life to prevent it. Frankensteins scientific pursuit is for his selfish means, not for the betterment of society. Frankenstein remarks by saying, The labours of men of genius, however erroneously directed, scarcely ever fail in ultimately turning to the solid advantage of mankind (34). The brisk goes on to prove this could be no farther from the truth. By simply addressing the issue that some scientists may be erroneously directed, Frankenstein shows he is considering the ulterior motives of his plans. He is recognizing that his motives may not be for the advantage of mankind, and that this would be simply a bi-product of his creation. Frankenstein also fails to realize what society would think of his creature and how the creature would be bear on by the general public. The creature is sent out into the world with the temperament o f man, but entirely lack the guidance and nurturing that all creatures need. This role playing of God is not what man was intended for, and children are do of a sperm and egg, not the hands of man. Who could handle the responsibility of controlling life? Only a Divine Power could control such an intricate process, and is a responsibility no person could endure.Victor takes many simple things for granted in his life, which are symbolized through the monster. I am alone and dispirited man will not associate with me but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me (129). All the monster requests is someone to share his life with, to live happily, and be love and through these pleasures the monster witnesses happiness. Victors scientific pursuit interferes with his life and ruins his happiness. He loses the desire for companionship because of his endeavors, and though Elizabeth longs for his return, he is too engaged in his work. Frankenstein has an opportunity to be happy, but the monster is never given the chance. This presents Shelleys argument that when you allow things such as science to get in the way of your true needs, such as love, you will not live a life worth living. Frankenstein and his monster are both down in the mouth because they both live their life without love. He solved the most incomprehensible question, he reached the peak of scientific understanding, he accomplished his goals, yet he is miserable. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an fervor that far exceeded moderation but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and curse filled my heart (42). Shelley purposely lets Frankenstein accomplish his goal, but she makes a point that if the scientific knowledge of life cant bring happiness then no scientific knowledge can.Victor is so raise with completing his task and achieving fame that he fails to realize the lasting affects or consequen ces of his breakthrough. Shelley makes a valid argument that in many ways, we would all be better off without complex scientific thought Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his autochthonic town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow (38).Victor advises Walton by declaring, Seek happiness in tranquility and avoid ambition, even if it be only the apparently stark one of distinguishing yourself in science and discoveries (200). This passage evidently discusses Victors selfishness in fulfilling his objective. Shelley argues that scientists who are only seeking fame and possibility do not consider the long term effects and will be considered notorious.