Monday, April 5, 2010
In class we discussed the topic of morality concerning the creation of the monster. I believe that the moral dilemma arises when Frankenstein ignores what he has created. The monster he created is seen as hideous as soon as life enters the previously "beautiful" limbs. I think that Frankenstein is too emotional, and does not know how to react reasonably to various situations because of his self imposed isolation. He gets sick for a few months just from the thought of the monster. Clearly Frankenstein has a weak constitution for that which he used to love. Why do you think the reason for his sudden, paralyzing sickness is? Does the mere mental image of the monster generate such disgust, or is it something else?
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I believe that Shelley intended for the reader to believe that Frankenstein's reaction to his creation is not only a repulsed reaction but also a punishment. Some form of "God" is pervasive throughout the novel. Though not an omnipotent force, there is a higher power that was originally beyond the scope of science. Metaphysical naturalism is a school of thought which proposes that everything can be explained by science. On the other hand, one of the key aspects of antiscience, as discussed in class, is that there are some things science will never be able to explain. Shelley bridges these two arguments with the creation of life: a central example surrounding the two arguments. Just because Frankenstein can create life does not mean he is ever supposed to. In creating the monster, Frankenstein has upset this natural balance. His paralyzing sickness is his reaction as a human to breaking the order of the universe. In this since, Frankenstein is disgusted and he is being punished through a type of karma.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe his reaction has to do with its appearance of the creature but more the result of the situation. I think that Frankenstein was surprised with the fact that he was actually able to combine the dead body parts into a living being. It is a contradiction, the ability to give life to deceased objects, of the natural order that exists in the world. By becoming sick, is the only way he is able to express his disgust with the situation.
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