Reading Prompts – Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Literature Essay

READING PROMPTS – MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, characters must face the dilemma between chasing personal glory and establishing human connection. Through the narrative of an alienated monster and an overly single-minded and determined creator, the author is able to tackle different themes such as loss of family and friends, the search of a place of belonging, and the worth and sacrifice that needs to be paid for ambition. Other narratives in the story also serve to reinforce the essence of community and importance of real connection and belongingness.
“During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor do I find itblameable. In a fit of enthusiastic madness I created a rational creature, and was boundtowards him, to assure, as far as was in my power, his happiness and well-being. This wasmy duty; but there was another paramount to that. My duties towards my fellow-creatureshad greater claims to my attention, because they included a greater proportion of happinessor misery” (181-182).
The Story of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is truly one of the most magnificent stories to ever tell the tale of the dilemma of creating artificial life. Dr Frankenstein’s responsibility and intentions were focused on the wellbeing of the creature that he made. With his special discovery comes the weight of the responsibility of taking care about the happiness and well-being of the created life, but also a heavier responsibility to the people. The story takes a moral stand that is somewhat parallel to utilitarianism where then end result justify the means. Since there would be more happiness that could be generated by a larger number of people, Frankenstein takes the stand that the well-being of many is top priority than the sole existence of th...