Themes: Exploration and Ambition
The first character Shelley introduces to her audience is not the titular Frankenstein, but Walton, the epistolary author of the frame narrative. What is significant, thematically, is that both Walton and Frankenstein are engaged upon journeys of exploration into the unknown, which, for both of them, have become all-consuming forces. When Walton’s crew pulls Frankenstein out of the freezing waters of the North Pole, Frankenstein is evidently at the end of his journey—and it has ended in disaster. Walton recognizes a kindred spirit in him, someone who, like himself, was inspired by the stories of discovery he read as a child and whose ambition compels him to carve out a “niche in the temple” of his own. Walton is exploring the world geographically; Frankenstein is exploring the world of science, but both are men driven by powerful ambition, seeking to, as Walton puts it, “accomplish some great purpose.” Walton identifies a certain fire or spirit inside Frankenstein, feeling at once that he is the “friend” he has been seeking (something which also has echoes in the hunt of the creature for a companion, later in the story).
Walton is so entranced by Frankenstein's hopes and ambitions, so thoroughly understanding of his quest and sure that he is “immeasurable” as a man, that he does not recognize that the doctor also represents a moral lesson he himself would do well to follow. Through the character of Walton, Shelley indicates that, certainly, there is something admirable, and understandable, in the desire to push the boundaries of science, to explore the unexplored, and even to make one's own name in so doing. But she also uses Walton as an illustration that, in all areas of study, overstretching oneself can result in “peril” and entrapment. At the end of the story, Walton writes to his sister that he is surrounded by walls of ice from which there can be no escape. Later, when he sees hope of retreat, he determines that he will return to England, surrendering his ambition rather than allowing himself to be destroyed. Frankenstein, by contrast, has achieved his ambition and still been destroyed by it.
Expert Q&A
Walton's Motivation for Northern Expedition in Frankenstein
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Robert Walton embarks on a northern expedition driven by a quest for discovery, personal glory, and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Unlike Victor Frankenstein, Walton seeks to explore uncharted territories and uncover the mysteries of magnetism, motivated by a desire for fame and to prove his worth to his family. Walton serves as a foil to Frankenstein, sharing ambition but ultimately displaying restraint and a sense of responsibility by abandoning his perilous journey.
Is Victor's fascination with the philosopher's stone admirable in Frankenstein?
Victor's fascination with the philosopher's stone in Frankenstein is both admirable and cautionary. Initially, his pursuit of scientific secrets aims to eliminate disease and improve human life, which reflects noble intentions. However, his obsession signals a willingness to transcend ethical boundaries, highlighting his role as a cautionary figure. Alchemy, by Shelley's time, was discredited and seen as superstitious, marking Victor's pursuits as ethically dubious and potentially dangerous.
What does the following quote from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein mean?
"It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world."
The quote from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein reflects Victor's profound desire to understand the mysteries of existence, life, and the universe. He is torn between exploring the physical and spiritual aspects of reality. This pursuit of metaphysical knowledge highlights his intellectual ambition and foreshadows the tragic consequences of his quest to uncover life's secrets.
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, why is Victor troubled by Walton's quest for knowledge?
“Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drank also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me - let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!”
Victor is troubled by Walton's quest for knowledge because he sees Walton's ambition mirroring his own past mistakes. Victor warns Walton of the dangers of unchecked ambition, likening it to a "madness" or "intoxicating draught" that can destroy lives. By sharing his cautionary tale, Victor hopes to dissuade Walton from pursuing his dangerous path, intending to "dash the cup from [his] lips" and prevent him from suffering similar misfortunes.
Why didn't Victor create the promised mate in Frankenstein?
Victor decides against creating a mate for the creature due to the potential consequences and his realization of his failure to take responsibility for his first creation. He fears the mate might not accept the monster, leading to further violence, or that they might procreate, worsening the situation. Despite the creature's promise to live in isolation, Victor ultimately destroys the mate out of fear of their combined malice and treachery.
What two benefits for mankind does Walton hope to achieve in Frankenstein?
In "Frankenstein," Walton hopes to achieve two main benefits for mankind through his Arctic expedition. First, he aims to discover a navigational route through the North Pole, potentially opening new paths for future explorers and traders. Second, he seeks to uncover the secret of the magnet, which controls compass needles, thereby advancing scientific knowledge. These goals reflect his desire for personal glory and to contribute significantly to human progress.
In chapters 11-16 of Frankenstein, what does the creature learn about the human condition, love, families, loneliness, egoism, nature, and the value of language in relationships?
Through watching the De Lacey family in chapters 11–16 of Frankenstein, the creature learns to appreciate and long for loving family life. He feels his own loneliness and learns that good people can be treated unjustly. Through reading, he gains broader insights into the human condition, understanding that it ranges from heroic to barbaric. He approaches the blind old man, hoping that unseen, he can display his rationality through language.
What message does Frankenstein send about playing God and ignoring human limits?
The message conveyed is that attempting to play God and ignoring human limits leads to disastrous consequences. Victor Frankenstein's creation of life, defying natural laws, results in chaos as he loses control over his creation. This illustrates the dangers of overreaching human boundaries and the importance of respecting natural limitations. Shelley's work warns of the repercussions when moral and ethical boundaries are crossed, emphasizing that ignoring these can lead to unavoidable tragedy.
What boundaries does Victor cross with his creation in Frankenstein, and what are the consequences?
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Victor crosses a moral boundary when he puts himself in a godlike position by creating a living being. The transgression is exacerbated by the horrifying effects that follow from his arrogation of divine creative power. Victor's secrecy and isolation may initially be typical of a researcher breaking new ground in science, but Shelley quickly connects them to the horrifying nature of his project.
Victor's Pursuit of Knowledge and Resulting Suffering in Frankenstein
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of knowledge and ambition leads to his suffering. His desire for recognition drives him to create life, but he irresponsibly abandons his creation, which results in tragedy. This neglect causes the creature's wrath, leading to the deaths of Victor's loved ones and his own downfall. The novel warns of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical responsibilities that accompany scientific discovery.
How would you evaluate Victor's character after his two-year obsession with natural science?
Victor's character becomes dangerously obsessive as he delves into natural sciences. His pursuit of knowledge isolates him from family and friends, emphasizing his excessive passion and ego. Victor's relentless dedication leads to self-destructive behavior, reminiscent of the feverish qualities seen in "Paradise Lost." His quest for power and immortality mirrors a Romantic critique of science, highlighting its unnaturalness and foreshadowing tragic consequences in Shelley's narrative.
What is the theme of the following quote from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, referring to Robert Walton's exploration?
"You cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall confer on all mankind, to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole."
The theme of the quote from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein highlights the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, as seen in Robert Walton's exploration of the North Pole. Walton's ambition mirrors that of Victor Frankenstein, who warns him about the dangers of unchecked ambition. This theme underscores the novel's exploration of the consequences of overreaching in the quest for knowledge, drawing parallels with Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
What is your interpretation of Frankenstein's initial reaction to his successful experiment?
Victor Frankenstein's initial reaction to his successful experiment is one of horror and repulsion. Despite years of effort, he is immediately disillusioned, finding his creation grotesque rather than beautiful. Instead of feeling a sense of achievement, Victor is filled with "breathless horror and disgust," leading him to abandon the creature. This reaction underscores Victor's irresponsibility and selfishness, as he is more concerned with the act of creation than the consequences or care for the being he brought to life.
Considering Victor's insensitivity to nature during his summer experiment, what role might nature play for him in Frankenstein?
In Frankenstein, nature serves as a reflection of Victor's mental state and priorities. When engrossed in his experiments, Victor ignores nature, indicating his obsession with science. Conversely, after his creature's creation and during periods of recovery, Victor becomes attuned to nature's beauty, showing a shift in priorities. Despite Victor's disregard, nature remains a powerful force, aiding his recovery and highlighting his tragic flaw of neglecting the natural world.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
