Krishnavala23: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Mary shelley :

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (UK:30 August 1797 – 1 February 1851) was an English novelist who wrote the Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818), which is considered an early example of science fiction.She also edited and promoted the works of her husband, the Romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley. Her father was the political philosopher William Godwin and her mother was the philosopher and women's rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft.

Frankenstein : overview

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is an 1818 novel written by English author Mary Shelley. Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a sapient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. Shelley started writing the story when she was 18, and the first edition was published anonymously in London on 1 January 1818, when she was 20. Her name first appeared in the second edition, which was published in Paris in 1821.

Frankenstein is one of the most well-known works of English literature. Infused with elements of the Gothic novel and the Romantic movement, it has had a considerable influence on literature and on popular culture, spawning a complete genre of horror stories, films, and plays. Since the publication of the novel, the name "Frankenstein" has often been used, erroneously, to refer to the monster, rather than to his creator/father.

1) What are some major differences between the movie and the novel Frankenstein?

Yes, movie and novel has some kinds of different . Difference in character, in some scenes also. Major difference is ending scene. In novel Victor refuse to make another creature like monster. But in movie Victor made another figure with the help of Elizabeth's dead body.

Again at the very last Monster did incremation of Victor as his father or creator. But in novel there is no ritual like that. Victor died because of illness. So these are major difference in novel or movie.

2) Who do you think is a real monster?

This is controversial Question. As per thr novel creature is monster but i don't think so. Because The Creature, despite his terrifying appearance, is not born evil. He is created innocent and becomes monstrous as a result of how he is treated by society. First he learned words like Family and Friend so it seems his innocent. His actions, which are often violent and vengeful, come from his deep emotional pain and loneliness. In this sense, the Creature is a tragic figure rather than an inherently evil monster.

According to me Victor Frankenstein can be seen as a real monster because his unchecked ambition, lack of responsibility, and cruelty toward his creation are the driving forces behind the suffering and tragedy in the story. He creates life and then abandons it, which causes the Creature to become isolated and vengeful. Victor's failure to take accountability for his actions makes him monstrous in his disregard for life and his responsibility.

3) Do you think the search for knowledge is dangerous and destructive?

The search for knowledge itself is not inherently dangerous or destructive; rather, it is how knowledge is sought and applied that can lead to negative outcomes. Knowledge can lead to progress, innovation, and the betterment of humanity, but it can also be misused or pursued without consideration of ethical implications, which may cause harm.

In the case of Frankenstein, the pursuit of knowledge becomes dangerous because Victor Frankenstein is driven by an obsessive desire to transcend human limitations without considering the ethical and moral consequences. His ambition to conquer life and death blinds him to the potential harm, and he neglects his responsibility toward his creation. This destructive pursuit ultimately leads to tragedy and suffering, not just for him but for others.

In a broader sense, history has shown that scientific discoveries, when misused (e.g., nuclear weapons, environmental degradation), can have devastating consequences. However, many discoveries—such as advancements in medicine, technology, and communication—have positively transformed society and improved the quality of life.

So, the danger lies not in the pursuit of knowledge itself, but in how knowledge is used, the motivations behind its pursuit, and whether those seeking it are mindful of its broader impact on the world and its ethical dimensions.

4) Do you think Victor Frankenstein's creature was inherently evil, or did society's rejection and mistreatment turn him into a monster?

Yes, i totally agree with this that the Creature in Frankenstein was not inherently evil; rather, it was society's rejection and mistreatment that turned him into a "monster."

At the beginning of the novel, the Creature is innocent and curious, with a basic desire for love, companionship, and acceptance. He is initially gentle and kind-hearted, even attempting to help people, like the De Lacey family. However, when society—represented by people who react with fear, disgust, and violence toward his appearance—rejects him, he becomes increasingly isolated and vengeful. This rejection breeds anger and bitterness, and eventually, the Creature turns to violence to seek revenge on his creator, Victor Frankenstein, and those around him.

The Creature's transformation is a powerful commentary on how societal rejection and prejudice can shape individuals. He is, in many ways, a reflection of how cruelty and neglect can turn an innocent being into what society deems a "monster." Rather than being born evil, the Creature becomes monstrous in response to the way he is treated, highlighting the novel's themes of empathy, responsibility, and the consequences of abandoning those who are different.

So, the true tragedy is not just that the Creature looks different, but that he is subjected to cruelty without understanding or compassion, which ultimately leads him to embrace his destructive side.

5) Should there be limits on scientific exploration? If so, what should those limits be?

Yes, there should be limits on scientific exploration to ensure that progress benefits humanity without causing harm. Ethical considerations must be at the forefront of scientific work, such as ensuring that experiments involving humans and animals are conducted responsibly, with informed consent and minimal suffering. Additionally, there should be strict regulations on research that could lead to harmful outcomes, such as genetic manipulation, the weaponization of technology, or the environmental impact of certain experiments. Scientific advancements must be approached with caution to avoid consequences like environmental degradation or social inequality.

Furthermore, the potential for harm must be considered when exploring new technologies. This includes preventing the misuse of AI, ensuring the safe application of powerful technologies like nuclear energy, and guarding against the risks of scientific advancements leading to dangerous power imbalances. Scientific exploration should be accountable and transparent, with strict oversight to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge aligns with ethical responsibilities, global safety, and the well-being of all.

Some glimpse of movie screening 👇