How Is Frankenstein Relevant Today

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The quest for knowledge has led to many advancements in philosophy, psychology, and science over the years, which has led to modern advancements of the human race. Although, how much is too much science or can knowledge ever hurt more than it can help? In the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, she raises questions about the modern world, nature, and knowledge. Frankenstein has an anti-enlightenment perspective on issues such as knowledge and moral failure, and also raises questions that have relevance to the modern world today.
In Frankenstein, an anti-enlightenment or critical perspective of knowledge exists. Victor Frankenstein is continually searching for and advancing his knowledge, aspiring to create life. Frankenstein reached his goal of creating life, but once he did, he …show more content…
An example of a moral failure would be the monster and his vengeful killing of Victor’s family. The monster originally wanted to be accepted by society, but when he was not, he requested a companion. To Victor he said, “I will revenge my injuries: if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear, chiefly towards you my arch-enemy, because my creator, do I swear indistinguishable hatred” (Shelley 104). The monster seeks revenge for the pain his creator has caused and he will cause fear because he recognizes he cannot inspire love. This fear will be mostly aimed and Victor and the hatred he feels will not be hidden. This is when a change in the monster occurs. At first the monster had good morals and intentions, but those failed when he was rejected and decided to kill, which in turn is an example of moral failure. This is an example of an anti-Enlightenment perspective because the monster is moving away from reason and rational thought and relying on emotion. Emotion is not Enlightenment thinking, but reason is. Therefore, this shows how Frankenstein is anti-Enlightenment within the context of moral

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