Power In Frankenstein

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Lord Acton once warned that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.” The wise man noticed that humans almost always use their abilities, when given power, to achieve their goals regardless of how it affects the lives of others, or themselves. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, the main character, Victor Frankenstein, utilizes body parts from deceased humans and other animals to bring about life for his own purposes. He neglected to consider the implications of creating life and in turn manifested an environment of destruction wherever he traveled. In spite of the horrific consequences of his actions, Victor quite enjoyed the process of artificially bringing life into …show more content…
All things considered, that is a sound conclusion, especially shown by the extent of science and technology in this modern time. However, the insightful conversation between Frankenstein and Walton adequately discusses the improper extent that people are willing to go to accomplish their goals. Walton ignorantly details what he is willing to sacrifice for his exclusive glory: “One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of knowledge” (Shelley 12). This conversation takes place in the aftermath of the Creature’s destruction, so Victor, rightly, is horrified by Walton’s asinine statement. Shelley wisely articulates that life should be acknowledged as the most sacred facet of society, ultimately stating that no progress is worth a human life. So, in today’s civilization, humanity must halt experimentation when the life of any individual is at risk. The ultimate purpose of achievement is to preserve, protect, and improve life, so it is antithetical to objective thought to consider harming a human if it means possibly ameliorating another’s in the future. As additional proof, Victor’s trespass upon the sanctity of life resulted in the loss of those dearest to him: “I saw the benevolent countenance of my father, heard the silver tones of my Elizabeth’s voice and beheld Clerval enjoying health and youth” (Shelley 182). Victor wistfully, yet morosely, recalls those who either directly or indirectly died because of the Creature. The author shows the harsh consequences for tampering with life, thus displaying her disdain for those who refuse to evaluate the morality of controversial procedures. Overall, it is admirable to discover and explore so long as the one who attempts to complete these tasks impartially considers the ramifications of whatever they decide to
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