Frankenstein, By Mary Shelley - 1112 Words

Mary Shelley introduces science, in her novel Frankenstein, using her understanding of the scientific developments of her time about chemical physiology. She illustrates her fears about unrestrained science on the hands of ambitious people which can only lead to disasters. Shelley successfully show that the abuse of science represents a threat to the society. Shelley shows that science is, at the same time, a powerful and a dangerous instrument, as it can be used to improve or destroy people’s life. Within science, electricity is the instrument and the medium that Shelley uses, in a fictional way, to illustrate the power of Science. Victor Frankenstein studied chemical physiology and his experiments with electricity were within this†¦show more content†¦Shelley’s message about science is to warn society of the consequences of unrestricted developments. In special, if science is used by greedy people or ran by uninhibited desires to control nature. A controversy about science practices was another experience that drove Shelley’s fear toward science. Prior to Shelley’s novel, a public debate between John Abernethy and William Lawrence, two surgeons, on the nature of life became a public controversy. Abernethy argued that life was an essence bonded to the body, and that there was no way to bring a body ba ck to life once this essence was gone. On the other part, Lawrence argued that the body was a machine; it could be brought back to life if the damage was not extensive. Lawrence believed that humans did not have souls and that the body was no more than a complex apparatus (McLarren 26). Shelley was well aware of this controversy as Lawrence had been the Shelley family’s doctor (Ruston 8). Lawrence’s position clearly shows that science does not have a position in human’s desires. Moreover, science, by itself, cannot be good or bad; this quality depend on how it is applied and used. Therefore, Shelley’s message is still valid; scientist and the society have the responsibility to ensure that science is not misused. Victor’s unlimited ambition and desires of fame added to his skills in science created an evil blend that led to his destruction. Shelley’s uses Victor