WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED Life is a rat race. In order to succeed, one is
required to stay in the front of the pack. To lead a happy, loving life,
however, one must stop and smell the roses so the meaningful qualities in life
don't pass you by. A prime example of a person who overlooks this aspect of life
can be found in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Through Dr. Frankenstein, Shelley
warns readers of the consequences of playing god and allowing business to take
you away from the simple pleasures in life. As shown through him, too much
knowledge and determination may not be what the doctor ordered. Frankenstein
illustrates god-like characteristics by creating a living creature. As a boy he
was deeply smitten with the thirst for knowledge (22), and obtained an eager
desire to learn (23). This dedication and love for science he pursued led him to
crave more and strive to go one step further than other scientists have in the
past. Devoting his life to learning the sciences of the human frame,
Frankenstein became capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter (37),
and recognizes the chance to become the father of a new type of species he can
take credit for. Ironically, Frankenstein's creature obtains the power to
destroy his creator, along with all civilization. If God, the single perfect
being, cannot create perfect life, how could an imperfect person possibly do it?
Frankenstein is oblivious to the danger of his knowledge and to the citadel of
nature (25) he will enter by becoming aware of the secrets of heaven and earth
(23). Frankenstein travels down a dangerous path when he goes as far as to play
God by exploring supernatural life and after his work is complete, he fearfully
realizes that he not only created a new life, but with that life, he brought a
new form of evil into the world. During the two years Frankenstein worked on his
creation he became totally absorbed in his work which leads to neglect towards
himself, his family, and the beautiful scenes of nature he, in the past, took
pleasure in. Once he dived headfirst into his project, he showed no signs of
coming up for air. Frankenstein puts his life on hold and seemed to have lost
all soul or sensation but for this one pursuit (39).
In fear of an unsuccessful outcome, he ruthlessly works day and night trying
to complete his work. In the process, he deprived [himself] of rest and health
(42) and became pale and emaciated due to this lacking. Not only did he neglect
his health, Frankenstein also overlooked his loving family who began to worry
about him. Obviously [he] knew [his] silence disquieted them (40), but couldn't
tear himself away from his work long enough to simply reply to their letters.
Another pleasure Frankenstein tried to forget was the nature he had always found
comfort in. However, not even the charms of nature (40) could break the force
field isolating Frankenstein and his creation in the study. Once he realized all
the pleasures he set aside due to the overwhelming desire he beheld for his
work, Frankenstein began making excuses. He made himself believe that the
passion and peace he felt towards his family and the beauties of nature stood as
an obstacle in his path and would only disturb his tranquility (40). When you
give up the things you love and the aspects of life that have always given
pleasure to you, you risk losing them forever. Frankenstein became so caught up
in his work he missed out on two years of his life. He never visited his family
and it wasn't until after his work was done did he read a letter sent to him by
Elizabeth updating him on everything that had gone on. After Frankenstein is
aware of the monster he produced, he understands all he gave up and now regrets
what he allowed his life to become. Getting caught up in the rat race led Dr.
Victor Frankenstein to the terrible fate like had in store for him. All too
late, he realizes that a truly happy man never losses sight of the important
aspects he beholds. Also, understanding how dangerous the acquirement of
knowledge (38) is and how his desire to go beyond the laws of nature led to the
downfall of his life. It isn't until misery and destruction claim his soul does
Frankenstein realize the problems he created by playing God and overlooking the
simple pleasures in life.
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