An Appetite for Knowledge

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The symbol shown here is just as the flowers were blooming and the leaves were expanding, it shows how Victor is expanding his horizons. Another sense of imagery Shelly conveys within her writing is the “seat of beauty and strength.” (30) Here Shelly’s description of nature reminds the reader that it was created by God, thus it also being perfect. While on the other hand, Victor’s creature Frankenstein only contrast how nature was created. With this also in mind, it reminds the reader that Frankenstein was created, not born and it conveys his unorthodox presence.

Throughout the novel, allusions and references acknowledgment to Paradise Lost, the myth of Prometheus, expresses connections to the conflict of man vs man in the book between Victor Frankenstein ’s monster and the creature; therefore, the reason behind their conflict is illuminated as an issue progeny with creation. Mary Shelley focuses on punishment in regards to those who ignore the rules of nature and abuse their roles as “God” in her allusions, drawing the main focus of attention which links to Victor Frankenstein and his longing drive to for studying the philosophy of nature to then create life. Furthermore, the author uses Prometheus as a projection for the creature’s punishment of Frankenstein for his neglect therefore by killing Frankenstein’s family and also his loved ones. Shelly’s Frankenstein presents unforeseen events and portrays a feeling of never-ending horror for the audience. She gives her readers an on-look of impeccable occurrences that can happen from something as harmless as the hunger to dream and strive just as Frankenstein did. The entirety of this passage includes one significant factor that plays a role in the motif of the novel being: the overreaching ambition of mankind. I believe Mary W. Shelley surrounded the moral of this chapter of Frankenstein to show how this drive for continual food or an appetite for knowledge can get out of hand. This novel is a great example of what occurs when people take their aspirations, such as science in this instance, to a whole other level without considering the consequences of their actions.