The Concepts Of Knowledge And Happiness In Mary Shelleys...

â€Å"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow† (Shelley 60). In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, she expresses her beliefs regarding the danger of pursuing happiness through the attainment of knowledge, because true happiness is found in the emotional connections established between people. The pursuit of knowledge is not necessarily an evil thing, but it can cause destruction when it is pursued beyond natural limits. Victor Frankenstein becomes a slave to his passion for learning in more than one way; first his life is controlled by†¦show more content†¦The result of his passion, the monster, is ever present in Frankenstein’s thoughts and it controls his actions. The monster eventually destroys everything that is important to Frankenstein, because everyone he loved is dead. Frankenstein lives the rest of his miserable life in hope of avenging the deaths of his loved ones. Shelley expresses that relationships between people are the key to happiness, because Frankenstein is unable to find any joy after his loved ones are murdered. Throughout the story, Frankenstein is a slave to his desire for knowledge and the ability to create life. The pursuit of knowledge is not the only passion that can lead to a person to a life of suffering. Shelley’s example of Frankenstein’s uncontrollable urge to learn can be applied to any passion that is taken to an extreme. â€Å"A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind, and never allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquility† (Shelley 64). Shelley also uses the monster to portray the idea that happiness is found through personal relationships. From the moment he is created, people react to the monster with fear and hate, but all he wants is to be loved. While watching the family in the cottage, the monster desires only to reveal himself to them and gain their love and acceptance. He quickly learns how to speak and read in order to makeShow MoreRelatedThe Concepts of Knowledge and Happiness in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1011 Words   |  5 Pagesexample, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow (Shelley 60). In Mary Shelley s Frankenstein, she expresses her beliefs regarding the danger of pursuing happiness through the attainment of knowledge, because true happiness is found in the emotional connections established between people. The pursuit of knowledge is not nec essarily an evil thing, butRead MoreVictor Frankenstein: Epic Hero Essay1093 Words   |  5 Pages the zombie era is truly coming to life, and it is easy to figure out where this idea originated. The historic book Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley describes a man who creates a creature out of dead body parts of humans. Although this monster was meant for good purposes, it eventually leads to destruction including multiple murders. However, Victor Frankenstein can actually be determined as a hero by the ways in which he fits within the interpretation of an epic hero. GregoryRead MoreFrankenstein- Acquirement of Knowledge Essay1475 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"How the dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow.† To what extent does Shelley’s Frankenstein support Victor Frankenstein’s view? Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein explores the concepts of knowledge and science and the dangers involved with the pursuit and investigation of these ideas. 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Scott Fitzgerald1595 Words   |  7 Pagestotalitarian governments, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald influenced by the roaring 1920s, and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird influenced by the racial inequalities prevalent in America. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein can be added to this list as well. Frankenstein was influenced by the search for knowledge, loss of innocence, and romantic heroes both in history and literature of the Romantic period of 1798 through 1832; these same topics that influenced Shelley and other Romantic writers, influenceRead MoreEssay on Rousseaus Philosophy in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1262 Words   |  6 PagesIn Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, the titular character states that If [mans] i mpulses were confined to hunger, thirst and desire, [he] might nearly be free (Shelley, 97). With this assertion, Victor imparts his belief that man is most content in the state of nature; a state where only his most primal needs must be fulfilled in order to be satisfied. Man in his natural state is the central topic in Jean-Jacques Rousseaus philosophic essay A Discourse on Inequality, an academic work that had tremendousRead MoreAt First Reading Mary Shelley’S Novel Frankenstein Appears1709 Words   |  7 PagesAt first reading Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein appears to be part of the gothic or horror genre, but further examination of this novel reveals many concepts and perspectives that are related to other genres of English literature. Along with possessing various conceptual ideas this novel brilliantly highlights the characteristics of men, which many authors have credited Mary Shelley’s understanding of the opposite gender as exceptional. Throughout this novel there can be identified three maleRead MoreMary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay846 Words   |  4 Pages Shelley’s Frankenstein does an excellent job at demonstrating the ideas and accomplishments of the enlightenment period. Shelly expresses these ideas and thoughts through the character of Victor Frankenstein who is an aspiring scientist seeking an intellectual challenge. Victor Frankenstein live s his hometown of Geneva and leaves in quest of a valued education in Ingolstadt. When Victor arrives at college he is lonely and finds himself in a new world in which he lives by himself. He than meets