The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a classic sci-fi book published in 1818, and written when Shelley was only 18. Throughout the book we learn the theme of responsibility and guilt, also how innocence can be manipulated by your surroundings. Mary Shelley's story shows a scientist try to recreate life, but the scientist is unable to take responsibility for his creation and is later filled with guilt and grief. From the perspective of the creature the readers learn the value of kindness and the detriment of prejudice. This novel is entertaining because the reader is taken to many different places through imagery. There are many narrators who give their perspective which is very interesting and unique. Mary Shelley expresses the opinion that science can be dangerous and if scientists don't take stuff seriously, mass harm and destruction can be created. She shows that advances in science are important and can help with the future of humanity, but ethics are an important part of the field. I agree with the opinion because many scientific advancements can have a very positive effect on humanity because as long as scientists keep ethics in mind. Everything that affects humanity requires an ethical approach. This novel presents an issue of people judging and treating others harmfully if they look differently. Prejudice never has a positive outcome and only leads to tragedy. Another issue that Mary Shelley raises is arrogance, when people become overly aggressive with their notoriety. They may forget the harm that they could cause to others. This is shown in both characters Victor Frankenstein, and Robert Walton. This novel relates to the Greek myth of Prometheus. It relates to this myth by showing what happens when you act on impulse, and you don't follow through in an ethical way. Prometheus stole fire to give to the humans because he wanted to bring clay to life and was punished for all eternity by Zeus. Victor gave life to body parts in search of fame but in turn he was tormented by his own creation. This novel has affected me because it leads me to question the ethics behind scientific advancements that are supposed to help humanity. Also, this book revealed to me that Frankenstein is a doctor, but popular culture has shown him as the creature. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein the idea of ethics and responsibility, along with the ideas of prejudice are displayed throughout the novel using the character, Victor Frankenstein. With all these ideas in mind anyone who is interested in science should read this novel. This novel is thought provoking and quite the page turner. That is why I give it a five. This is one of the best books I have ever read.
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