Quest for Knowledge Essay Example

taking it for granted that living matter is of some special kind. ” (James).

As Guy Cook explains Victor Frankenstein has created this monster and has “disregarded individuals and their feelings” (Cook 98). Victor Frankenstein is ignorant of the consequences of creating this monster and the outcomes that may come with the creation of it. Victor did not think his decisions through, he created this monster “without considering human and social consequences” (Cook 98). Victor took his quest for knowledge to a dangerous extent. Audrey Fisch describes Victor‘s dangerous quest as “carrying the torch of self-knowledge into its dimmest recesses” (Fisch 84).

Victor Frankenstein was obsessed with the power that came with the creation of this monster. Victor must learn to “harmonize knowledge and power” (Fisch111). Victor does not realize the consequences of his actions until it is too late. The monster, out of rage, kills William and Victor finally realizes that the monster is dangerous and needs to be destroyed but he does not fulfill this deed in time before the monster kills his beloved wife Elizabeth on their wedding night. Victor vows that he will not let the monster get away with these crimes and vows to kill the monster.

Understanding that his power hungry ego has brought about destruction and has led to the death of his family and friend, Victor realizes the horrific actions he has taken. Victor refuses to create a wife for the monster because he realizes the evil and hatred that fills the monster and knows making another one will be creating yet another murderer and nascence to society. Victor stands up and finally starts

to do the right thing by telling the monster “I do refuse it and no torture shall ever extort a consent from me. ” (Shelley 134).

Victor vows “Never will I create another like yourself, equal in deformity and wickedness. ” (Shelley157). Frank James indicates that by destroying the female monster Frankenstein “displays moral responsibility” (James). Victor grows in wisdom and knowledge by realizing his mistakes and trying to correct them and by standing up for himself and standing up against the harm threatened to him by the monster of his creation. Frankenstein understands that his quest for knowledge that would lead him to power has changed his life forever and he will never be the same because of it.

Frankenstein warns Walton and wishes him luck in his quest for knowledge “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. ”(Shelley 15). Frankenstein suffers great sorrows because of his mistakes which could have been avoided if he had heeded the warnings of those around him. Victor dies alone in the middle of nowhere because of his vow to kill the monster because he is trying to right the wrongs he has caused by his search to become wise and powerful.