Frankenstein Evidence

Blog Assigment #5-

Frankenstein has many examples of technophilia, a love technology, and technophobia, a fear of technology, and how one’s perspective on these two views can change. The story starts out with young Frankenstein interested in many types of mystical and philosophical studies. Frankenstein did not have the desire to learn typical areas of study such as politics or literature, but about “the secrets of heaven” (33). He continues to study the works of scientists such as Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus. He also says about himself that he has “always (had) been embued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature” (35). Frankenstein’s love for this philosophical view on life started early, but later changed.

After much research and experimentation, Frankenstein finally creates his creature. He obsessed over this creation for many years and at last reached his goal. However, once he creates this new life, he instantly fears it. He describes his feelings in a vivid way by saying:

“(he) had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that (he) finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled (his) heart” (51).

Frankenstein also quickly refers to his experiment a “catastrophe” (51). His change from technophilia to technophobia occurred very rapidly once his ultimate goal was reached and the creature was produced.

The regret and fear towards Frankenstein’s creature continues later on in the book once he discovers that his creature was the cause of William’s death. He blatantly states that he “wished to extinguish that life which (he) has so thoughtlessly bestowed” (81). His fear of this new creature was enhanced once he discovered that his own creation was the “author of unalterable events” (81). Frankenstein’s fear of his creature was exemplified because of its actions.

These three parts of the novel show Frankenstein’s view of technology and experimentation change over time. The initial love for his studies changed once he saw the outcome of his experiments. The results changed his point of view to a fear of his experiment. It was hard for Frankenstein to see how his creation would affect him and others around him as well.