Analysis Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein - 1257 Words

Melissa McLain ENGL 2228 Prompt 2 21 September 2014 Education in Frankenstein Few fiction novels accurately display the relationship between education and personality development as well as Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein, which follows the story of a well esteemed youth becoming educated enough to form a creature from lifeless matter and his subsequent fall from grace. Despite the fact that the novel is from the 1800s, it is effective in depicting the way surroundings impact one’s learning and decision-making process. The relationship between the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, and his birth family contrasts with the relationship he shares with his creature and leaves the reader with an understanding of how upbringing has direct†¦show more content†¦It is stated that Victor has few friends in his elementary schooling, possibly because â€Å"it was [his] temper to avoid a crowd and to attach [himself] fervently to a few† (pg. 22). This trait is indicative of his emerging superiority that is further showcased in his college d ays. Privileged as he is, Victor is met with the perfect combination of instructors – one that mocks him and dismisses his prior studies as â€Å"a thousand years old and as musty as they are ancient† (pg 31) and one who encourages him and subsequently causes a sort of enchantment that leads to Victor’s complete interest and involvement in the subject of chemistry and natural philosophies. Victor’s eagerness to learn is rewarded by his teachers and also by the success he achieves with his personal projects outside of the classroom, thus causing him to seek greater achievements. His immense education inspires him to test the laws of nature, which he does for the betterment of mankind as a whole. Because of his happy beginnings and his fulfilling education, Victor acts with good – if somewhat selfish at times – intentions. Victor is intelligent enough to create life from lifeless matter, yet not intelligent enough to provide or even allow a possible education for his creation. His good intentions are overcome by his selfish desires the moment he faces the being he works so long to create; dreams of scientific advancement and the betterment of mankind disintegrate with the absolute