The Paradox of Discovery in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay -- Frank

The Paradox of Discovery in Frankenstein In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, the concept of uncovering is paradoxical sign discovery is joyful and innocent, entirely ends in misery and corruption. The ambitions of both Walton and Frankenstein (to explore new lands and to cast scientific light on the unknown, respectively) are formed with the noblest of intentions but a fatal disregard for the sanctity of natural boundaries. Though the idea of discovery remains idealized, human fallibility utterly corrupts all pursuit of that ideal. The corruption of discovery parallels the corruption inherent in every human life, in that a child begins as a pure and faultless creature, full of wonder, but hardens into a self-absorbed, grasping, overly ambitious adult. Only by novels end does Walton recognize that he must abandon his own ambition (the mapping of previously uncharted land), come forth of concern for the precious lives of his crew. The first two occurrences of the script discovery o ccur quite early in the novel, in Waltons first letter to his sister. He compares his feelings on the expedition to a childs joy (14). Walton reminds her of his uncles large library of discovery literature (tales of seamen and adventurers), all of which he devoured as a child. He writes of his disappointment when his father forbade him, on his deathbed, to embark in a seafaring life (14). Walton later tells Frankenstein that his crew is on a voyage of discovery it only at the mention of this word that Frankenstein agrees to board the ship (24). Once on board, Frankenstein recounts his history. Frankenstein, too, was possessed by a youthful fixation the desire to acquire scientific knowledge, and to create an indestructible... ...ich may be described as a desperate addiction to discovery is a fine concept but a dangerous practice. Mans natural flaws debase any professed altruistic goal all attempts at discovery are ultimately revealed to be corrupt, selfish, and misbegotten. Wo rks Cited and Consulted Brooks, Peter. Godlike Science/ Unhallowed Arts Language, Nature,and Monstrosity. The Endurance of Frankenstein. Ed. George Levine. Berkeley University of California Press, 1979. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Ed. Candace Ward. natural York, Dover, 1994. Spark, Muriel. Mary Shelley. New York E.P. Dutton, 1987. Stevenson, Leslie. The Study of Human Nature A Reader. New York Oxford University Press, 2000. Walling, William A. Mary Shelley. New York Twayne, 1972. Wolff, Robert P. About Philosophy. Upper Saddle River, NJ Prentice Hall, 1998.