(1st half of the novel)
Aphorism
Victor
Frankenstein offers a wise observation about how to know when a study is
unhealthy for the human mind. For example, “If the study to which you apply
yourself has a tendency to weaken you affections, and to destroy your taste for
those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is
certainly unlawful, that is to say not befitting the human mind,” (Shelley,
34). This lesson applies to today’s world, and Mary Shelley even includes
historical and literary examples of where this can be applied. She uses the
examples of the too rapid discovery of the Americas and the destruction of the
empires of Mexico. This aphorism applies to individuals as well in the modern
world and especially Victor Frankenstein. He became so obsessed with his desire
to create life from nonliving body parts that he lost his sanity and
appreciation for the world around him. An example of this desire weakening his
affections is Victor never writing to his family despite their wishes to hear
from him. This caused Victor to become increasingly distant from the people he
loved. The question to this aphorism lies within human nature. Does man have
the power to turn away from their desires even if they are terribly close to
reaching their dream even if doing this will inflict harm?
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