Question
Some interpretations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein suggest that the story is an allegory that serves as a warning that it is dangerous for man to try and assume the power of creating life.
Which excerpt from the text most effectively develops this allegory?
Responses
“…at the end of two years I made some discoveries in the improvement of some chemical instruments, which procured me great esteem and admiration at the university.”
“…at the end of two years I made some discoveries in the improvement of some chemical instruments, which procured me great esteem and admiration at the university.”
“…yet when I considered the improvement which every day takes place in science and mechanics, I was encouraged to hope my present attempts would at least lay the foundations of future success.”
“…yet when I considered the improvement which every day takes place in science and mechanics, I was encouraged to hope my present attempts would at least lay the foundations of future success.”
“From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole occupation.”
“From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole occupation.”
"One secret which I alone possessed was the hope to which I had dedicated myself; and the moon gazed on my midnight labours, while, with unrelaxed and breathless eagerness, I pursued nature to her hiding-places."
Which excerpt from the text most effectively develops this allegory?
Responses
“…at the end of two years I made some discoveries in the improvement of some chemical instruments, which procured me great esteem and admiration at the university.”
“…at the end of two years I made some discoveries in the improvement of some chemical instruments, which procured me great esteem and admiration at the university.”
“…yet when I considered the improvement which every day takes place in science and mechanics, I was encouraged to hope my present attempts would at least lay the foundations of future success.”
“…yet when I considered the improvement which every day takes place in science and mechanics, I was encouraged to hope my present attempts would at least lay the foundations of future success.”
“From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole occupation.”
“From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole occupation.”
"One secret which I alone possessed was the hope to which I had dedicated myself; and the moon gazed on my midnight labours, while, with unrelaxed and breathless eagerness, I pursued nature to her hiding-places."
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The excerpt that most effectively develops the allegory of the dangers of assuming the power of creating life is:
"One secret which I alone possessed was the hope to which I had dedicated myself; and the moon gazed on my midnight labours, while, with unrelaxed and breathless eagerness, I pursued nature to her hiding-places."
This passage emphasizes the obsessive nature of Victor Frankenstein's quest for knowledge and his desire to unlock the secrets of life. It captures the essence of his dedication and ambition, illustrating the theme that such relentless pursuit can lead to dangerous consequences, thus serving as a warning about the consequences of overreaching in the quest for knowledge and power.
"One secret which I alone possessed was the hope to which I had dedicated myself; and the moon gazed on my midnight labours, while, with unrelaxed and breathless eagerness, I pursued nature to her hiding-places."
This passage emphasizes the obsessive nature of Victor Frankenstein's quest for knowledge and his desire to unlock the secrets of life. It captures the essence of his dedication and ambition, illustrating the theme that such relentless pursuit can lead to dangerous consequences, thus serving as a warning about the consequences of overreaching in the quest for knowledge and power.