"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

Hello Readers,

This blog is part of Thinking activity task of Frankenstein assigned by Megha Trivedi ( Assi. Professor English department MKBU)

1. WHAT IS MAJOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MOVIE AND NOVEL ?

Film adaptations of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" often differ from the original novel in several ways, as filmmakers make creative choices to suit the medium of cinema. In film we can clearly identify the various changes by film writer or director as per convenience. In the movie we can see some edited scenes and that's all completely opposite from original text "Frankenstein". In the film Elizabeth is killing by monster and then Victor give new life to Elizabeth in Monster form. We can not find same in original text "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley. Victor's father killing scene is also different in film and real text. Film making purpose is only attract people to watch and give people to entertainment but at a time original text purpose to give people true knowledge, new invention and many more. That's why we need to first read original text and then watch movie.

2. WHO DO YOU THINK IS A REAL MONSTER?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the term "monster" can be applied to both Victor Frankenstein and the Creature, but in different ways. While the Creature's physical appearance is monstrous, his actions are driven by his longing for acceptance and love, making him a complex character with sympathetic qualities.

Victor Frankenstein, on the other hand, can be considered a "real monster" in a moral and ethical sense. His relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge and his obsession with creating life without considering the consequences of his actions lead to tragedy and suffering. Victor's abandonment of the Creature and refusal to take responsibility for his creation's well-being highlight his moral shortcomings. Therefore, one could argue that Victor's lack of empathy and his reckless ambition make him the true moral "monster" in the story.

3. DO YOU THINK THE SEARCH FOR KNOWLEDGE IS DANGEROUS AND DISTRACTIVE?

The search for knowledge, in itself, is not inherently dangerous or destructive. In fact, it has led to significant advancements and improvements in various fields throughout history. However, the way knowledge is pursued and applied can determine whether it becomes dangerous or destructive.

In the context of "Frankenstein," Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of knowledge without ethical considerations and his irresponsible use of that knowledge in creating the Creature ultimately lead to destructive consequences. This highlights the idea that knowledge without moral responsibility can indeed be dangerous.

So, it's not the search for knowledge that is dangerous, but the lack of ethical boundaries, responsibility, and consideration for potential consequences that can make the pursuit of knowledge potentially harmful. Balancing the quest for knowledge with ethical principles and responsible application is crucial to harness its benefits while minimizing its potential harm.

4. DO YOU THINK VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN'S CREATURE WAS INHERENTLY EVIL, OR DID SOCIETY'S REJECTION AND MISTREATMENT TURN HIM INTO A MONSTER ?

Victor Frankenstein's creature was not inherently evil but rather a product of societal rejection and mistreatment. Initially, the creature sought companionship and understanding. However, he faced constant rejection and cruelty from humans, which pushed him toward darker actions. His transformation into a "monster" was a consequence of his isolation and the cruelty he endured. This reflects the novel's theme that society's treatment of outsiders can shape their behavior, highlighting the tragic nature of the creature's existence and questioning who the true monsters are: the creature or the society that rejected him.

5. SHOULD THERE BE ON SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION? IF SO, WHAT SHOULD THOSE LIMITS BE.

Yes, there should be limits on scientific exploration to ensure ethical and responsible research. These limits should include safeguards against experiments that could cause harm to human life, the environment, or society as a whole. Ethical considerations, informed consent, and respect for moral boundaries are crucial. Additionally, oversight by regulatory bodies can help establish guidelines for potentially dangerous research, such as biotechnology or AI. Striking a balance between scientific progress and ethical responsibility is essential to prevent unintended consequences and safeguard the well-being of humanity and the planet.

Thanks for reading 🙏