FAQ About Frankenstein

The theme of ambition is a central and pervasive element in Frankenstein, explored through the character of Victor Frankenstein and the consequences of his unbridled ambition. The novel portrays ambition in both positive and negative lights, highlighting its potential for great achievement as well as its potential to lead to destructive and tragic outcomes:

• Scientific Curiosity and Ambition: From a young age, Victor Frankenstein displays an intense curiosity and passion for scientific knowledge. He becomes captivated by the idea of discovering the secrets of life and death and is driven to unlock the mysteries of the natural world. His scientific ambition pushes him to pursue the creation of life through his experiment.
• Desire for Glory and Recognition: Victor's ambition is fueled by a desire for fame, glory, and recognition within the scientific community. He dreams of making a groundbreaking discovery that would elevate him to the status of a great scientist and bring him lasting renown.
• Playing God: Victor's ambition to create life is the ultimate expression of playing "God." He believes that he can conquer death and manipulate the forces of life through his scientific knowledge and experimentation. His ambition blinds him to the potential consequences of his actions.
• Consequences of Unchecked Ambition: The novel portrays the destructive consequences of Victor's unchecked ambition. His creation, the Creature, turns out to be a monstrous and vengeful being, leading to tragic events such as the deaths of Victor's loved ones.
• Moral Dilemmas: Victor's ambition leads him to neglect the ethical implications of his experiment. He fails to consider the responsibilities of creating life and neglects his "parental" duties towards the Creature, leading to its isolation and suffering.
• Hubris and Pride: Victor's ambition is intertwined with hubris and excessive pride. He believes that he can overcome the natural order of life and death and does not consider the potential consequences of his actions.
• Warnings and Lessons: The novel serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition. It emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, empathy, and responsibility in scientific pursuits and human relationships.