Introduction
One of the most prominent literature works, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, characterizes the idea that knowledge or intelligence can be both a curse and blessing. On the one hand, the book’s protagonist applies his knowledge to create a unique creature. On the other hand, he makes a creature that eventually becomes the source of his tragedy and the loss of close ones due to his invention. Through narrating the ironic course of events encountered by the protagonist, Frankenstein conveys the idea that knowledge can be a curse and a blessing, alluding the audience to be cautious of modern-day innovations.
Main body
The idea that knowledge can be a curse is portrayed because the creature that the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, has created relying on his knowledge harms himself and his family. Victor was blessed enough to be innovative and made a creature that would “bless him as a creator” (Shelley 38). However, in taking revenge on Victor, the creature attacks his brother, William Frankenstein. This motive can be seen in lines where the monster says “Frankenstein! you belong then to my enemy-to him towards whom I have sworn eternal revenge; you shall be my first victim” (Shelley 122). The danger later escalates as the creature attacks Victor’s friend Henry Clerval and his wife, Elizabeth. The monster becomes more dangerous as Victor loses control over him. Hence, while knowledge provided Victor an opportunity to invent a creature, it also became the primary cause of Victor’s eventual despair and anger.
Conclusion
To conclude, the statement that knowledge can be both a blessing and a curse is valid, which Mary Shelley alludes to in Frankenstein. The much more subtle idea behind Frankenstein refers to the rise of contemporary innovations worldwide. While technological innovations currently allow people to live much better, enjoyable, accessible, and productive lives, they also brought significant detrimental effects on human relations, democracy, among other things. Hence, it is critical for innovators, policymakers, and the public to be cautious and conscious about the potential threats deriving from scientific inventions.
Work Cited
Shelley, Mary, W.G. Frankenstein. Project Gutenberg, 1993.