Tag: ambition

What has he done?!

In the novel, Frankenstein, the scientist Victor has finally achieved his lifelong dream of creating new life. He of spent years of hard work and obsession to bring his ambitions to fruition. But when he laid eyes upon his creation he was overcome by feelings of disgust and regret. Victor had said, “For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart” (Shelley 42).  Victor rushes to the room in fear of his creation, but the creature only affection from its creator. This could lead to the creature becoming bitter and spiteful.

There are new methods of creating new life happening every day. Such as cloning. Some may argue that artificially created life does not have a soul. Do you think it is ethical to artificially create new life? Why or why not?

Are Your Dreams Worth the Price?

I noticed a parallel while reading. Often times, people are faced with a choice that questions their values. The specific values I am referencing are personal relationships versus dreams and goals. It is sometimes very difficult to maintain and actively pursue both. Sometimes we must focus on our education or our careers, meanwhile our relationships take a hit. This is often discussed by the very successful, athletes, business people, performers, etc. There is a seemingly universal struggle between ambition and relationships.

Our main character has made his choice, “I wished, as it were, to procrastinate all that related to my feelings of affection until the great object, which swallowed up every habit of my nature, should be completed” (Shelly 30). He has been consumed by the desire to accomplish his dreams, so much so, as to wish away the distraction of emotion.

Do you find yourself solidly on one side of battle, or are you in a constant struggle? How do you think this internal conflict, or lack thereof, will come into play as the story unfolds?