Group+13

K.Fopma, J. Hellmich, T. McClanahan //Frankenstein:// Mary Shelley's novel __Frankenstein__ is mainly the reaction of a Romantic writer to the rapid advancements of science at the time the book was written. With scientific discoveries becoming increasingly profound, Shelley, among other poets and novelists, became afraid that mankind would soon venture in a region that was just too dangerous. Alan Rauch discusses Shelley's "critique of knowledge" in a critical essay on the book, putting forth the thesis that the story of Victor Frankenstein and the creation of his monster is a warning against this same kind of "dangerous knowledge." Romantic writers indulged in the mysterious power of emotion and the beauty of nature, and perceived the hard facts of science as corrupting these qualities. This viewpoint is exemplified in Edgar Allan Poe's "Sonnet--to Science." Shelley's fears were more apocalyptic than those of many of her Romantic contemporaries, however, as she portrays science not only as causing the ruination of art, but as a force that consumes and eventually destroys man as well. Thus, the violent actions of Frankenstein's monster can be seen as prophetic images of the consequences of man's curiosity. A separate analysis of the essay, by U.C. Knopflmacher, focuses more closely on the parallels between Frankenstein, his monster, and Mary Shelley herself. Knopflmacher claims that __Frankenstein__ is "a novel of omnipresent fathers and absent mothers." In this viewpoint, the anger that the monster displays towards the world is a reflection of Shelley's repressed anger at her own father, anarchist philosopher William Godwin. This analysis of the tale is less viable than the previously mentioned perspective, due to the simple reason that Victor Frankenstein is far from being an "omnipresent father." To the contrary, he sets the monster on the road to destruction by abandoning him to the cruel world all by himself. The monster's loneliness and rage develops out of constant rejection, all of which began with the rejection of his appearance by his father figure. Thus, the monster's creation differs from the upbringings of Mary Shelley and Victor Frankenstein, and the second author's critical argument loses its luster.
 * Part I**

//Prometheus Unbound:// Like it or not, in Percy Shelley’s //Prometheus Unbound//, Prometheus is an anarchist. As stated in the given analysis, Prometheus “is relentless in his resistance and glorifies the virtues of revolt, representing authority (political, religious and scientific) as responsible for men's sufferings,” which aligns almost exactly with the definition of “anarchism” - a doctrine urging the abolition of government or governmental restraint as the indispensable condition for full social and political liberty. (dictionary.com) Anarchism is the only way to have true freedom as it opposes all forms of oppression including sexism, racism, religious intolerance, class structures, and any form of hierarchal government structure, and supports the empowerment of the individual – exactly what Prometheus worked for in rebelling against the current Gods in power (since, formerly, Prometheus and the Titans were in power). Shelley hoped that his story of Prometheus would provide some kind of “hope for mankind, and its release or opposition to slavery -- whether that slavery is to church doctrines or government,” (Shelley’s Project: 8) which, in this case, can only mean anarchy. Combining the two major ideas of //Prometheus Unbound// comes in the form of a statement from Shelley himself, in which he noted that, “the harmonizing power of the imagination brings about the creation of true social order,” thus introducing the second theme – the power of imagination. The text of //Prometheus Unbound// states, “He gave man speech, and speech created thought, / Which is the measure of the Universe; / And Science struck the thrones of Earth and Heaven / Which shook but fell not; "(Act II, scene iv. Lines 72-5), implying that Prometheus’ gift of speech to man gave to thought and imagination, which spearheaded science, with science being the means through which to better the lives of man. It shows not what will happen in science in the future with the current “bioengineering” and “genetic manipulation” progress, but what can happen if this power goes unchecked (“…science struck the thrones of Earth and Heaven / which shook but fell not”). Through imagination, Prometheus has opened up new possibilities and pathways for human thought, something that is difficult to ascertain when under the control of governments or churches.

[|Prometheus Text 1] [|Prometheus Text 2]

Is it right for man to act as God? Mary Shelley’s //Frankenstein// was originally named //The Modern Day Prometheus//. Prometheus created human beings out of clay, similar to how Dr. Frankenstein created life in the form of a monster. There are many works today that relate to this theme of acting as God. Michael Crichton’s //Jurassic// //Park// and subsequent film adaptation constitute a “modern Prometheus myth” as it displays the similar themes of the creation of life and the dangers of man pushing the bounds of scientific knowledge. Man has decided that they are ready to take the challenge of creation into their own hands. As seen in //Prometheus//, //Frankenstein//, and //Jurassic// //Park//, the creatures made were “invented” out of clay, old body parts, and preserved dinosaur DNA. However, is man really ready for this step? Some believe that God created all life, and the creation of life is a sacred ordinance meant to be shared between a man and woman to multiply and replenish the Earth. In this sense, creation is not meant to be “invented,” but left to man through divine nature. However, just as in these works of fiction, scientists today have begun to take on God-like attributes of creation in genetic-altering experiments that can be viewed as both positive and negative. In reality, the outcome isn’t always as predicted. As scientists invent and experiment, they are pushing the bounds of scientific knowledge. They are venturing into the unknown of scientific possibilities and miracles. How is it that a dead man can be raised from his grave or a mammal might be seen roaming the Earth that has been extinct for millions of years? Scientists are testing the limits, but they can’t always tell what will happen next. Frankenstein was ruined by his own creation through his lack of understanding and fear of his monster. The scientists in //Jurassic// //Park// were unable to control the ferociousness and danger in the monsters that they created as well. The whole park was eventually destroyed! Likewise, Prometheus is credited with the creation of man "in godlike image" from clay, but crossed Zeus in giving fire to man and was punished by being chained to a rock. His liver was eaten each day by an eagle, only to grow back and have it eaten again each day. The outcomes of each of these experiments were unpredictable. Consequently, these types of creations were not meant to be tried. Today’s society presents the same thematic modern-day Prometheus myth. Scientists are not working on bringing dinosaurs or dead people back to life, but they are trying to create life by developing research methods that are considered controversial. In the last decade alone science has successfully cloned a sheep named Dolly, which in turn, could lead to human cloning. Stem cell research has conservatives worried that the creation of human life will be abused in the name of procuring courses of treatment for the elimination of certain diseases and restoration of healthy bodies. Scientists are even experimenting with the genetics of fruits and vegetables to make more interesting flavors! While some of these creations seem good and harmless, it is fair to say that a positive future cannot truthfully be predicted. Who is to say that these inventions won’t turn on their makers as did the monster of Dr. Frankenstein and the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park? Human beings’ meddling with creation is very dangerous. It is questionable whether the human mind is ready for the complexities and responsibilities behind the creation of a life force. The creation of dinosaurs seemed like a fun, smart thing to do. The creation of a monster was the outcome of blind passion for power and knowledge. Prometheus carefully crafted a creature after the shape of the gods: a man. //Frankenstein// and //Jurassic// //Park// are very closely related in theme, and could both be very well titled “The Modern Day Prometheus.” Science today may be pushing the bounds of the creation of life, but hopefully the intelligence of man will temper those bounds into reasonable advancements that do not just push the limits of scientific knowledge, but make justifiable strides in progress for the wholesome benefit of man.
 * Part II**