In Mary Shelley's chilling novel Frankenstein, certain characters represent major thematic ideas that Shelley strives to criticize or praise. The main character, the scientist Frankenstein, is used to illustrate the consequences of uninhibited and systematic manipulation of the natural world. Similarly, the explorer Walton, whose Arctic voyage provides a framework for Frankenstein's tale, reinforces Shelley's criticism of this type of science by characterizing the same features at an earlier stage, that of Creature. artificially produced in Frankenstein's laboratory demonstrates some of the horrific effects of Frankenstein's work. Additionally, the Creature provides a contrast to the disciplines Shelley critiques through the aforementioned characters. Thus, Shelley employs the prominent characters of his novel in order to do so. address two contrasting types of scientific inquiry and the morality associated with each. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The most important characteristic of Frankenstein and Walton is that they have an obsessive desire to use human reason to penetrate the inner workings of nature. In keeping with the romantic ideals with which the novel is associated, Shelley is critical of this type of investigation and as a result there is generally a negative and unnatural atmosphere created by these characters' narratives. The novel opens in an epistolary format, with Walton describing his quest to explore the unknown regions of the Arctic to a distant sister. Walton refers to his project by stating that "its productions and characteristics may be without example, as undoubtedly are the phenomena of the celestial bodies in these unknown solitudes" (Shelley 1). He also details his work ethic, explaining that "there is something at work in my soul that I don't understand." I am practically hardworking, meticulous, a worker... there is a love of the marvelous... which takes me away from the common paths of men, even towards the wild sea and unexplored regions” (7). Shelley's diction creates a disturbing and unnatural impression on the reader, particularly at the mention of an unknown but powerful force that drives Walton. Spiritual words such as "phenomena" and "celestial" imply that Walton is attempting to go beyond his humanity and gain knowledge not necessarily meant for him. The same force acts on Frankenstein in his equally unnatural explorations. In his story, Frankenstein describes to Walton his own sources of motivation, saying: "It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired...whether the outer substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man. it occupied me, but my research was directed toward the metaphysical secrets…the physical secrets of the world” (23). The narrative continues to describe how, after being inspired by a teacher, Frankenstein vowed: “I will blaze a new trail, explore unknown powers, and reveal to the world the deepest mysteries of creation” (33). After his experiment began, it was evident that Frankenstein was still under the influence of a powerful driving force, and he told Walton: "my present situation was one in which all voluntary thought was swallowed up and lost" (179 ). Frankenstein's tale has an atmosphere analogous to Walton's, and witty words are placed in his tale to give the feeling that he is beyond normal human limits. Indeed, the subject of his studies is described as “secrets” in an attempt to reinforce this idea. It seems thatthis type of science has objectified nature. In addition to an intrinsic motivating force, both Walton and Frankenstein are influenced by selfishness. Walton displays this trait throughout his letters, explaining to his sister: "you cannot dispute the inestimable benefit which I will confer upon all mankind, down to the last generation" (2). Once again, it is clear that Walton placed himself above other human beings. Walton's selfish nature is also indirectly hinted at when he tells his sister that he was looking for a mate, complaining: "I have no one near me, gentle but courageous, with a cultivated mind and a vast mind, whose tastes are varied. like mine, to approve or modify my projects” (4). Rather than desiring true friendship, Walton's conception of a relationship is based on his selfish needs. Frankenstein is also subject to his own overbearing ego, an idea clearly demonstrated by the fact that he artificially creates life in the laboratory, in the hope that “a new species would bless me as creator and source; many happy and excellent natures owe their existence to me. No father could claim his child’s gratitude as completely as I would deserve theirs” (38-39). Frankenstein's attempt to replace normal reproduction, an instinct governing humanity, with artificial paternal reproduction makes it clear that, like Walton, Frankenstein has placed himself above the rest of the human race. This unnatural relationship with humanity constitutes a critique of ego-driven scientific research. Furthermore, Shelley demonstrates how hubris and scientific processes lead to alienation and personal neglect. Walton was so blinded by his desire to explore the Arctic that he was willing to neglect his health, as he wrote: “I began by subjecting my body to hardship. I have accompanied whale fishermen on several North Sea expeditions; I willingly endured cold, starvation, thirst and lack of sleep; I often worked harder than ordinary sailors during the day” (2-3). Frankenstein displays the same trait early in his studies, when he describes: “I pursued my enterprise with untiring ardor. My cheek had become pale from study, and my person had become thin from confinement” (39). His health continues to deteriorate and results in recurrent nervous fevers. Frankenstein also becomes so involved in his work that he socially distances himself, as he tells Walton: "the same feelings which made me neglect the scenes around me also made me forget those friends who were so many miles away and that I didn't have. seen for so long” (39-40). This statement stands in stark contrast to the loving and genius upbringing that Frankenstein describes earlier in his story. Shelley therefore suggests that fervor for science and research replaces normal physical and emotional states. The Creature, Frankenstein's artificial offspring, serves to reveal the harmful effects of the objectification and dissection of nature. This is particularly evident in his relationship with Frankenstein, to whom he implores: "I am your creature, and I will even be gentle and docile to my natural lord and king if you will also fulfill the role you owe me" (80). -81). However, the Creature's need for "natural" paternal care is overlooked, and she expresses her disappointment by comparing herself to the biblical Adam: "Like Adam, I was apparently united by no bond with any other existing being" ( 110). The Creature remarks that if Adam “came forth from the hands of God a perfect creature, happy and prosperous, guarded by the special care of his Creator; he was allowed to converse with beings of nature.