Frankenstein Theme of Exploration

Exploration of the physical world serves as a metaphor for intellectual inquiry and discovery. Exploration is portrayed as dangerous and threatening to life, rather than as something simply good and uplifting for humanity. There is a general fear that certain knowledge may be too extensive or dangerous; it may, Frankenstein seems to say, bring about the destruction of humanity.

Questions About Exploration

1. Someone said that exploration in Frankenstein is a metaphor for the scientific method. True, or not so true? And, of course, how so?
2. After Victor dies, Walton gives up on his exploration and returns to England. What’s up with that?
3. What is the distinction between exploration and obsession? Why might these two things have such different outcomes? According to Frankenstein, can a person be committed to an endeavor without being obsessed?
4. How does the Industrial Revolution effect the tone of this book in regards to scientific exploration?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

Walton’s desire for geographic exploration has the same potential for catastrophic results as Victor’s studies in alchemy and science. Shelley’s warning, therefore, extends far further than to purely scientific fields.