Frankenstein Analysis: Exploring the Effect of the Thirst for Knowledge in Volume 1

Throughout the first volume of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, the desire for knowledge, or lack thereof, plays a very important role in the exploring the inner minds of certain characters. The text shows us that a very strong desire towards the obtention of knowledge can cause a great deal of introversion in a person and bring out their most selfish side. Whereas a lack of this desire leaves a person in a situation where they exhibit a great deal of empathy and wish only the best for others. From a young age Frankensteins thirst for knowledge is very apparent. This is seen many times such as when upon reading a text of Cornelius Agrippa, he very quickly obtains the authors entire works as well as texts of other like minded authors. (Shelley 67-68) It is also seen when he states that [his] hours were fully employed in acquiring and maintaining a knowledge ... (71) This quote describes the studies of mathematics and languages in which the majority of his hours were spent. In comparison to Victor Frankenstein we can look at the character of Henry Clerval, a good friend of Victors. In him we can see quite the opposite, instead of a thirst for knowledge, Henry, seems much more interested in fictive stories and fairy tales. These two differences in the early childhood

mindset of those two characters later reveal a very noticeable difference in their actions towards others later in life. Victor soon leaves home to pursue his quest of knowledge at the University of Ingolstadt. Although it takes a small push from one of his professors, he very quickly begins a very solitary journey to learn as much as he possibly can. As he rapidly surpasses many of the other students and professors in the comprehension of natural philosophy, his quest for knowledges climaxes when he learns the secret of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter. (80) However throughout this period and the next few years that follow we can see Victor grow more and more distant from the outside world. By the time the monster is finally created he has almost lost complete contact with his family back home. We can also see a good example as to how he has become more selfish and introverted towards the end of the volume. After the death of William and condemnation of Justine Moritz, Victor believes the greatest sadness has befallen himself. At almost every moment he describes the suffering of others he quickly follows explaining that it is he who endured the real pain, suffering, and misery. (107-115) He has become so far involved in himself, that even after the thirst for knowledge no longer clouds his vision, he still seems to focus on the world as it effects him. In Henry we see much more compassion and empathy towards others, in place of the selfishness caused by the desire of knowledge. When Henry first

travels to Ingolstadt, in order to study at the university, he meets Victor who quickly falls into a panicked and distraught state. Although Henry is presented with an opportunity to learn and study, he instead places his friend before himself, and for several months while Frankenstein recovers, Henry tends to him daily. We also see Henry experiencing empathy with the Frankenstein family as he urges Victor to write in order to appease the anxiousness and unease. Through these two character examples we can see how a thirst to learn can cause a seemingly compassionate person to place themselves on a pedestal above others, an cause them to think almost solely of their own needs.