Assignment #5

Technophobia/ Technophilia

“After days and nights of incredible labor and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter” (Shelley 34). In the beginning of the book Victor Frankenstein has a fascination with science and technology. As is shown here, he dedicated much labor and many hours to discovering and creating his being. This shows his original Technophilia and obsession with technology and increasing scientific discoveries. In the start of the novel, Victor thinks the world of science and gets wrapped up in it and carried away.

“ ‘Seek happiness in tranquility, and avoid ambition, even if it be only the apparently innocent one of distinguishing yourself in science and discoveries’” (Shelley 186). This is what Victor Frankenstein tells Captain Walton before he dies. This is the wisdom of a man who was once enthusiastic about technology but whose life has been destroyed by the thing he created. This is obviously from the point of view, which Victor grows to have, of technophobia. He advises Walton to not have lofty ambitions but simply be able to live in tranquility with the natural world around him.

“M. Waldman inflicted torture when he praised, with kindness and warmth, the astonishing progress I had made in the sciences” (Shelley 48). This is an example of Victor’s technophobia after his creation of the creature. He used to be a highly esteemed student of science and now whenever scientific things are mentioned it causes him torture and in most cases to almost have a nervous break down. He once delved into science and discoveries but now that he has witnessed the evil that it can create, he wants nothing to do with it.

These three pieces of evidence tie into the theme in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein of too much technology being bad and that the real way to find enjoyment and satisfaction in life is to live in tranquility amidst nature. This theme is seen over and over again throughout the novel as Victor comes to despise scientific pursuits and his only solice is found in the moments he has alone in nature. This novel stresses the natural intelligence over artificial intelligence and promotes a healthy fear of technology, lest it should be underestimated.