Knowledge in Frankenstein
By Nick Sherman
Quote 1 Knowledge
"My temper was sometimes violent, and my passions vehement; but by some law in my temperature they were turned not towards childish pursuits but to an eager desire to learn, and not to learn all things indiscriminately. I confess that neither the structure of languages, nor the code of governments, nor the politics of various states possessed attractions for me. It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or in it highest sense, the physical secrets of the world."
Ch 2 pg 23
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge being dangerous because Frankenstein's knowledge causes him to create the creature. This eventually causes turmoil for his family through death. The creature also changes Frankenstein's personal life, causing him to be depressed and scared of the future.
Ch 2 pg 23
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge being dangerous because Frankenstein's knowledge causes him to create the creature. This eventually causes turmoil for his family through death. The creature also changes Frankenstein's personal life, causing him to be depressed and scared of the future.
Quote 2 Knowledge
"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow."
Ch 4 pg 38
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge being dangerous because Frankenstein's creation is starting to cause havoc in his life. He is scared of what the future holds. He also wants people to learn from his mistakes to never let this happen again.
Ch 4 pg 38
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge being dangerous because Frankenstein's creation is starting to cause havoc in his life. He is scared of what the future holds. He also wants people to learn from his mistakes to never let this happen again.
Quote 3 Knowledge
"All men hate the wretched; how then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, they creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us."
Ch 10 pg 83
The quote connects to the theme of knowledge being dangerous because the creature realizes that he his hated by man. With this knowledge, he needs to discuss with Frankenstein about why he looks the way he does.
Ch 10 pg 83
The quote connects to the theme of knowledge being dangerous because the creature realizes that he his hated by man. With this knowledge, he needs to discuss with Frankenstein about why he looks the way he does.
Quote 4 Knowledge
"Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow devils, to admire and encourage him, but I am solitary and abhorred."
Ch 15 pg 110-111
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge being dangerous because the creature knows of his hideous look. He wonders why Frankenstein built him this way. He also again makes the connection that his looks are the main reason why other humans act so harshly towards him.
Ch 15 pg 110-111
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge being dangerous because the creature knows of his hideous look. He wonders why Frankenstein built him this way. He also again makes the connection that his looks are the main reason why other humans act so harshly towards him.
Quote 5 Knowledge
"I called myself the murderer of William, of Justine, and of Clerval."
Ch 21 pg 155
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge is dangerous because Frankenstein knows that he is indirectly responsible for the murders of his close friends and family. This is eating him inside as a person because he wishes he could have saved these people. Also, he knows that he can never let his family know the truth about the murders because it will leave him in trouble.
Ch 21 pg 155
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge is dangerous because Frankenstein knows that he is indirectly responsible for the murders of his close friends and family. This is eating him inside as a person because he wishes he could have saved these people. Also, he knows that he can never let his family know the truth about the murders because it will leave him in trouble.
Quote 6 Knowledge
"Man," I cried, "how ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom! Cease; you know not what it is you say."
Ch 23 pg 178
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge is dangerous because it shows that along with wisdom, people can become ignorant because they become so involved with one topic. (Ignorance is a trait that is not liked by others because it promotes the fact that people are not knowledgeable.) This happens with Frankenstein because he becomes so involved with his creature that he lacks the social skills to communicate with others.
Ch 23 pg 178
This quote connects to the theme of knowledge is dangerous because it shows that along with wisdom, people can become ignorant because they become so involved with one topic. (Ignorance is a trait that is not liked by others because it promotes the fact that people are not knowledgeable.) This happens with Frankenstein because he becomes so involved with his creature that he lacks the social skills to communicate with others.
Frankenstein and Creature view on knowledge
I think that Frankenstein and the creature would both agree that knowledge is dangerous. It has increased tensions between the two of them because of the things they have discovered. Also, the knowledge of each others actions, like the murders, is destroying the relationship between the two beings. Between these incidents and others, knowledge is proving to be dangerous within the story of Frankenstein.
My view on knowledge
I agree that knowledge is dangerous to a certain extent. It depends on the things you know and if they could hurt someone, thus making it dangerous. On the other hand, if you know something that could change the lives of others for the better, I think that it is not dangerous. In my opinion, the knowledge that Frankenstein and the creature posses in the book is dangerous because they use it to harm each other through murders and destruction.
KIP Knowledge is Power (Literacy Song)
Modern Connection 1: School
School is an important source of knowledge from the early stages of a child's life to the beginning of adulthood. It provides a base in a variety of subjects that allows children to identify their weaknesses and strengths while still providing enough knowledge in each section for them to be successful in the long run. (Importance) In 2012, the knowledge gained through earning a high school degree allowed people to earn on average ten thousand dollars than those without a degree. This gap is even more drastic when compared to students who obtained their master or doctorate degrees. (Fast)
Modern Connection 2: Work
Knowledge is key in the work environment. It provides a basis for what job you can get and your salary that you can earn from working these jobs. Generally, people with higher ranking degrees, master or doctorate, are able to work higher positioned jobs. They are also on average paid a significantly higher amount of money than those who do not have a degree (Fast).
Modern Connection 3: Daily Life
Knowledge is important in many of our daily interactions with other humans. First, the knowledge of a language is extremely important. It allows us to communicate with one another, thus allowing us to work together to complete daily tasks. Next, knowledge is important when it comes to the senses. Identifying a sense, whether it is good or bad, can help you survive and thrive in the daily environment. Finally, knowledge is important with your memory. It helps you perform certain tasks and remember how to do them again in the future. This would help with your job and around the household. (Theory)
Why knowledge is important
In conclusion knowledge is important because it effects everything we do from our job to our actions with our friends. Without knowledge, we would not be able to function as a society. Even though knowledge is an important part of daily life, we should remember that if it remains unchecked, it can cause great destruction to our daily lives.
Works Cited
"Fast Facts." National Center for Education Statistics. US Department of Education, 2014. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.
"Importance Of School." - Why Is School Important? N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2015.
"Theory of Knowledge Guide." Theory of Knowledge Guide. International Baccalaureate Organization, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2015.