In Mary Shelley's chilling novel Frankenstein, certain characters represent the main thematic ideas that Shelley seeks to criticize or praise. The main character, the scientist Frankenstein, is used to exemplify the consequences of uninhibited and systematic manipulation of the natural world. Likewise, the explorer Walton, whose journey to the Arctic provides a structure for the Frankenstein narrative, reinforces Shelley's criticism of this type of science by typifying the same traits in an earlier stage, the Creature produced artificially in the laboratory of Frankenstein demonstrates some of the terrifying effects of Frankenstein's work. Furthermore, the Creature provides a contrast to the disciplines criticized by Shelley through the above characters. Therefore, Shelley employs the prominent figures in his novel in an attempt to make it deal with 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The most important characteristic of both Frankenstein and Walton is that they have an obsessive desire to use human reason to penetrate the inner workings of nature. In accordance with the romantic ideals with which the novel is associated, Shelley criticizes this type of investigation and as a result there is usually a negative and unnatural atmosphere created by the narratives of these characters. The novel opens in epistolary format, with Walton describing his quest to explore the unexplored 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 the phenomena of celestial bodies are undoubtedly found in those unexplored solitudes” (Shelley 1). He also details his work ethic, explaining that “there's something at work in my soul that I don't understand. I am practically industrious, scrupulous, a worker... there is a love of the marvelous... which pushes me out of the common paths of men, to the wild sea and unexplored regions” (7). Shelley's diction creates an eerie and unnatural impression on the reader, particularly when an unknown but powerful force that is guiding Walton is mentioned. Spiritual words like “phenomena” and “celestial” imply that Walton is attempting to move beyond his humanity and gain knowledge that is not necessarily intended for him. The same force acts on Frankenstein in his equally unnatural explorations. In his short story, Frankenstein describes his sources of motivation to Walton, saying, "It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I longed for...whether it was the outward substance of things or the inward spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of 'man." that occupied me, however my research was directed towards metaphysics... to the physical secrets of the world” (23). The narrative goes on to describe how, after receiving inspiration from a professor, Frankenstein vowed, “I will pioneer a new way, 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 a powerful driving force, and he tells Walton, "my present situation was one in which all voluntary thought was swallowed up and lost" (179). Frankenstein's tale has a similar feel to Walton's, and spiritual words are inserted into his narrative to impart the feeling that he is going beyond normal human boundaries. In fact, the object of his studies is defined as “secrets” in an attempt to reinforce this idea. It seems that this type of science has objectified nature. As well as oneintrinsic motivational force, both Walton and Frankenstein are influenced by selfishness. Walton displays this characteristic throughout his letters, explaining to his sister: “you cannot dispute the inestimable benefit which I will bestow upon all mankind, even 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 referenced when he tells his sister that he is looking for a mate, lamenting: "I have no one near me, kind but courageous, gifted with a cultured and capable mind, whose tastes are like mine, to approve or modify my plans” (4). Rather than wanting genuine friendship, Walton's concept of relationships is based on his selfish needs. Frankenstein is similarly subject to his overbearing ego, an idea clearly demonstrated by the fact that he creates life artificially in the laboratory, in the hope that “a new species will bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures owe their existence to me. No father could claim his son's gratitude as completely as I should deserve theirs” (38-39). Frankenstein's attempt to replace normal reproduction, an instinct that governs humankind, with artificial paternal propagation makes it obvious that, like Walton, Frankenstein has set himself above the rest of the human race. This unnatural relationship with humanity serves as a critique of ego-driven scientific research. Furthermore, Shelley demonstrates how uncontrolled arrogance and scientific processes lead to alienation and personal abandonment. Walton is so blinded by the desire to explore the Arctic that he is willing to neglect his health, as he writes: “I began by subjecting my body to hardship. I have accompanied whale fishermen on several expeditions to the North Sea; I voluntarily endured the cold, hunger, thirst and lack of sleep; Often during the day I worked harder than ordinary sailors” (2-3). Frankenstein displays the same trait early in his studies, when he describes “I pursued my undertaking with unremitting ardor. My cheeks had become pale from study and my person had become emaciated from confinement” (39). His health continued to deteriorate until it resulted in recurrent nervous fevers. Even Frankenstein is so involved in his work that he socially distances himself, as he tells Walton: "the same feelings that made me neglect the scenes around me also made me forget those friends who were so many miles away and whom I had not met. " seen for a long time” (39-40). This statement is in stark contrast to the loving and ingenious upbringing that Frankenstein describes earlier in his tale. Shelley therefore suggests that the 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 most evident in his relationship with Frankenstein, to whom he pleads: "I am your creature, and I will even be gentle and docile towards my natural lord and king if you also do your part, the part you owe me" (80) . -81). However, the Creature's need for “natural” paternal care is overlooked, and he expresses his disappointment by comparing himself to the biblical Adam: “Like Adam, I was apparently united by no bond with any other existing being” (110). The Creature notes that while Adam “came out of the hands of God a perfect, happy and prosperous creature, guarded by the special care of his Creator; he has been allowed to converse and acquire knowledge from beings of a higher nature,” he is simply “miserable, helpless, and alone” (110). Since the Creature represents the fruit of unbridled research,.