Thesis Mary Shelly's novel Frankenstein brings to light the ethical implications and possible dangers associated with the creation of new creatures. These dangers are illustrated through the arrogance shown by Victor in approaching knowledge, the contempt shown by his teachers, and Victor's negligence towards his creation. Knowledge Quotes Throughout the novel, Victor is characterized as a man whose downfall stems from his own arrogance. Although he is initially hesitant to create a human being, "my imagination was too exhilarated by my first success to allow me to doubt my ability to give life to an animal as complex and wonderful as man" (54), his superiority clouds his judgment. Just like the legendary Prometheus, Victor commits arrogance and breaks with reality. Quickly his arrogance increases as his need for God-like status is achieved. He believes that his "new species would bless me [Victor] as its creator and source" (52). He stopped completely worrying about the implications of a God and the responsibilities he would have, instead thinking only about the love and power he would have over these new creatures. Finally, Victor begins to see himself above the things that make him human, life. and death. He talks about it lightly, describing it as “ideal bonds, which I should first break” (55) as if nothing had happened. He perceives himself as above humanity, far beyond where the rest of society stands. Educator Shelly shows that Victor is not the only one to blame for all the damage he has caused. Instead, he places the blame on Victor's teachers. When Victor begins to study alchemy, his father quickly abandons his studies without explaining to his son why such knowledge is dangerous. Victor later says, "if, instead of this observation, my fa...... middle of paper ...... that creation has placed upon him, Victor's resulting illness allows him to postpone his thoughts on the monster". But ultimately, the more Victor procrastinates, the more he is haunted by the monster. Finally, as the story intensifies, it increasingly begins to emotionally cripple Victor. When Victor refuses to create an Eva who loves and cares about the monster, he begins killing all the companions Victor holds dear. In the story the monster threatens: “You can explode my other passions, but revenge remains: revenge, henceforth dearer than light or food!” (173). Victor is ultimately responsible for the actions committed by the creature, and he too realizes it. He is the God of this creature, so the sins committed by it fall on Victor's shoulders. Works Cited Shelley, Mary and Maurice Hindle. Or the modern Prometheus. London: Penguin Classics, 2007. Print.