Life is a rat race. In order to succeed, one is required to stay in the front of the pack. To lead a happy, loving life, however, one must stop and smell the roses so the meaningful qualities in life don't pass you by. A prime example of a person who overlooks this aspect of life can be found in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Through Dr. Frankenstein, Shelley warns readers of the consequences of playing god and allowing business to take you away from the simple pleasures in life. As shown through him, too much knowledge and determination may not be what the doctor ordered.

Frankenstein illustrates god-like characteristics by creating a living creature. As a boy he was "deeply smitten with the thirst for knowledge" (22), and obtained an "eager desire to learn" (23). This dedication and love for science he pursued led him to crave more and strive to go one step further than other scientists have in the past. Devoting his life to learning the sciences of the human frame, Frankenstein became "capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter" (37), and recognizes the chance to become the father of a new type of species he can take credit for. Ironically, Frankenstein's cr

During the two years Frankenstein worked on his creation he became totally absorbed in his work which leads to neglect towards himself, his family, and the beautiful scenes of nature he, in the past, took pleasure in. Once he dived headfirst into his project, he showed no signs of coming up for air. Frankenstein puts his life on hold and "seemed to have lost all soul or sensation but for this one pursuit" (39). In fear of an unsuccessful outcome, he ruthlessly works day and night trying to complete his work. In the process, he "deprived [himself] of rest and health" (42) and became pale and emaciated due to this lacking. Not only did he neglect his health, Frankenstein also overlooked his loving family who began to worry about him. Obviously "[he] knew [his] silence disquieted them" (40), but couldn't tear himself away from his work long enough to simply reply to their letters. Another pleasure Frankenstein tried to forget was the nature he had always found comfort in. However, not even the "charms of nature" (40) could break the force field isolating Frankenstein and his creation in the study. Once he realized all the pleasures he set aside due to the overwhelming desire he beheld

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Approximate Word count = 807
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)