Nearly two hundred years ago, a novel was published that poses the same question society is still struggling to answer today: Should scientists consider the moral and ethical consequences before moving forward with scientific advancements? The horror of Frankenstein tells the story of what can happen when the ethical aspect of science is overlooked. Even today, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein offers valuable insight on the moral side of scientific development.

Victor Frankenstein is a brilliant young scientist with an incredible thirst for knowledge. His intense studies lead him to the astonishing discovery that he has both the knowledge and the power to create life in the nonliving. Frankenstein reminisces of his discovery:

When I found so astonishing a power placed within my hands, I hesitated a long time concerning the manner in which I should employ it...I doubted at first whether I should attempt the creation of a being like myself, or one of simpler organization; but my imagination was too much exalted by my first success to permit me to doubt my ability to give life to an animal as complex and wonderful as man. (Shelley 38)

The fateful flaw in Frankenstein's decision lies in the si

Again, Frankenstein realizes his error. If only he had paused to consider the

they included a greater proportion of happiness or misery. Urged by this view, I refused, and did right in refusing, to create a companion for the first creature. (193)

In a fit of enthusiastic madness I created a rational creature and was bound towards him to assure, as far as was in my power, his happiness and well-being. This was my duty, but there was another still paramount to that. My duties towards the beings of my own species had greater claims to my attention because

Clerval accompanies Frankenstein on a trip to England where he intends to do the will of his creation so he may be free of him and marry his fiancee Elizabeth. In the midst of his task, Frankenstein's conscience finally catches up with him and he destroys his work. The monster's revenge costs him the lives of his friend Clerval, Hid dear Elizabeth, and eventually his own pitiful life. He never regrets his ultimate decision, and before he dies at the hands of his creation says:

Frankenstein spends the next two years carrying out his awful experiment, and one dark and rainy night he finally succeeds. It is at the exact moment that the monster comes to life that Frankenstein sees the horror of what he has done. He flees to his bed and tries to sleep.

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Approximate Word count = 891
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)