He tells Walton, "I was surprised that among so many men of genius . . . that I alone should be reserved to discover so astonishing a secret" (37). Here we see how Frankenstein's personality has become corrupt by his wild imagination and his desire to please himself. .

             In The Tragedy of Faust, the character of Faust exhibits the same type of thirst, which is embodied in a desire for experience. Like Frankenstein, Faust is more than willing to risk whatever it takes to achieve his goal. Our first knowledge of Faust indicates his state of mind. Mephistopheles observes that Faust "spirit's ferment drives him far" (Goethe 2165.60) and "all that's near and all that's far/Cannot soothe the upheaval in his breast" (64-5). When we are introduced to Faust, we meet a restless man that is dissatisfied with his knowledge thus far. He is bored with the philosophy, medicine, and theology that he has studied. He bemoans:.

             For ten years almost I confute.

             And up and down, wherever it goes,.

             I drag my students by the nose--.

             And see that for all our science and art.

             We can know nothing. (2165.8-12).

             Here we see how Faust believes that he knows all there is to know. He illustrates his conceit when he says that he is smarter than:.

             all the shysters,.

             The doctors, and teachers, and scribes, and Christers;.

             No Scruple nor doubt could make me ill,.

             I am not afraid of the Devil or hell. (2165.13-6).

             Just like Frankenstein, Faust believes that he is special somehow and is gifted above and beyond the normal man. Faust thought he was endowed with special knowledge and also thought that he could discover more. Here we see how Shelley and Goethe are emphasizing the individual through these characters. .

             Another theme that these two stories touch upon is that of social responsibility. Frankenstein's search for knowledge brings him to a certain type of moral corruption, which ultimately leads to irresponsibility. An excellent example of how Frankenstein demonstrates immaturity and irresponsibility is when he abandons the monster.