Comparison between Frankenstein and “The Birthmark” Essay

The Industrial Revolution that was happening in the early even revert of the 19th centuries changed the world forever. The introduction of science as a possible cure for all became appargonnt. Many fascination inventions such as steamboat, cars and electricity were created and the expectation for the future was bright. However, because of this, many scientists turned a blind eye to the insecuritys of knowledge and unwittingly caused many sorrows in their process to become god. Such examples are introduced in the following two stories Frankenstein and The birthmark. In both stories, the author created a character that was to symbolize the scientists of the early 19th centuries who believed that anything was possible with science. In The nevus, Hawthornes character Aylmer tries to remove his wifes birthmark with his use of science but ends up killing her. While in Frankenstein, the protagonist superscript attempts to use science to create life but ends up destroying those there wer e closest to him.There are many similarities amid the two stories, especially between the characteristics of Victor Frankenstein and Aylmer. Both men have a deep passion and love for science that borders on obsession. One of the prevalent themes in both stories is the danger of playing god. In Frankenstein, Victor attempts to go beyond accepted human limits and access the knowledge of life and therefore becoming godlike. The story begins with Waltons earn to his sister. From the letter, we are introduced to the danger of science. Victor tells Walton, You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. (pg 31)The theme of destructive knowledge is then developed further throughout the story as the tragic events and consequences of Victors obsession for life is unfold. He cuts himself off from the world and eventually commits himself entirely to his task, while I pursued my und ertaking with unremitting ardour, my gall has grown pale with study and my person has become emaciated with confinement. (pg 55) This is similar to what Aylmer went through, He was pale as death, anxious and absorbed, and hung oer the furnace as if it depended upon his utmost circumspection or misery. (pg 70) He was so obsessed about perfection that he forsakes the consequences of his action.Throughout Frankenstein, Victor repeatedly convinced himself that what he is doing is absolutely right and because of this, his fall from grace mirrors those of Aylmer. Both of them have unrealistic goals to achieve and both unintentionally destroy those that are precious to them.For all their similarities, Dr. Frankenstein and Aylmer are still significantly diametric characters. Victor wants to be god but does not know what to do with the power, When I found so astonishing a power placed inside my hands, I hesitated a long time concerning the manner in which I should employ it. (pg 54) Victo r views science as the path to new knowledge in other studies you go as far as others have gone before you but in scientific pursuit, there is continual food for baring and wonder.(pg 52)While Aylmer views science as the path to greater power, We know Aylmer possessed this degree of faith in mans ultimate control over nature.(pg 59) He tries to play god in order to bend the laws of nature and make imperfection to perfection, I feel myself fully competent to render this love cheek as faultless and then, most beloved, what will be my triumph when I shall have corrected what Nature left imperfect in her fairest report (pg 63) In the end however, it was nature that got the last laugh when the potion that Aylmer gave Georgiana resulted in her death.Both Frankenstein and Aylmer are victims of the destructive fascination for science and nature. Both men try to go past to godhood and, ultimately, both fail. Perhaps, that is why both Shelley and Hawthorne wrote similar stories in an attem pt to illustrate the danger of ambition, science and godhood.