"Frankenstein" and Cloning

Paper Summary:

This essay looks at how Mary Shelley's " Frankenstein" is a story that is the possible precursor of a modern cloning experiment gone bad. The author discusses the ethical problems related to human cloning, and how the monster created by Dr. Frankenstein serves as a warning against mankind's efforts to interfere with nature.

From the Paper:

"The story of Dr. Frankenstein and his unfortunate monster illustrates how much havoc could be wreaked on society by anyone person who attempts to "play God". In the nineteenth century, there was a far greater belief that the creation of life was the province of God alone. Now technologically advanced science is a multi-billion dollar industry and the progress of genetics in the last decade is far outpacing the legislation that society has to monitor its application. Even in 1818, Mary Shelley raises the idea that we, as a society, were in grave danger of becoming far cleverer and more scientifically able than we were wise. It is for these reasons that Mary Shelley makes some of Dr. Frankenstein last words, in Chapter XIII, read like a terrible warning to mankind, one that stands against cloning today: "Man," I cried, "how ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom! Cease; you know not what it is you say."

More papers on "Frankenstein" and Cloning:

• Analytical Essay # 49995 : "Frankenstein and the Issue of Cloning"
• Term Paper # 121517 : "Cloning and "Frankenstein"
• Book Review # 91308 : "Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"

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