The Role of Science in Frankestein by Mary Shelley Literature Essay (Essay Sample)

The Role of Science
From the onset, Allan Rauch is critical of Mary Shelley’s depiction of the role science plays as he paints Frankenstein as a contradiction of what science stood for. Accordingly, Rauch thinks that science plays an important role in humanity and for that reason those involved in dispensing it must therefore be completely dedicated and knowledgeable about it with clarity. Frankenstein according to Rauch the monster represented a remarkable body of knowledge as contained in how that knowledge was obtained, how it was implemented, and what resulted from it. In light of this fact, Science plays an important role as a capsulation of knowledge. In other words, this knowledge in a scientific point of view should inhibit humane qualities that clearly make knowledge effective, particularly nurturing and caring. Rauch castigates Frankenstein for not finding anything admirable in what should be a remarkable creation which in essence is an embodiment of such knowledge. Additionally, science helps in transferring such knowledge from the bearer to the minds of millions. Rauch’s analysis questions how Frankenstein acquired his knowledge in science and goes ahead to say that unlike While Herschel, who sought knowledge in the midst of millions, Frankenstein could not pursue it unless alone. He did not appreciate the value of science to the community (Rauch, 1995).