Fall of Man Through Knowledge (comparison of Frankenstien and Genesis)

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Throughout history, man has been fascinated with the origins of life. Questions like, “where did we come from?” and “ how were we created?” have been asked for ages. We have even fantasized about creating life ourselves and the never-ending quest for knowledge pursues to this day. Genesis reflects how one ancient people explained not only their own beginnings, but also the creation of the world. The first few chapters also introduce the “fall” of humanity. We were created along with the rest of the world and were in paradise, until the opportunity to gain knowledge arose. “And the serpent said to the woman, ‘you shall not be doomed to die. For God knows that on the day you eat of [the fruit from the tree in the midst of the garden] your eyes will be opened and will become as gods knowing good and evil’” (ch.3, 4-5). Man chose knowledge, which led to his downfall. In my opinion this theme of man’s search for knowledge ultimately leading to “fall” of humanity is also present in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Both texts are similar in that they serve as warnings for foolish quests for knowledge and power.
Shelly wrote in her introduction, “Frightful must it be for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavor to mock the stupendous mechanism of the creator of the world” (viii). Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with the attainment of knowledge and trying to immortalize himself through an endeavor. So much so, that his morals seem to be forgotten. Adam and Eve consumed a fruit to feed their hunger for knowledge and Frankenstein became consumed with science to fill his appetite. Victor was longing for God-like power by trying to create life. He did not consider the consequences of his actions of seeking God’s knowledge and neither did Adam and Eve. Victor said, “What had been the study and desire of the wisest men since the creation of the world was now within my grasp” (11...