Frankenstein deals with timeless questions about the nature of life and death, over which humans have little control. It also observes the things we can control, like our actions, decisions, and behavior toward others. Mary Shelley explores the science and philosophy of the time she lived throughout the text.
Read the following excerpt from Chapter 3 of the 1818 edition of the novel (Chapter 4 in the 1831 edition). In it, Frankenstein tells Walton of his work:
Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world. A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs.
After reflecting on the quote above, answer the following questions: