Clair Reynolds
Professor Smith
Persuasive Writing
February 13, 2013
Frankenstein’s Pride
Pride is defined as an excessive belief in one’s own ability, hindering an individual’s recognition of God. It is considered one of the world’s seven deadly sin. This is a sin that can be traced back to the beginning of time. Isaiah 14: 13- 14 says, for you have said in your heart: "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High."(NIV) The passage describes the pride that grew within Lucifer’s heart, the same pride that got him cast down from heaven. In the same way that Lucifer sought rise above the stars of God, Victor Frankenstein sought the ability to give life to man.
There is no doubt, that the force that pushed Victor to attempt giving life was his own selfish pride. In the excerpt of Frankenstein one of his first thoughts is that this new creature will bless him as his creator and source. He continues to say that nature will owe their being to him, and he will be the most deserving of gratitude. (SHELLEY 275) These thoughts moved Victor to find a way to bring life to the dead. Had it been out of sheer desire to help others perhaps it would not have been so bad, but helping others was never Victor’s intention. Instead he sought to gain knowledge on a subject he had no place learning about.
Just as Lucifer’s had no place in seeking to be better than God, Victor had no place seeking how to give life. Unlike Lucifer and Victor, God is omnipotent, there is nothing he can or cannot do because to him everything is possible. As the definition of pride says, their pride does not allow them to recognize God. Therefore making them unable to comprehend that they will never be as great as God. Only he is worthy of the praise, not Victor or Lucifer. It was that praise that they...