A far fetched Question

[Trackster]

Hello everyone,

I have two books here in front of me. Each that I have read, (didn't read them at the same time) and each a great book. I Highly recommend Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley. Frankenstien was ok. Hahahaha

I was wondering what common ethical issues are addressed in each novel?

Each one has the common issue of bringing somone (an outsider if you wish) into a world in which they don't belong. AM I on the right track here?

[Trackster]

No response?

[Kurtz]

Frankenstein is an interesting novel in many different ways. One thing to remember is that it was written durng the onset of the industrial revolution. This was a time of great change, and with change new and "dangerous ideas" became more prominent (i.e. science). With Victor it is clear that the role of science will play a big part in the outcome of the novel. The following is a piece of a larger text that I wrote several years ago. Remeber that this is only one part of the essay and only deals with the idea of industrilization and science.

The future of science was an unknown destination and succeeded in producing ideas of doubt and misplaced fears. These accusations directed at science are apparent throughout the text. Despite the good intended by science, it is important to note the ease in which Shelley presents situations that can quickly get out of hand and cause chaos. The over reaching of man was sure to bring periods of anguish and fear to a society emerging from feudalism. The idea of industrialization is present in many of Victor's quotes, “So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein
-more, far more, will I achieve: treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.” The latter is perhaps the best juxtaposition between Victors goals and the goals for the industrial revolution. By examining the text closely, we can begin to see and feel the anguish Shelley wishes to present.

[PeterL]

Hello everyone,

I have two books here in front of me. Each that I have read, (didn't read them at the same time) and each a great book. I Highly recommend Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley. Frankenstien was ok. Hahahaha

I was wondering what common ethical issues are addressed in each novel?

Each one has the common issue of bringing somone (an outsider if you wish) into a world in which they don't belong. AM I on the right track here?

Both of those novels display a fear of technology; although the nature of humanity and conscious are also involved. Although both novels involved someone being brought into a world, the reasons for each were different. Mary Shelley was more metaphorical; one could even say that "Frankenstein" was an allegory. Huxley was expressing a fear of the depersonalization the technology and high population density brought to the world. The common ethical issue that I see in both is whether it is appropriate to use technology to destroy personal and communal intimacy.

[Trackster]

"Whether it is appropriate to use technology to destroy personal and communal intimacy."

I love it. I guess I was not thinking to hard about it.

[PeterL]

"Whether it is appropriate to use technology to destroy personal and communal intimacy."

I love it. I guess I was not thinking to hard about it.

You may have been thinking too hard, that theme is right on top of both.

[mtpspur]

Never read Brave New World. Have read Frankenstein at least twice. First time around 11 or 12 probably then again about 10 or so years later. Even as a child it struck me that Victor Frankenstein could have saved himself a whole lot of grief if he had (1) thought out the implications of what to do if he succeeded and (2) followed thru on his results instead of running off in a frenzy. Makes one wonder what Pgymalion would have done if he'ld made the Bride of Frankenstein instead of Galatea. Beauty being so much more accepted then ugly.

I think I read an essay somewhere way back when that Mary Shelley was interested in man's sin/responsibility vs original sin (I don't believe she believed man inherits a sin nature). I noticed even as a youngun the monster is usually thought of by Victor as the 'Wretch".

To me I got out of this that the monster is almost like a rejected child throwing huge temper tantrums in retaliation. I also suspect that Mary was taking a shot at God abandoning his children at creation (which I personally do not believe God did) and the results thereof but I could be reaching. Never really saw much science in the novel.

[Trackster]

Due to the fact that I am being asked about ethical issues that are common in both books, I would say that science is the key.

In "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley (a must read) the science has reached the level where humans are made in factory type situations. (Frankensteins monster was created by man) So the technology of Making and creating a human life.

[aeroport]

I read Brave New World about twelve months ago, but only about half of Frankenstein a month or so later (I will probably go back and read the whole thing after looking through this thread). It seems to me they can be compared two different ways. There is the idea of bringing someone into a world in which they do not necessarily belong (the monster and John Savage), but there is also the question of - shall we say - "inorganic" reproduction (the monster and everyone else in Brave New World). Both of these strike me as "ethical" concerns. Perhaps, also, there might be something about "following in the footsteps" of those who precede one in science, art, or whatever. I think I myself might be reaching a bit here, but there was something, I recall, about Victor being laughed at about the people he was reading, and in Huxley's world such things were entirely off-limits. I don't know, just a thought. Also, I am unclear about what you mean by "common" ethical concerns; if you mean issues that BOTH books address, that is all I have. However, if you mean "typical" matters, I would also suggest the effect Victor's work has on his relationships.
That sounds like a good essay, Kurtz. For some college assignment, I assume?

[yellowsubmarine]

I loved Brave New World. I also recommend Brave New World Revisitied. In truth, I've not yet read the book yet but bought it recently (I'm engaged in reading some other book as of the moment). Brave New World explores, basically, what it means to be "human." (as does Frankenstein) Huxley raises question against the notion that because technology is now so advanced and is advancing, humanity must be a complex race all capable of rational thought and moral reason. As it turns out, it is not so. With a little touch of irony of naming the only "man" in the novel the Savage, Huxley defines what it means to be human: a rational being, in both reason and emotion.