Morality almost always draws the line when it comes to how
much scientists are allowed to do. The issue of bringing someone back to life
has always been a perfect example of the line that must never be crossed,
always accompanied by the line, “One must not play God.”
Frankenstein has brought a human being back to life but
people view him as a monster. The reason is clear: he does not belong in the
world of the living anymore. Add that to his violent and impulsive nature where
he does not even hesitate to take the life of the townspeople when he is
crossed. Dr. Frankenstein has
acknowledged that this power is not meant to belong in the hands of
irresponsible and greedy human beings but he is a bit too late. We could see
that Dr. Frankenstein did not want any part in the making of the bride for the
monster after realizing it was wrong to even have made one. It took a great
deal of forcing before he eventually gave in, half-heartedly if that is any
consolation. There was a point where they killed a young woman for a fresh
heart. This just shows how having the power to bring back human life also means
people get to decide who lives and who dies. Imagine if we were given that kind
of right: dead people’s hearts replaced by prisoners’ heart. We might even take
a random person’s heart to bring our family back to life!
The monster is not able to talk but he is not really dumb.
He understands, he thinks, and he would have responded as we normally do had he
been thought to speak from day one. Having the monster unable to talk in the
film may be more of “adding thrill” to him. He appears scarier and more
“non-human” to the other characters in the movie and also to the audience.
Also, had he been able to talk, he would be able to tell people about his
thoughts and feelings unlike the usual grunts and hand gestures that make him
look angry and like he is ready to kill someone on sight, giving people the
“right” to pursue him and kill him. And then there is the guilt effect for the
audience. From the start of the movie, viewers see him as a danger and must go
back to the world of the dead as soon as possible. We are made to believe that
he is too dumb and would fight for as long as he could. And yet, he knew he
belonged to the dead. He finished himself and his bride. The monster was not
the one at fault in any way. He was just made and used by some human being who
wanted to try playing God. And yet, he had the heart to let Dr. Frankenstein
escape. By creating a so-called “monster”, we do not realize that we become
one.
2013-19732
Balignasa, Catherine S.
Section: THX
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