The most important lesson I learned from Frankenstein by Uriahn

The most important lesson I learned from Frankenstein by Uriahn - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

One of the most important lessons I learned from Mary Shelly's Frankenstein is that unchecked ambition can destroy both the pursuer and the people around them. Victor Frankenstein's obsession with creating life begins as something noble, he wants to expand human knowledge and conquer death. But as he becomes consumed by his goal, he loses touch with responsibility , empathy, and even reality. His success ends up up isolating him, costing him his family, and leaving him haunted by guilt. Shelley's story showed me that knowledge without comparison or accountability can be dangerous.

What stood out most to me was how Victor never considered the emotional consequences of his experiment. When the creature comes to life, Victor immediately rejects it out of fear and disgust. That moment made me realize that the real "monster" in the story isn't the creature, it's Victor's inability to take responsibility for his own actions. Instead of caring for the creature he brought to life, he abandons it out of fear and disgust. This rejection leads the creature to suffer deeply, becoming bitter and vengeful. Through this relationship, Shelley reveals that neglect and isolation can turn innocence into hatred. The monster was not born evil; rather, it became a reflection of Victor's own failure to show empathy. This emphasizes that creators, leaders, and even ordinary people must take responsibility for the outcomes of their actions, especially when they affect others.

In the end, both Victor and the creature are destroyed by loneliness and regret. Their tragic fates serve as a warning about the cost of ambition without compassion. Shelley's novel continues to teach readers that true progress requires ethical thought and emotional awareness. The lesson from Frankenstein is timeless: We must balance our desire for achievement with a sense of humanity and responsibility. Without it, our greatest accomplishments can easily become our greatest mistakes.