Question

Some interpretations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein suggest that the story is an allegory that serves as a warning that it is dangerous for man to try and assume the power of creating life. Which excerpt from the text most effectively develops this allegory? "After days and nights of incredible labour and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter." "Darkness had no effect upon my fancy, and a churchyard was to me merely the receptacle of bodies deprived of life, which, from being the seat of beauty and strength, had become food for the worm." "I became acquainted with the science of anatomy, but this was not sufficient; I must also observe the natural decay and corruption of the human body." “In other studies you go as far as others have gone before you, and there is nothing more to know; but in a scientific pursuit there is continual food for discovery and wonder.”

Answer 1

A - After days and nights of incredible labour and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation of life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestoing animation upon lifeless matter.

Step-by-step explanation:

This line talks about the power of creating life - 'bestoing animaation upon lifeless matter' and that he has 'discovered the cause of generation of life'.

Answer 2

"After days and nights of incredible labour and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter."

Step-by-step explanation:

This is the sentence that best shows how the story is an allegory that serves as a warning that it is dangerous for man to try and assume the power of creating life. In these lines, we see how Frankenstein was obsessed with exactly this pursuit. He tells us that he spent many days and nights of work and fatigue. Moreover, he also tells us that the purpose of all his effort was to learn how to bestow life upon lifeless matter.