Final answer:
Both 'Flowers for Algernon' and 'Frankenstein' delve into the complexity of scientific experimentation, intellectual pursuit, and the tragic fates of their protagonists, encapsulating ethical concerns in scientific advancements. The characters' quests for knowledge lead to suffering, demonstrating the consequences of exceeding natural boundaries. The most comprehensive answer to the similarities between them is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both 'Flowers for Algernon' and 'Frankenstein' indeed share thematic elements that center around the consequences and ethical considerations of scientific advancement. In 'Flowers for Algernon', the protagonist, Charlie Gordon, undergoes an experimental surgery in hopes of increasing his intellect, which raises concerns about the moral implications of tampering with human cognition.
Similarly, in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', Victor Frankenstein's ambitious scientific endeavor brings to life a creature with unforeseen ramifications. The thematic parallels include scientific experimentation, the quest for intellectual advancement, tragic outcomes for the characters, and the ethical dilemmas of scientific progress.
In comparing the characters, we find that both stories feature protagonists—Charlie and Victor—whose lives are profoundly impacted by their pursuit of knowledge, though the acquisition of this knowledge leads to sorrow and regret. These narratives emphasize the potential pitfalls of overreaching in the realm of science, questioning the limits of human endeavor. Thus, when considering the options provided, each one touches upon certain truths within the stories, but it's the comprehensive nature of option D—Both highlight the ethical dilemmas of scientific progress—that encompasses the core similarities between these works while integrating the nuanced reflections on the ramifications of pushing the boundaries of science.
The final answer, which represents the combination of all these shared elements, is option D.