Society places a lot of importance on knowledge and education and for the most part, the attainment of knowledge is a wonderful and empowering thing. However, Mary Shelley, in her novel "Frankenstein," argues that the pursuit of knowledge can be dangerous, and if pursued relentlessly can cause the pursuers isolation from society. This lack of societal influence and morals causes the pursuer's own morals and ethics to become diminished, which eventually leads to the destruction of oneself and possibly one's loved ones. This is especially exemplary in Victor's ruin due to his pursuit of knowledge and discovery, and the Monster's corruption because of his hunt for the knowledge of his identity.
Education can be salvation for some, but for others it can also become an obsession which can drive them to their own destruction, as seen in the case of Victor Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein begins to devote his entire life towards creating the Monster, becoming so engrossed in his work that he entirely neglects his family and friends, refusing to reply to their letters, despite knowing how much they will worry. This is a clear indication of how excessive pursuit of knowledge, as shown in Victor's relentless effort in creating life, can lead to isolation and distancing from society and the outside world. .
After the Monster is created, Frankenstein first looks at it with admiration and love but subsequently realises how ugly and grotesque the Monster is and immediately rejects him. The next day, Victor falls seriously ill in a state of depression and paranoia caused by Victor's guilt and regret of creating the Monster. While creating the Monster, Victor's isolation from his loved ones and the outside world weakened his morals and ethics; allowing him to create the Monster without any thought about the consequences of his actions. After he creates the Monster, Victor immediately recognizes the fault in his actions and regrets creating the Monster, this guilt and regret is the start of his self-destruction as shown by Victor's falling ill.
