It is not an uncommon theme for man to try and gain as much knowledge as possible. This desire for knowledge blinds one from seeing the possibly fatal consequences of their actions. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, Samuel Taylor’s poem Rime of The Ancient Mariner, and Percy Shelley’s poem Ozymandias character’s all exercise the matter of knowledge and it’s correlation with nature. Knowledge is defined as one’s understanding of a topic or information. By this definition, the acquirement of knowledge therefore can apply to virtually anything that a character questions or wants to know more about. In these three stories the main characters use the acquirement of knowledge to push the boundaries of nature, resulting in personal downfall …show more content…
Becoming greater, or attempting to become greater, than one’s natural abilities does not lead to happiness even though it may seem like it. Dr. Frankenstein thought that testing his theories and extending his knowledge of science significantly by isolating himself and creating the creature would make him happy and content in his work but it ended up doing the opposite. All because he went against nature and tried to take on the role of a god figure by creating life he lead a life of suffering and confinement. This same sense of blindly pursuing knowledge without thinking about the consequences is also seen in the Mariner when he carelessly shoots the albatross. After the shooting of the albatross “what evil looks had [he] from old and young! Instead of the cross, the albatross around [his] neck was hung” (Coleridge). The mariner acted impulsively and shot the albatross which interfered with the courses of nature and he was punished by suffering through embarrassment from his peers. Due to his unnatural pride and knowledge the Mariner thought that he was doing the best for himself and his crewmates. The albatross throughout this poem symbolizes the guilt that the mariner has had to deal