Does the quest for knowledge ultimately lead to an inevitable destruction? Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, believes that the quest for knowledge does in fact lead to self-destruction of some type, be it minimal or severe. Mary Shelley also incorporates these varying degrees of destruction in her novel. Victor Frankenstein is a scientist who's craving for knowledge (the creation of life) becomes so severe, that he loses everything that is close and dear to him. The monster, Victor's horrific creation, had incredible potential to be benevolent and pure from the time he was born, but his fascination with human nature and language, and desire to fit in led him to his terrible demise. Robert Walton is a ship captain who's hunger for knowledge leads him all the way to the barren and desolate landscapes of the North Pole, and he is soon willing to sacrifice everything to...