Henry 1

Tracy Henry

Mrs. Harris

English IV

19 October 2017

Perils of Progress

As science and technology advances, there are often dangers that go along with it. These dangers

and risks are called perils of progress and come by surprise. In literature, such as Frankenstein by Mary

Shelley and The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells, the desire to create something new and better

turned into a nightmare. In todays world, driverless cars has become a new craze, but is this idea as good

as it seems? All actions result in consequences, but not all are rewarding.

Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is a prime literary example of a scientific danger. Victor

Frankenstein became fascinated with the science of life and the human body. Frankenstein explains to

Walton how [He] had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an

inanimate body. For this [he] had deprived himself of rest and health (Shelley 42). Frankenstein viewed

his creation as a beautiful and he was quite proud, but only for a split second. Immediately after he had

finished his creation he was filled with regret. He explains to Walton, I had desired it with an ardour that

far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless

horror and disgust filled my heart (Shelley 42). What Frankenstein once viewed as a historical feat has

now become the monster in his nightmares. Frankensteins monster went on to become a vicious killer,

one of the victims include his brother, William. Frankenstein had to bear the burden of knowing that

because of his desire to create life, he has ended his brothers. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is one of the

many exemplaries of the perils of scientific progress.

H.G. Wells exhibits the dangers of scientific/technological advancements in his story, The Island

of Dr. Moreau. Similar to Mary Shelleys character, Frankenstein, Dr. Moreau was drawn to creating new

forms of life. But, Dr. Moreau felt no remorse for his inhumane actions. Dr. Moreau says to Montgomery,

The study of nature makes a man at last as remorseless as nature (Wells 106). Dr. Moreau tells Mr.
 Henry 2

Douglas, Permit me Mr.Douglas, to tell you something of the Devil as I've come to know him. The

Devil is that element in human nature, that impels us to destroy and debase (Wells). Based off this

comment that Dr. Moreau made to Mr. Douglas, you can imply that Dr. Moreau is doing evil, inhumane

things. He then goes on to explain that For 17 years [he has] been striving to create a... some measure of

refinement in the human species you see. And it is here, on this very island, that [he has] found the very

essence of the Devil (Wells). Dr. Moreau is comparing his scientific works to the Devils, therefore he

himself knows what he is doing is unethical and morally wrong, yet he continues to do it. The Island of

Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells is yet another example of how scientific experiments are not always for the

better of society or scientific advancement.

This brings the question, are driverless cars what science and society really need? Based on

these two literary examples of the perils of scientific/technological advancement, new isnt better. When

people have control, they feel safer, more secure. But if driverless cars are to replace todays cars, that

control will be lost. People may question whether or not to trust a car with a mind of its own to take them

and/or their family from point A to point B safely. Not only may there be a safety issue, but is this multi

trillion dollar project going to succeed? Many manufacturing jobs may be created, but there is always a

consequence. Several jobs and companies may shut down, such as Uber, Lyft, or the local taxi. These new

cars may even require new roads, who knows how itll handle a road with no lines. On the other hand,

what about mass transit? There are millions of people who cannot afford to own a car so they rely on city

transit. Driverless cars may result in safety issues, unemployment, debt, and the list goes on. According to

an article by Robert J. Samuelson in the Washington Post, a clear danger would be digital hacking.

Since the car would be completely computerized, there is a greater possibility that the security of

the car and people in it will be compromised. Not only are passengers in danger,but so are other

drivers and pedestrians. Driverless cars may not be able to prevent accidents the way its

inventors want it too. Driverless cars have been a controversial topic. Furthermore, this new
 Henry 3

technological and scientific advancement comes with some heavy consequences that may not

make it worth the while.

Throughout history and literature, the perils of progress have created a negative

perspective in experimental projects. Such as the horrors described in Mary Shelleys

Frankenstein and H.G. Wells The Island of Dr. Moreau, scientific advancements may have

good intentions, the results are never what one expects.

 Henry 4

Works Cited

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Signet Classics Printing, 1963. Print.

Wells, H.G. The Island of Dr. Moreau. Filiquarian Publishing, 2007. Print.