Ambition and Hubris (Modern Prometheus)

From Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The novel's subtitle 'The Modern Prometheus' frames Victor's transgressive ambition; the theme echoes through Walton's polar quest and Victor's deathbed warning.
Chapter 4

Victor on discovering the secret of life: 'I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter.' Followed by the warning: 'Learn from me... how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge.'

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Chapter 24 / Walton in continuation

Victor's dying exhortation, ambiguously cautioning and encouraging: 'Seek happiness in tranquillity, and avoid ambition... yet another may succeed.'

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