Destructive Isolation: a Psychoanalytical Reading of Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus

Abstract

Abstract: Isolation consists in withdrawing oneself from one’s family, friends and the whole community, either to undertake a given project or to protect one’s lots from a dangerous situation. This attitude is mostly adopted by researchers, especially scientists who consider that their collaboration with other humans would impede the achievement of their hidden agendas. Once isolation is well experienced, it contributes to great achievements and the realization of one’s dream. However, when this seclusion is not well negotiated, it rather leads its author and their community to anxiety, desolation and remorse. In the light of the psychoanalytical approach, this article analyses the destructive aspect of isolation by showing how seclusion for scientific achievements, brings about desolation and remorse. It also explores the negative rewards of Frankenstein’s self-inflicted isolation in his perpetual quest for fame, glory and honour. It proposes that personal ego, secrecy and selfishness be revisited in isolated settings so that brotherhood can be promoted for a profitable use of scientific achievements. Keywords : destructive, isolation, psychoanalysis, scientist, Frankenstein.