Philosophy of Science/Religious Allegory: Something to read, not only for the literary/cultural precedents, but for Shelly's virtuous command of the English language. The book inspires many interpretations. The first and most apparent meaning (to me), is the myopia of science and how well-intentioned projects (especially those that "play God") have the potential to cause harm and misery on a massive scale. Apt — given the year of publication (1818) and the rise of science-led industrialism.
