Despite the massive success of Frankenstein, the novel still had many criticisms. Lars Lunford writes this criticism speaking up about the argument of devaluing life in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Lunford states that Dr. Frankenstein's devaluing of life in order to achieve greatness ultimately leads to the character's downfall and the monster's act of terror throughout the novel. Lars writes that Victor Frankenstein wants to play with life and death in order to be recognized as a great scientist. Lunford mentions Patricia McKee's argument about how knowledge was more important during reason during this time period. It is also mentioned that a "ruling class of gentleman" emerged and Frankenstein desired to join this class. Frankenstein's desires