Essay on Nature vs Nurture in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Philosophers and scientists alike have debated for centuries whether a person’s character is the result of nature or nurture. In the writings of Thomas Hobbes, it is expressed that humans are endowed with character from birth, and that they are innately evil in nature. John Locke’s response to this theory is that everyone is born with a tabula rasa, or blank slate, and then develops character after a series of formative experiences. The idea that true character is the result of experiences and societal interaction is a theme deeply explored throughout Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Through different interactions with the monster, Shelley attempts to express that it is because of Victor’s failings as a parent and creator, because of the†¦show more content†¦The allusion to Dante implies that, based on appearance alone, the monster is more evil than Hell itself. Victor took no time in getting to understand the monster or develop the familial bond betw een them, which leaves Victor with a narrow, biased opinion on the monster. Shelley uses Victor’s hasty judgment of the monster in order to demonstrate the irrationality of Victor’s actions regarding the creature. This also discounts Victor’s opinions of the monster, forcing Shelley’s audience to judge the monster based on their own inferences, rather than Victor’s. Through Victor’s actions and his faulty reasoning behind them, Shelley is able to shift the responsibility for the monster’s character from it being instilled in him from birth, to Victor’s failings as a parent and creator. Shelley also attempts to express that Victor’s failure as a father and creator stems from his inability to accept responsibility for his actions. The monster, who openly regrets his actions and recognizes that he has done wrong, â€Å"demonstrates that on one count he is more human than the man who fabricated him--for remorse is one emoti on that Frankenstein cannot feel† (Marcus). Victor cannot feel remorse for his actions, because he would be forced to accept responsibility for them. To accept that he is responsible for the creation of such an evil being would require that Victor admit that he has failed in hisShow MoreRelatedNature vs. Nurture in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1247 Words   |  5 Pagesdevelopment, and deeds. As crucial as canvas in art, the philosophy of nature and nurture come together as the fundamental structure to one’s personality and genetic makeup. In the novella, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, the association of the exterior appearance and inner feelings are openly linked. The hideous creature that the science addict, Victor Frankenstein, makes is initially innocent yet severely deformed. His nature is to be benevolent and sympathetic, however, society only views his externalRead MoreNature Vs. Nurture In Frankenstein By Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1158 Words   |  5 PagesNature versus nurture has been a popular topic of discussion among psychologists, scientists, educators, and parents. The main focus of the nature versus nurture debate is how it affects human behavior and development. The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley emphasises the idea that parents and families have a powerful influence on human behavior, which is demonstrated in the relationship between Creature and Victor. â€Å"Folding Beijing† written by Hao Jingfang takes a different perspective on the ideaRead MoreTexts in Time Frankenstein and Bladerunner : )1400 Words   |  6 PagesModule A: Texts in Context â€Å"Mary Shelley’s values are still relevant to society today†. Discuss with reference to your knowledge of Blade Runner and Frankenstein. 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The greatest exemplification of Nature vs. Nurture in Frankenstein is explored in the fate of the Creature, whoRead MoreNature vs Nurture in Frankenstein Essay882 Words   |  4 PagesNature vs. Nurture in Frankenstein In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the relationship of external appearance and internal feelings are directly related. The creature is created and he is innocent, though he is severely deformed. His nature is to be good and kind, but society only views his external appearance which is deformed. Human nature is to judge by external appearance. He is automatically detested and labeled as a monster because of his external appearance. He finallyRead MoreEllen Gonzalez Per. 5 Frankenstein Mary Shelley’s â€Å"Frankenstein† is about Victor Frankenstein’s600 Words   |  3 PagesEllen Gonzalez Per. 5 Frankenstein Mary Shelley’s â€Å"Frankenstein† is about Victor Frankenstein’s excessive knowledge in the sciences and his refusal to accept his own creation. 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Shelley explores some aspects of human nature, specifically human lust for power and the unfortunate way weRead MoreAnalysis Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein 1054 Words   |  5 Pagesshow the control and dominance that men have in society. Frankenstein is particularly notable for its number of absent mothers. This may link to Mary Shelley’s own life, as her birth caused the death of her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft. The main absent mother in the novel, is the motherless monster. Although the monster was not born, he was created by Victor Frankenstein who he sees as a mother figure. Margaret Homans argues that while Frankenstein is creating the monster – while he is pregnant with itRead MoreOutline on Frankenstein3283 Words   |  14 PagesFrankenstein by Mary Shelley In the Gothic novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley integrates the rhetorical devices figurative language, imagery, and tone to impart the concept that the desire to acquire knowledge and emulate God will ultimately result in chaos and havoc that exceeds the boundaries of human restraint. I. Life of Mary Shelley / Characteristics of Gothic Literature A. Life of Mary Shelley 1. Eleven days after Mary Shelleys birth, her mother, the famed author of A VindicationRead More Fear of Pregnancy in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay2075 Words   |  9 PagesFear of Pregnancy in Frankenstein   Ã‚   Frankenstein can be read as a tale of what happens when a man tries to create a child without a woman. It can, however, also be read as an account of a womans anxieties and insecurities about her own creative and reproductive capabilities. The story of Frankenstein is the first articulation of a womans experience of pregnancy and related fears. Mary Shelley, in the development and education of the monster, discusses child development and education and