In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley intricately explores the interplay between nature and nurture, dealing with how inherent characteristics clash with external influences to shape the fates of its characters.
Nature vs Nature In Frankenstein
Creature’s Nature vs. Nurture
The dilemma of whether the creature’s behaviors are a product of his innate character or the way he was raised (or mistreated) by civilization is one of the main conflicts in the book.
inabilityAt first, the Creature is shown to be kind and innocent, a blank slate ready to discover the world. But because of his experiences with rejection and loneliness as well as his incapacity to fit in with people, he began to doubt his own identity and mission.
His formerly kind disposition becomes one of hate and bitterness as he experiences cruelty and abandonment.
This metamorphosis begs important concerns regarding the impact of outside forces on a person’s moral compass, leading readers to wonder if he is essentially bad or if his actions are a reaction to his environment.
Victor Frankenstein’s Creation
Another example of nature against nurture is the creature created by Victor Frankenstein. Born out of ambition and a thirst for scientific knowledge, Victor is obsessed with expanding the limits of human understanding, which motivates him to create life.
But part of the reason the creature descends into violence and hopelessness is because of his disregard for and abandonment of it after it is created.
Victor, in spite of his best efforts, does not accept accountability for the life he has given birth to, a stark reminder of the fallout from unbridled ambition and moral neglect.
creatureThe Creature’s unsatisfied desire for love and direction eventually determines his behavior and destiny.
Societal Influence
The novel delves into the ways in which prejudices and societal standards influence people’s actions. The creature’s fury and desire for vengeance are fueled by his encounters with discrimination and rejection from humans.
He highlights society’s propensity to evaluate individuals based only on outward appearances by being regarded with shock and revulsion from the minute he is brought to life.
The Creature’s frantic search for acceptance highlights the damaging effects of prejudice and discrimination by reflecting the struggles of oppressed communities throughout history.
His inevitable descent into violence is a terrifying critique of a culture that rejects empathy and diversity.
Parallel with Victor’s Upbringing
Another prism through which to view the nature vs. nurture controversy is Victor’s own upbringing. His love and support from his parents help him develop into a kind and responsible person.
But his solitude during his studies and his fascination with science ultimately lead to his downfall.
Victor’s unbridled ambition and pursuit of scientific fame lead him down a path of moral uncertainty, despite the fact that his loving home setting creates the groundwork for moral integrity.
His failure to strike a balance between his academic curiosity and moral considerations ultimately has disastrous results, highlighting the significance of moral instruction and direction in molding a person’s character.
Nature vs Nurture In Frankenstein: Examples
The Creature’s Transformation
At first, the creature is portrayed as a compassionate and empathic being who is naïve and inquisitive. But over time, his experiences with social exclusion and rejection undermined these traits, leaving him bitter and vindictive.
His metamorphosis from a creature in need of company to one bent on retaliation illustrates a deep struggle between his inner capacity for goodness and the harsh realities of his surroundings.
This evolution implies that although people may have innate features, outside influences like social treatment and life events can have a significant impact on how they develop and behave.
Victor Frankenstein’s Ambition
The core of Victor’s personality is his unquenchable ambition and unrelenting quest for scientific knowledge.
Moreover, he embarks on the perilous endeavor of constructing the Creature out of a desire to transcend human limitations and discover the mysteries of life.
But his unbridled ambition causes him to lose sight of the moral ramifications of his acts, which has disastrous results.
The darker sides of Victor’s ambition are brought to light by his negligence and desertion of the Creature, which also illustrates how pursuing scientific achievement can come at the expense of moral responsibility.
Victor’s tale thus serves as a warning about the perils of unfettered ambition and the significance of taking the ethical consequences of one’s aspirations into consideration.
Society’s Treatment of the Creature
The Creature’s interactions with humans offer a striking example of how society nurturing can influence an individual’s identity and conduct.
The Creature is ridiculed and shunned despite his brilliance and compassion because of his hideous appearance alone.
Moreover, his behaviors and self-perception are ultimately influenced by the rejection and brutality. Which he experiences from society, which furthers his sense of worthlessness and solitude.
This emphasizes the significant psychological effects that cultural attitudes and prejudices can have on people, highlighting the significance of acceptance and empathy in building a society that is more compassionate and inclusive.
Consequently, the Creature’s experiences offer a moving commentary on the negative effects of bias and discrimination.
Nature vs Nurture In Frankenstein: Quotes
“I am by birth a Genevese, and my family is one of the most distinguished of that republic. My ancestors had been for many years counsellors and syndics, and my father had filled several public situations with honour and reputation.”
– Victor Frankenstein reflects on his prestigious lineage, suggesting the influence of nature (inheritance) on his identity and potential.
“No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. We felt that they were not the tyrants to rule our lot according to their caprice, but the agents and creators of all the many delights which we enjoyed.”
– Victor describes the nurturing environment of his upbringing, emphasizing the impact of parental care and affection on his development.
Characters In Frankenstein
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Victor Frankenstein | A brilliant and ambitious scientist who creates the Creature but neglects his responsibilities as its creator. His unchecked ambition leads to tragic consequences. |
| The Creature | A being brought to life by Victor Frankenstein’s experiments. Initially innocent and curious, but becomes vengeful due to society’s rejection and neglect. |
| Elizabeth Lavenza | Victor’s adopted sister and love interest. Kind-hearted and devoted to Victor, she becomes a victim of the Creature’s vengeance. |
| Henry Clerval | Victor’s childhood friend and foil. He represents the compassionate and moral counterpart to Victor’s ambition, ultimately becoming a victim of the Creature. |
| Robert Walton | An explorer who discovers Victor Frankenstein near death in the Arctic. His letters to his sister frame the novel and provide an outsider’s perspective on Victor’s story. |
Conclusion
In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley’s exploration of nature versus nurture underscores the complexity of human identity. It’s by revealing, how both inherent traits and external influences intertwine to shape the destinies of its characters.
FAQs
The theme of nature versus nurture in “Frankenstein” is depicted through the conflict between inherent characteristics and external influences in shaping the characters’ identities and actions.
Victor Frankenstein and the Creature embody the nature versus nurture debate in their contrasting experiences and behaviors.
The Creature’s transformation from innocence to vengeance serves as a compelling example of nature versus nurture.
Victor’s battle against the consequences of his ambition illustrates the theme of man versus nature in “Frankenstein.
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