Andy Girges Mrs. Vertiz Honors English 13 March 2023 How Nature is used as a symbol and Omen Vs. Nurture In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, nature is portrayed as both a powerful symbol and a foreboding omen, highlighting the struggle between the influences of environment and upbringing (nurture) versus innate traits and characteristics (nature) in shaping the fate of the novel's characters. Frankenstein is written in a style of romanticism and gothic writings that discusses society and its effect on human nature. Shelley’s use of symbols and figurative language helps the reader become familiar with the fact that society can change someone for the worse or for the best. The story consists of a monster that was created by a man who strives for acceptance and kindness from those around him. During this process, the creature soon runs into …show more content…
Throughout the entire story of Frankenstein, the reader can observe clues through direct quotes from characters or the use of Shelley’s style and literary devices. Society, however, can cause someone’s human nature to change. Society plays a big role on human nature. If someone is shunned by society they have left only two options, to take revenge, or die. This is evident throughout the creature’s strive for affection and acceptance. The monster wasn’t naturally evil; he had no anger to live by until society cast him aside and left him to live for himself in a world so cruel. “Although both nature and nurture are important throughout the novel, the nature argument is responsible for the fall of Victor Frankenstein, while the nurture argument is responsible for the fall of the creature.” (Nature). Shelley makes this idea clear to the reader through her powerful diction when describing Victor’s and the creature’s personalities. Shelley also makes use of light and fire as a symbol of a destructive force. This symbol is key to supporting the nature vs. nurture