Like Creator, Like Creation In the novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly, the notion of nature vs. nurture is explored as two main characters, Victor and the Creature, embody each side, reflecting the way that external and internal factors determine the outcome of a human’s life. Both characters juxtapose in nature but ultimately achieve similar outcomes relating to self-hatred and destruction. Victor’s narrative begins as his upbringing is explored, emphasizing that “no human being could have passed a happier childhood” (36) than Victor Frankenstein. From having parents who radiate “kindness and indulgence” (36) by constantly doing acts of service throughout his childhood, Victor had no shortage of happiness early on. This led to an overall …show more content…
Yet why were these gentle beings unhappy” (118). The Creature’s clear hope in society and their good influences reflect his own thoughts. He reprimands himself before even getting to know the people, calling them his “younger protectors” (145), referring to the cottagers, Felix and Agatha. He credits the comfort he finds in them to the Delaceys themselves, and blocks out the fact that they, like the angry villagers, might throw him out too. The creature’s blind faith in them is what pushes him to revenge when he is ultimately thrown out. That moment is when the Creature changes, which registers as a turning point for his progression, making him express that he is “inflamed by pain” and vow “eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind” (152). A family that the Creature trusted and that essentially raised him, rejects him, which is what pushes him to be the monster they say he is. His insecurities surface as a defense against the traumatic encounters he is molded by. Furthermore, this juxtaposes Victor’s sensibilities as the Creature’s cruel actions only emerge after the scarring events. He reacts to society’s wrongdoings towards him by lashing out, but realizing who he has become: “crime has degraded me beneath the meanest animal” (239). He blames his treatment by mankind for his cruel revenge and amounts his mistakes to the ones done to him because he feels betrayed. His attitude is warped by the people that he trusted yet he acknowledges his offenses, persisting only because he has been unequivocally changed by their