Frankenstein Male Finch Analysis

This article introduces some insight into the communication between certain songbirds and how bonds are formed between them as a result. It is explained that a male finch is to learn a melody from his father for the purpose of using it to find a mate. Female finches remember their own father’s melody in hopes to recognize a similar one from a male finch. At first glance the article seems to be mundane as it reiterates seemingly obvious information: birds use songs to attract mates. However, it is the concept of vocal learning that makes this information exceptional. The head of this study, Dr. Woolley, notes that vocal learning is among animals is rare and eludes to similarities between the learning of these songs to process of humans learning

learning language at a young age is crucial for social development and learning and becomes vital later on in terms of forming romantic bonds. In Shelly’s Frankenstein, the value of language and communication is emphasized through the storytelling of the monstrous creation. Frankenstein’s monster is forced through the motions of childhood quite rapidly and is required to adapt to the hostile environment that he was thrust in. The monster’s first interaction with mankind occurs without the ability to communicate and results in physical violence. The monster then encounters a family which he observes in secret and deduces the humans method of verbal communication. Like the male finch, Frankenstein’s monster attempts vocal learning in order to increase his chances of forming bonds with his peers. The monster hopes that in mimicking the sounds of the family they may reach a peaceful understanding. This works to some extent as the monster is able to hold a discussion with the blind father. Even after this attempt fails, the usefulness of this learned communication is not lost. The monster is able to convey his story of hardship to Victor for the purposes of convincing him to create a female monster. Victor is moved by the words of this monster and initially accepts his proposal. Had the monster not learned to communicate he would not have been able to form