Frankenstein Nature Vs Nurture

"From a scientific perspective, ‘nature’ refers to the biological/genetic predispositions that impact one’s human traits — physical, emotional, and intellectual. ‘Nurture,’ in contrast, describes the influence of learning and other ‘environmental’ factors on these traits" (Katch). In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores the theme of nature versus nurture through the character of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. Victor believes that his creation is inherently evil because of its monstrous appearance, while the creature argues that it was only his experiences and the way he was treated by society that made him that way. This debate between nature and nurture is one that has been ongoing in real life as well, with many scientists and psychologists

For example, children who grow up in abusive households are more likely to develop mental health issues later in life, in a study performed by a Dr. Aslund regarding the effect of childhood maltreatment concluded,” adolescent and antisocial behavior—another common criminal characteristic—are derived from childhood maltreatment. In a study conducted by Levitt (2013) it was conducted that nurture was an important factor in condemning criminals, due to the same antisocial behavior characteristic that was described by Aslund” (Highsmith et al). We see this in Frankenstein as the monster proclaims,”'Cursed, cursed creator! Why did I live?... I could with pleasure have destroyed the cottage and its inhabitants, and have glutted myself with their shrieks and misery"(Shelley 138). Likewise in a review published by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, it emphasizes that being alone poses a serious threat to society and is a key factor in determining one's level of wellbeing. Loneliness, which is defined as misery resulting from a perceived gap between wanted and actual social connections, is linked to increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, dementia, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and a 30% higher mortality. Loneliness could be a significant element of the nurture argument in the creation of killers. (Lam) In Frankenstein, the creature's experiences with rejection and isolation lead him to become violent and destructive. Shelley states,”If I have no ties and no affections, hatred and vice must be my portion; the love of another will destroy the cause of my crimes, and I shall become a thing of whose existence everyone will be ignorant. My vices are the children of a forced solitude that I abhor; and my virtues will necessarily arise when I live in communion with an equal. I shall feel the affections of a sensitive being, and