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John Locke's Philosophy In Frankenstein By Mary Shelley

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John Locke is a philosopher believes that everything we do in our future is all determined by our past experiences. John Locke once spoke “That a child is a blank state that is formed only through experience”. He believes that everyone is born with a blank mind, and that how ever you were treated as a kid sets your personality for your whole life. Such as if you had a negative childhood you are more likely to have a negative future; however, if you have have a positive childhood then you are more likely to have a positive future. Locke’s philosophy can be applied to real world events and events in Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein.

According to Locke’s theory, if you experience negative events, those events can cause negative effects on people. An example of theory is seen in the article “Is a hard life inherited”? Which is about a man who grew up in a broken home, where his mom died and his dad walked out on him, this dramatic experience forced him into the use of heavy drugs which led to an overdose. This article supports locke's theory of a blank slate by showing how a man growing up through a negative aspect of life can also transform to a negative future. Another …show more content…

The creature in Frankenstein once said “This death will carry despair to him, and a thousand other miseries shall torment him”. The creature started of trying to be friends with humans until all they did was try to kill him so now he seeks vengeance. this coincides with locke's theory by showing how he came in the world a blank slate, but the hatred from the humans turned him evil. The creature also said “My spirit will sleep in peace,or if it thinks, it will not surely think thus, Farewell”. the creature killed his creator and now he feels bad for taking away life from the one who gave him life, so he decides to kill himself. This supports locke's theory by showing how a negative experience can have a negative

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