Nature Vs Nurture In Frankenstein

What Makes a Monster? Exploring Frankenstein’s Creation

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is one of the best-known works of literature in the Gothic and Romantic traditions. Her famous novel is pioneering in its subject matter, genre, and ideas. Literary critic Joyce Carol Oates points out in her essay “Frankenstein’s Fallen Angel” that the novel “contains no characters, only points of view.” Following this theory indicates that each voice in the novel provides unique insight into the central themes of ambition, responsibility, and identity. Perhaps the best indicator of which of these perspectives has resonated most with our cultural psyche is the fact that most people associate the name ‘Frankenstein’ with the nameless monster rather than the scientist

Just as anyone else, the monster seeks companionship and care, but because of its hideousness, the monster is denied all of these comforts time and time again. The denial of nurture comes minutes after creation, when Frankenstein, seeing the creature he has created, abandons it (43). The denial of compassion arrives when the wretch is chased out of the DeLacey home (124). Finally, the creature is denied companionship as Frankenstein destroys the second creation before the monster’s very eyes (156). These denials are concentrated forms of traumas that people experience in a variety of forms such as bullying, discrimination, and violence. As the monster undergoes each of these trials, it experiences the intense emotions that make people human. It suffers loss, prejudice, and violence, which cause it to become hardened, yet it remains for readers the most recognizable and sympathetic character in the work. How can this be? One reason is that readers can identify with the struggles the monster faces, but almost more significantly, readers lack sympathy for Victor Frankenstein. Despite being described as a “glorious spirit” (209), Frankenstein offers a frustrating perspective because readers know that regardless of appearance, he must take responsibility for his actions, yet the most he does is indulge in misery. Frankenstein, who possessed a fairly idyllic childhood, grows vengeful as the narrative progresses. In contrast, the monster, denied any care or comfort, remains fundamentally hopeful for companionship, even providing for Victor as he pursued it through frozen wastes (Oates). Because its perspective exemplifies these desirable human traits of hope, innocence, and want of love, the monster tends to be pitied by the audience. The reader identifies with the struggles it faces and often wishes the character could be redeemed. Yet the reader experiences this feeling separate