In the novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores the judgmental nature of society and how it can have a negative effect on beings brought into our culture. Shelley frequently references the argument of “nature vs. nurture” throughout the text, it is ultimately society’s oppression and judgment that caused the creature Victor Frankenstein brings to life to feel neglected, judged, and depressed. This overwhelming rejection, that stems not just from society but even from his very creator as leads him to become a being filled with hatred, violence, and confusion as he tries to overcome his differences to fit in and be accepted.
The creature’s oppression in his community leads to his rejection from it, and causes irreversible psychological damage …show more content…
Frankenstein does not create the monster that he sees the creature to be, but rather a victim who is misunderstood. He attempts to imitate human life, and although he succeeds in that he effectively brings a being to life, he fails in appropriately nurturing and caring for the being, as is his responsibility. He envisions society praising him as a scientific genius, but his overzealous ambitions cloud his judgment. As with any living being, his creation needs to be cared for and nurtured to ensure that the values of society would be instilled within him. The creature needs to be guided by his maker in order to begin blending in with society. Although the creature never experiences this, he understands the true power behind nurture when he says, "events that impressed me with feelings which, from what I had been, have made me what I am" (111). This makes the concept of societal nurturing uncertain. The creature is capable of recognizing these values in society, but cannot truly grasp them and adopt them. Instead of taking the time to instill these virtues within him, Frankenstein oppresses the creature by leaving him to fend for his own will. This oppression is what creates the largest sense of hatred and confusion within the creature. It is here that Shelley highlights the struggle between socializing a new member of society and neglecting said member. While socialization seems to be the clear answer, …show more content…
William is no exception from the string of hatred-filled events the creature endures: “’Let me go,’ he cried; ‘monster! Ugly wretch! You wish to eat me and tear me to pieces – You are an ogre – Let me go, or I will tell my papa’… Hideous monster! Let me go” (138.) The creature’s encounter with William illuminates a more disturbing truth about society having to do with children. Though society tends to perceive children as unknowing and innocent, William’s response to the creature’s appearance proves that social standards begin shaping people of that society well before a person can have any hope of maturing into a rational being. William is not intentionally wicked to the creature; he is simply put off by his appearance; however, the fact that he recognizes the creature as an outsider is a testament to the fact that social standards permeate the minds of people within a society, perhaps without them even being aware of
The creature’s oppression in his community leads to his rejection from it, and causes irreversible psychological damage …show more content…
Frankenstein does not create the monster that he sees the creature to be, but rather a victim who is misunderstood. He attempts to imitate human life, and although he succeeds in that he effectively brings a being to life, he fails in appropriately nurturing and caring for the being, as is his responsibility. He envisions society praising him as a scientific genius, but his overzealous ambitions cloud his judgment. As with any living being, his creation needs to be cared for and nurtured to ensure that the values of society would be instilled within him. The creature needs to be guided by his maker in order to begin blending in with society. Although the creature never experiences this, he understands the true power behind nurture when he says, "events that impressed me with feelings which, from what I had been, have made me what I am" (111). This makes the concept of societal nurturing uncertain. The creature is capable of recognizing these values in society, but cannot truly grasp them and adopt them. Instead of taking the time to instill these virtues within him, Frankenstein oppresses the creature by leaving him to fend for his own will. This oppression is what creates the largest sense of hatred and confusion within the creature. It is here that Shelley highlights the struggle between socializing a new member of society and neglecting said member. While socialization seems to be the clear answer, …show more content…
William is no exception from the string of hatred-filled events the creature endures: “’Let me go,’ he cried; ‘monster! Ugly wretch! You wish to eat me and tear me to pieces – You are an ogre – Let me go, or I will tell my papa’… Hideous monster! Let me go” (138.) The creature’s encounter with William illuminates a more disturbing truth about society having to do with children. Though society tends to perceive children as unknowing and innocent, William’s response to the creature’s appearance proves that social standards begin shaping people of that society well before a person can have any hope of maturing into a rational being. William is not intentionally wicked to the creature; he is simply put off by his appearance; however, the fact that he recognizes the creature as an outsider is a testament to the fact that social standards permeate the minds of people within a society, perhaps without them even being aware of