Humanity In Frankenstein

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What defines a human? This answer cannot be simply answered by a short definition. Several factors influence and distinguish what is human and what is not; yet the definition of humans may differ from person to person. For example, the biological factor of how humans appear are not essential features that distinguish a human from an animal or monster. The ability to feel emotions, obtain compassion and empathy for others, and think cognitively are all qualities that a human possesses. The creature is constantly trying to connect with other humans to form relationships in order to create a family for himself and he also shows he is driven and curious by obtaining knowledge and the understandings of human life. Although many would classify the …show more content…
After leaving the hovel, the creature felt frustrated and upset that he was always judged based off of his physical appearance and swore to revenge himself against all human beings (114). Even though the creature was anger at the human race for perceiving him as a monster, he still continued to show empathy and compassion towards others. While traveling to Geneva, the creature came across a young girl that he suspected was drowning. After rescuing the girl the man that had accompanied the girl shot the creature, which only caused the creature to become more upset and enraged at all human beings. This passage in the book clearly symbolized that the creature had humanlike traits, because he still possessed empathy and compassion for others even though the creature receives nothing back from anybody. His drive to create relationships is a quality only a human obtain. After the creature felt hopeless of ever being accepted by other humans, because of his continuous rejection by humans, the creature urged Victor to make him a companion that was exactly like him on page 118. The creature proclaims to Victor that he was “alone and miserable” and showed his need and want for compassion, sympathy, and love from another companion that only humans possess as an essential part of living happily. After Victor promised to create a companion for him the creature felt hopeful that he would have happiness and love in its life. When Victor betrayed the creator by destroying his companion, the creature’s hopes and dreams were crushed, breaking his spirt and filling his heart with hatred towards Victor. The ability to constantly try to interact and form bond with others in order to receive compassion, sympathy, and love is a quality only humans obtain, which the creature shows he has throughout the entire

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