Frankenstein Application: Nature versus Nurture

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Nature versus nurture
Both scientists and philosophers for many centuries have debated whether an individual’s character is the impact of nurture or nature. Thomas Hobbes presents that human beings develop character from the time of birth, and they are innately wicked in nature. On the other hand, John Locke counters this theory by claiming that everybody is born with a blank slate (tabula rasa), and then develops character after several formative experiences. The notion that a true character is the outcome of societal interaction as well as experiences is a theme that is explored in detail throughout Frankenstein (Britton 2). A concern whether a person is born malicious or gradually becomes that way is a question regarding nurture, which is the major cause of the individual’s goodwill or his maliciousness. The aim of this study is to examine how well Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein addresses the existent personality behaviors versus how an individual is taught to behave or act.
Personality behavior is determined by the environment or particular situation that a person is exposed. Based on several occasions that the creature interacted with other characters in the novel, Mary Shelley tries to justify that it is due to Frankenstein’s failure as both a creator and parent which led to the creature’s alienation, and due to society’s aggressive reactions that influenced the creature to become wicked. The creature’s character is an explicit impact of how he was nurtured depending on his circumstances and experiences, rather than his character being inherently vicious from birth (Mukherjee and Banerjee 308). The creature was originally born good and benevolent, only misery made him a wicked person. He was born kind, but it is nurture that made him to become wicked. Frankenstein and the creature both have an innate nature which contributes to different way of life and personality of each of them. Frankenstein and the creature have two different kinds of nurturing styles. While nature argument explains the cause of Frankenstein’s downfall, nurture argument explains the cause of the creature’s downfall.
Frankenstein was raised from a distinguished family of the republic. Frankenstein’s ancestors were renowned syndics and counselors. In the novel, Frankenstein describes his family using adjectives like “integrity” and “honor”. Britton says that this implies that Frankenstein came from a prestigious family in the society, which means the family had an innate capability to lead (5). Such rich ancestral history is an aspect that is part of Frankenstein’s nature. Frankenstein is part of this prestigious heritage, and later he becomes a victim due to his nature. Frankenstein is obsessed with greed for power, which is the power that leads him. This results into realization when Frankenstein creates life to the Creature. Looking at nurturing situation involving Frankenstein’s life, it is seen that his father committed him to education that was a compassionate and privilege environment, w...