Examples Of Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs In Frankenstein

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Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory that states that describes the stages of internal growth and development in humans; the theory states that the most basic and physical need must be fulfilled before emotional and psychological needs may be correctly addressed. A perfect example of this theory is when Frankenstein’s monster finds shelter in the hovel next to a cottage; by finding shelter and food, he fulfills his most basic needs and is able to become aware of his deeper needs of emotions and human connection. This crucial moment brings to our attention the humanity of the monster, and the duality of this story, that can be understood through an analysis of the language, the comparisons drawn, and greater application of this topic. It is at this time that we first see the monster as a human being, not a creation that lurks in the shadows and undergrowth. The language that is used through this passage evokes empathy and sadness for the monster in the reader. For most of the story, is passed to us the form of second hand event retold by Victor, through letters to Walton and conveyed to us that way. This seems to draw a stronger link to the monster. At this stage, the monster seems to be in child-like wonder, an doesn’t understand why everyone has been so terrified of him, or why victor was repulsed of him. He hides in a hovel and steals food, fulfilling his most basic needs. He is then able to better understand emotions; after he is no longer hungry and cold, he is able to focus on how the people in the cottage seem to communicate and are sad. He starts to learn their language, and, after understanding their poverty, sees its his fault and is able to correct that. The increasing complexity of the language shows the monster’s ... ... middle of paper ... ...of brotherly love and charity …[It will] afford [him] true pleasure to be in any way serviceable to a human creature." This is the one act of kindness, one act of true selflessness towards the monster in a sea of despair. As stated before, the juxtaposition of this moment of hope with the rejection of the three virtuous kids and Victor drive the creature over the edge. Mary Shelly brings to live the human struggle, and a complex social satire and commentary in the form of her own patchwork creature of language, diction, and metaphors. She portrays to the reader the struggles f her creature in the face of adversity through the use of a story within a story; Victor’s letter’s to Walton, The monster’s recounting of his moment of epiphany and fall, and even Safi’s story, told through the letters the monster found and told Victor who wrote about it and sent it to Walton.

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