How Does Victor's Childhood Affect The Development Of Children In Frankenstein

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Children born into this world are immediately given love and care though for some, they may not receive these necessities which can introduce problems into the child's life. A child may be left with emotional instability if not given the proper care or companion. These problems which arise early on affect the development and growth for one as shown in society, shows, and books. As demonstrated in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, because of Victor’s mistreatment towards his creature, lacking proper care and attention led to the poor development of his “child”.

Today, there are children around the world who are treated badly and abused by their parents. The monster, created by Victor Frankenstein, was raised very poorly; he did not receive love nor care and never was able to experience these feelings for himself. The moment he opened his eyes, he faced neglect- just as

others do today in society. As the monster began to develop he questioned himself and his existence: “But where were my friends and relations? No father had watched my infant days, no mother had blessed me with smiles and caresses. (Shelley. p. 86)” He grew to wonder where he came from as well as to why he was not raised like others; he had no guidance or morals to follow. Effects on children in their early years who experience abuse can last a lifetime. This claim has been proven through observations elsewhere: “In studies of infants at orphanages who are fed and clothed, but not held, talked to or played with have found that some neglected children, literally, fail to grow. (Edward Tronick, PhD)” Tronick’s statement is not only shown in the outside world but in Mary Shelley’s, Frankenstein, as well. The way youth is treated in their early stages reflect who they can grow up to be, making it necessary for children to be provided with guidance and support- both of which the creature in Frankenstein did not receive.
Children often are judged for their physical appearances and feel left out if they look ‘different’. Victor’s creation faced life long abandonment for he was not accepted by society for his looks which affected his self esteem greatly. The monster saw his appearance for the first time and in response said: “but how was I terrified when I viewed myself in a transparent pool! (Shelley. p. 80)” He let others define what was terrifying and what was normal to him. He began to believe that because he looked so different that he was not able to fit in with society thus why he was scared to put himself out there. When the monster came face to face with his creator, Victor said, “Do you dare approach me? And do you not fear the fierce vengeance of my arm wreaked on your miserable head? Begone, vile insect! (Shelley, p. 68)” In response, the creature developed a firing rage towards Victor because he was the one who gave him this miserable life full of loneliness and dejection. The recurrence of isolation in the creature’s life began his strong feelings of self hatred.
Most people have that one person they can be accompanied by though some have trouble finding that one person which may lead to emotional distress.

In Frankenstein, the monster had nobody to stand by his side and grew very lonely, wanting a companion. In the story, he turned to his creator, asking for a friend: "You must create a female for me with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being. (Shelley. p.104)” He grew desperate that he could not have someone who would not judge him for how he looked. Waiting for so long, the creature grew impatient and resorted to violence - wanting to get revenge on those not accepting to befriend him. These actions which can happen in today’s world as well are responses to the brains lack of interaction: “Infants, like all humans, are designed to be in interaction with other people. (Edward Tronick, PhD)” Any living thing, especially young ones, need others in order to thrive cognitively and emotionally. If not given interaction, one may feel frustration and low self worth such as how the creature

felt.
In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley demonstrates that child care and the attention given to a child in early age can greatly affect its growth. The creature experienced many horrible feelings and developed poorly because of how he was treated; he formed a strong self hatred and wanting for revenge. Receiving good treatment from parents, feeling confident, and having a companion are all big factors needed for a child to healthily mature. Also, being at a young age, children need guidance and morals to follow in order to feel support and have emotional stability.