Inborn Traits vs. Self-Determination

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Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, is a novel of interpersonal struggle between inborn traits versus the self determined willingness to work for success. The author demonstrates the contrasting personalities of Victor and the Creature specifically in regard to the nature they are born with in contrast to who they made of themselves. Innate aspects hinder personal growth for the Creature although he works hard to become a self-made man, whereas nurturing miens obstruct growth for the dignified Victor despite his fortunate nature. Shelley demonstrates sympathy with a Creature who tries to overcome his monstrous form more than a gentleman who abases him in order to convey that no matter how hard he tries to overcome his nature, personal choices can only take him so far. Through contrasting Victor’s and the Creature’s innate personas and willingness to achieve success, Shelley is allowing the reader to question whether or not a person is able to work past his genetic boundaries and inherent instincts to become whoever he wants to be, or, if he is stuck having the same success level of his parents due to his intrinsic nature. Both scenarios play a key role in the character’s lives; if Shelley had not embedded this “nature versus nurture” theme into the plotline, then the plot would have ceased to exist due to a lack of conflict on the Creature’s part. Victor Frankenstein grew up in a supportive, stable, loving family accompanied by a noble birth that played a key role in contributing to his fortunate nature. Having been born the eldest son of a wealthy Genovese man, Victor’s dignified birth was accompanied by unprecedented wealth and a promising education. His parents, Alphonse and Caroline Frankenstein demonstrated an unconditional love... ... middle of paper ... ...aused him to have a low tolerance to nurture. Shelley is conveying that trying is worth it; at the beginning of the story, Victor was passionate about his science and worked hard to complete his quest for knowledge with success in attaining the skills needed to create life, but once something went wrong (his failure in creating the Creature) he became disheartened and through his lack of perseverance, things only got worse. By leaving the Creature almost immediately, Victor demonstrates his low nurture. Conversely, if he would have had a high nurture then he would have stuck around and tried to get to know the Creature. Victor’s arrogance is another factor that contributes to his lack of nurture. By not visiting his family while he is away at school he is ruining his opportune relationship with them by portraying a lack of love and only turning to them when in need.

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