Nature vs. Nurture in Frankenstein

In the novel "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, the relationship of external appearance and internal feelings are directly related. The creature is created and he is innocent, though he is severely deformed. His nature is to be good and kind, but society only views his external appearance which is deformed. Human nature is to judge by external appearance. He is automatically detested and labeled as a monster because of his external appearance. He finally realized that no matter how well he speaks and how kind he is, people will never be able to see past his external deformities. Children are fearful of him, Adults think he is dangerous, and his own creator abandons him in disgust. The creature is
Make me happy and I shall again be virtuous…These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings. If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction. Shall I not hate them who [hate] me? I will keep no terms with my enemies. I am miserable and they shall share my wretchedness." (97). Here the creature tells Victor that he is the fallen angel. This means that he believes that Victor could have done a better job raising him. The creature indicated that he was born good and virtuous, but loneliness and misery due to the alienation he receives from mankind because of his outer appearance, have made him feel like a monster. Society sees him as a monster and makes him feel like one, so now he will begin to act like one.

In the Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein the theme of nature vs. nurture is a strong presence. Throughout the story the reader is shown the evolution of the creature’s personality through events in his life. The Creature had been born good and wanted only to share his kindness. The ignorance of society who only saw his appearance, never gave the creature a choice but to become vengeful and evil. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein nurture prevailed over nature when the creature decided to behave as the people of the world saw