"Frankenstein"- theme

NATURE VS. NURTURE

Throughout the creation's early life, he characterizes himself as being kind, loving, and helpful. He tells stories of how he helped the De Lacey family and recounts the horrible ways in which he was treated throughout his life. It is not until he finally reveals himself to the family that he truly becomes evil. He recounts it, saying, "from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and more than all, against him who had formed me and sent me forth to this insupportable misery" (page 130). This moment in time is the turning point in the novel. The creation has finally reached his breaking point and can no longer sustain the horrible treatment he has endured. He decides that he will no longer treat the human race with respect and care, but will instead use his power and strength to cause destruction for all, especially Victor. This turning point in the novel proves that the creation was not my nature evil. He had lived a peaceful and good life up to this point. It was when nurture (society and environment) created in him this rage and lack of feeling that he finally became the evil monster that everyone always assumed him to be. He finally decided to take on the role which he had continuously been unjustly put into. It was ultimately his nurture that sent him into the downward spiral of evil and revenge.