Dichotomy In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Humans have monsters and monsters have humans, we both sleep, eat, breathe, and hunt; however, humans have key components that assure them that they will not become the monster that lives within themselves. The definition of quality is a “characteristic, innate or acquired, that, in some particular, determines the nature and behavior of a person or thing.” (dictionary.com) The nature and behavior of man can be expressed by the American ideal as being self motivated, independent, determined, passionate, honest, show remorse, show emotions, and have ambition. (uxmatters.com) Mary Shelley beautifully wrote in her captivating novel Frankenstein “We are unfashioned creatures, but half made up, if one wiser, better, dearer than ourselves -- such
…show more content…
Meaning the challenge of nature of man by the scientific creation of man. “If by “nature” is meant the “essential character. . . of a particular thing” then the concept of human nature must satisfy two criteria.” (Spiro, Human Nature in its psychological dimensions) The two criteria Spiro mention are to designate a human class (mammals) and to distinguish the class by the infrahuman (anthropoid) class. Psychologist and Anthropologist have concluded with different results on the classification of a human class and a infrahuman class. However, they both concluded that human nature can not be genetic. “Infrahuman behavior and Human behavior is based on a fundamental methodological. . .” (Spiro, Human Nature in its psychological dimensions) Meaning the behavior of mammals are controlled by an identical law. Which can interpreted by a common used cliche “boys will be boys” , and then going on to say humans will be humans and monsters will be monsters, but what is a monster without man and vice versa? Shelley manipulated the concept of human nature and placed them inside a monstrous form. The monster in Frankenstein demonstrated human qualities that are seen through everyday life. The monster cries for attention from his “father” (Frankenstein), acceptance from society, and affection of a lover. “Shall each man," cried he, "find a wife for his bosom, and each beast have his mate, and I be alone? I had feelings of affection, and they were requited by detestation and scorn.” (Shelley, Chapter 20, pg 2) The
Meaning the challenge of nature of man by the scientific creation of man. “If by “nature” is meant the “essential character. . . of a particular thing” then the concept of human nature must satisfy two criteria.” (Spiro, Human Nature in its psychological dimensions) The two criteria Spiro mention are to designate a human class (mammals) and to distinguish the class by the infrahuman (anthropoid) class. Psychologist and Anthropologist have concluded with different results on the classification of a human class and a infrahuman class. However, they both concluded that human nature can not be genetic. “Infrahuman behavior and Human behavior is based on a fundamental methodological. . .” (Spiro, Human Nature in its psychological dimensions) Meaning the behavior of mammals are controlled by an identical law. Which can interpreted by a common used cliche “boys will be boys” , and then going on to say humans will be humans and monsters will be monsters, but what is a monster without man and vice versa? Shelley manipulated the concept of human nature and placed them inside a monstrous form. The monster in Frankenstein demonstrated human qualities that are seen through everyday life. The monster cries for attention from his “father” (Frankenstein), acceptance from society, and affection of a lover. “Shall each man," cried he, "find a wife for his bosom, and each beast have his mate, and I be alone? I had feelings of affection, and they were requited by detestation and scorn.” (Shelley, Chapter 20, pg 2) The