Frankenstein Case

Where is the Love?

A mother's kind touch, a mother's gentle voice and a mother's abundant love are the critical ingredients to a healthy child. If even an infant is refused that form of love and communication, studies show that they have emotional and/or behavioral issues. This is neglect, and the effects of neglect can lead to an uncomfortable way of life dealing with limitations such as: fear, isolation and inability to trust. Neglect can lead to lifelong emotional and psychological problems, such as low self-esteem. A child's world is constantly changing; due to this children need some form of stability to be there rock. That rock is meant to be a parent's love and support. In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Dr. Victor Frankenstein was brought up in a loving, nurturing family. On the other hand, Victor's creation's experience is exactly opposite. The only thing he receives is rejection and despise. In the beginning chapters of the novel, it explains Victor's life as he grows into adolescence and then adulthood. The first chapters reveal the major theme of the novel that upbringing can somewhat mold a person's personality. From the beginning of both characters' existence, the two grow up under completely different influences. Victor's parents perceive his birth as a gift from heaven, whereas from the moment the creature draws breath, Victor, his father, abhors him. Neglect leads to destruction, this can be assumed because of the way Victor's and the creature's life played out.

To begin with, Victor had a more than adequate childhood. His parents met his needs and beyond. Victor explains that his earliest memories are his mother's tender caresses and his father's smile of benevolent pleasure while regarding him, "No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. My parents possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. We felt that they were not tyrants to rule our lot according to their caprice, but the agents and creators of all the many delights which we enjoyed. When I mingled with other families, I distinctly discerned how peculiarly fortunate my lot was, and gratitude assisted the development of filial love." (Shelley, 23) It is quite obvious that his parents love him and there is no neglect present here. However, the way his parents raised did somewhat corrupted him. Victor becomes a selfish adult who does not understand consequences. As a result of Victor never being denied anything as a child, he matures to be a narcissistic adult. He has the impression that he never makes any mistakes and consequences for his actions have never been a problem to him. The thought of even the creation of the monster was a selfish act that is a product from his pampered childhood because he never considers that there might be a tragic aftermath of some sort for the rest of humanity, his family or even for himself. He has developed this feeling of invincibility, when he decides to disentangle the mysteries of the world. While he does this, his primary goal is for his own personal glory as a scientist and fails to see the possible problems that controlling nature to this extent can present. His arrogance extends further when he actually bestows life upon this creature and, he does not even act responsible and take care of the creature, he selfishly flees and becomes unconcerned with the details of the creatures whereabouts for almost a year. Frankenstein shook off responsibility for his Creature, yet he has strong view on parental responsibility, "their child, the innocent and helpless creature bestowed on them by heaven, whom to bring up to good, and whose future lot in their hands to direct to happiness or misery according as they fulfilled their duties toward me." (Shelley, 19). Despite