Frankenstein - 1009 Words

Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein seems to be an exact representation of the ideas of the 17th century philosopher John Locke. In Locke’s â€Å"An Essay Concerning Human Understanding,† he talks about the idea that we as humans are all born with a ‘blank slate’ that contains no knowledge whatsoever and that we can only know that things exist if we first experience them through sensation and reflection. In Frankenstein, the monster portrays Locke’s ideas of gaining knowledge perfectly through worldly experience of learning his surroundings. Locke states â€Å"†¦from experience; in that all our knowledge is founded and from that it ultimately derives itself† (Locke 186). He is saying that the only way the human mind can learn and gain knowledge is if it is†¦show more content†¦We as humans reflect on our past unconsciously. We are constantly telling ourselves what we would’ve done differently in a certain situation or maybe what was done well. Using this tool of reflection helps shape and form our future selves for the better. The second example that is more specific is when the monster is staying in the small hovel attached to a small cottage. â€Å"I had been accustomed, during the night, to steal a part of their store for my own consumption; but when I found that in doing this I inflicted pain on the cottagers†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Shelley 137). In this experience, the monster started to reflect on what his actions have caused the poor family by stealing their goods they used to survive on. He fe els guilty and decides to redeem his actions by providing wood at their door step each night. This use of reflection has taught the monster that his freewill has limitation and that he cannot do certain things without impacting other people around him thus shaping and forming him into a smarter being and at the same gaining knowledge through these experiences. When the creature Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is born, his mind is a ‘blank slate’ with no instinctive principle of life or knowledge. All the knowledge that the monster learns was derived only from his personal experiences and interactions throughout the book. Through my examples, Frankenstein can be easily connected to the ideas and principles about gainingShow MoreRelatedFrankenstein, By Victor Frankenstein988 Words   |  4 PagesLane Johnson Mr. Jones English 12 Honors/4th Period March 15, 2015 Victor Frankenstein and his creation surprisingly share many of the same characteristics. Even though Frankenstein is an ugly, unwanted creature, he and Victor withhold an obvious connection throughout the novel. However, Victor and Frankenstein also share their differences as well. Victor was raised in a very caring and loving home. His parents gave Victor everything he wanted and Victor grew up with great friends. Victor’s parentsRead MoreFrankenstein And Frankenstein Essay1474 Words   |  6 Pagesfictional characters, most famously in John Milton’s Paradise Lost, in 1667, and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, in 1818. The complexity of the characters in these texts creates the theme of nature versus nurture before they diverge and arrive at differing conclusions. Many critics arose over the years to contest the main character of Milton’s epic. Shelley, arguably Milton’s greatest critic, wrote Frankenstein to contrast her views on the conflict between creator and creation. She also uses an unconventionalRead MoreFrankenstein1112 Words   |  5 Pagesas a reflection of context. The capacity of thematic concerns to transcend time are manifested within Mary Shelley s 19th century gothic novel Frankenstein (1818) and Ridley Scott s dystopian science fiction film Blade Runner (1992) as both pose markedly similar existentialist discourses regarding the fate of humanity. 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For example, Victor is portrayed as having a strong passion for science, and a poor understanding ofRead MoreFrankenstein : The Way Frankenstein, And His Creation1275 Words   |  6 Pagesprevalent in Shelly’s novel is the way Frankenstein, and his creation, are controlled by their emotions. Frankenstein is continually ruled by his feelings of fear, guilt, and love throughout the novel. For instance, he works for nearly two years to accomplish his goal of creating life, only to immediately flee because of fear when his work comes to life. This was a major illustration for the reader that despite being an experienced scientist Frankenstein was still ruled by emotions. In a largeRead More Mary Shelleys Frankenstein - Victor Frankenstein is to Blame1046 Words   |  5 PagesVictor Frankenstein is to Blame Can an intense appetency for the pursuit of knowledge result in fatal consequences? In most situations when a strong desire is present consequences are seldom taken into consideration. In the novel, Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein pursues knowledge in an obsessive manner that blinds him to the possible effects. Victor Frankenstein is the primary cause of his creatures desolation. Indeed, Victor Frankenstein is at fault for the creatures isolation andRead More Victor Frankenstein is the Monster in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein566 Words   |  3 PagesVictor Frankenstein is the Monster in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Through out the novel we are under the assumption that the demon in the novel is the man who is disfigured and hideous on the outside. While we view Victor Frankenstein as the handsome and caring victim, even though sometimes a monster cannot be seen but heard. Looks can be deceiving but actions are always true.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We first view Frankenstein’s ignorance while he is busy in his work. He had not visited his family forRead More Frankenstein Essay572 Words   |  3 Pages In Marry Shelley’s Frankenstein, the powerful creature represents the physical manifestation of the ugliness and selfishness of Victor’s desires as well as being the solution for his need to escape from the elements that threaten his way of life. Victor chose to embark on the arduous task of creating what he perceived as perfection. To him, this creation was intended to be both intelligent and powerful, immortal and beautiful. He was seeking the perfect humanoid entity that he thought would be