Qualities Of Being Human In Frankenstein

In the frame narrative, Frankenstein, an aspiring scientist, Victor frankenstein, creates life out of death, but this life turns out being an abhorred creature, nothing like the creators intentions. Through many trials, the humanity of Victor is questionable and the creature’s knowledge of how to be human grows exponentially. A human can be distinguished by their need for affiliation, desire to be accepted, and compassion. Throughout the story of Frankenstein, the creature displays more characteristics of being human than his creator. As soon as the creature came alive it demonstrated one of the first qualities of being human; the want to be around others. This can be shown by his first reaction to Frankenstein, “His jaws opened, …show more content…
His compassion for others can be seen in many points throughout the story, for example, his bond with the Delacey family, instinct to help, and love for his unmade companion. Even the creature knows that he possesses compassion when he pleads to Victor, “Will no intreaties cause thee to turn a favourable eye upon thy creature, who implores thy goodness and compassion?”(Shelley 69). The giant tries to appeal to Victor’s compassion and sympathy but finds none. Frankenstein has proven over and over that his feeling are extremely dull, especially in comparison to his creation. Victor realizes the monsters surprisingly humane feelings after he tells his story, which is shown when he states, “His tale, and the feelings he now expressed, proved him to be a creature of fine sensations; and did I not as his maker, owe him all the portion of happiness that it was in my power to bestow”(Shelley 105). As shown, Victor starts to feel guilty and empathize with the creature, but this does not last long as seen further in the story. The monster is elated when he believes that he has convinced Frankenstein to create him a companion, but his big heart is torn apart later when Victor tears his future partner apart. This is proven after Frankenstein witnesses the creatures disheartenment and states, “The wretch saw me destroy the creature on whose future existence he depended on for happiness, and, with a howl of devilish despair and revenge, withdrew.”(Shelley 105). This not only demonstrates how compassionate the creature is but simultaneously brings to light how heartless Victor is to conduct such a treacherous act. The lack of compassion that Frankenstein presents solidifies the argument and validates that the monster is more human than