Is Frankenstein's Creature Human? An Essay with Multiple Perspectives

In the realm of literature, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein stands out as a remarkable work that explores the boundaries of human nature and its creations. At the heart of this tale lies a profound question: is Frankenstein’s creature truly human? This essay delves into this question from various perspectives, examining the complexity of the monster’s identity.

1. The Perspective of Biology and Physiology

From a biological standpoint, Frankenstein’s creature is a product of science, carefully constructed piece by piece from different human parts. His form is human, and he possesses physical attributes akin to those of a human being. However, merely because he is shaped like a human and possesses physiological traits does not automatically classify him as human. This viewpoint leads to the realization that true humanity cannot be measured solely by external appearance or physical attributes.

2. The Perspective of Emotions and Sentiments

The creature’s struggle to understand and embrace his emotions adds another layer to the question of his humanity. Although he lacks a natural emotional capacity at first, he learns to experience and articulate emotions through the human society he encounters. As the creature interacts with various characters and experiences rejection and acceptance, he begins to understand the complexities of human emotions. This perspective suggests that emotions are integral to human identity, but the absence of emotions does not necessarily negate a being’s humanity.

3. The Perspective of Social Interaction and Culture

The social dynamics of Frankenstein’s tale provide a crucial context for understanding the creature’s status as human. In isolation, the monster strives to connect with humans and assimilate into their society. His attempts at communication and understanding human culture indicate a desire to belong and an acknowledgment of shared human values. However, his acceptance as a human is often rejected due to societal fears of outsiders and what is perceived as an alien ‘monster.’ This perspective underscores that societal norms and prejudices influence our understanding of humanity.

4. The Perspective of Self-Determination and Free Will

The creature’s journey is marked by self-discovery and self-determination. Despite his origins as a creation of science, the monster exercises his own free will in seeking knowledge, love, and purpose. His choices, actions, and reactions demonstrate an inner sense of agency that challenges traditional definitions of humanity. This perspective suggests that free will and self-determination are integral to understanding humanity beyond biological, emotional, or social attributes.

In conclusion, Frankenstein’s creature’s status as human is not a straightforward question but rather a complex exploration of identity that encompasses biology, emotions, social interaction, culture, and self-determination. The monster’s journey highlights the fluidity and fluid boundaries of humanity, suggesting that true humanity lies in our capacity to learn, evolve, connect, and determine our own paths despite our origins or external appearances. The enduring legacy of Frankenstein lies in its ability to spark debates and thought exercises about what it means to be human in an ever-evolving world.

Questions for further thought:

1. How does Frankenstein’s creature define himself? What aspects of humanity do he embrace or reject?
2. What role does society play in determining the monster’s identity? Is he rejected due to societal fears or accepted as an individual in need of understanding?
3. Can the boundaries of humanity be defined solely by biological attributes or does it encompass more complex elements like emotions, social interaction, culture, and self-determination?
4. What does it mean to be human in today’s world where technology and science are constantly evolving our understanding of ourselves?