They . . . sunk me into the lowest dejection.I think one of the main themes in this novel is that with greater knowledge comes greater chance of destruction. It is clear that Victor's knowledge of creating life leads to his destruction, but the knowledge the creature acquires destroys his (the creature) life as well. The creature learns through observation and experience. He learns the rules of the world by watching the DeLacey family. Although he learns much by watching, there is extra significance in the items he reads and that are read to him. Ruins of Empires teaches him of the cruelty of man (pg 84). He weeps for the Native Americans who are treated horribly because the Europeans view them as savages; he empathizes with their situation. Sorrows of Werter teaches him of suicide and death (91). Lives teaches him of some "heroes of past ages" (91). I believe he begins to compare these idealized humans to the ones he has come into contact with, and he does not see them as equal. Paradise Lost causes him to look internally (92). The creature associates himself with Adam because they are alone and the first of their kind; however, he relates more strongly with Satan. Finally, the papers he took from Frankenstein's coat causes him to question his purpose (92-93). He knows that Victor detests him and wonders why he was even created.
It was through these items that the creature received much of his knowledge, and it is apparent that this knowledge is key to his and Victor's destruction. Additionally, this supports the nature vs. nurture thematic topic because it shows that the creature learns of bad things from humans.
Until Next Time,
Alysse
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