The novel Frankenstein explores the question of the Creature's inherent nature versus the influence of circumstances on its actions. The Creature's moral character is portrayed as complex and multifaceted, rather than strictly evil or good.
Initially, the Creature is depicted as innocent and benevolent. When it is first brought to life, it is like a newborn, devoid of any knowledge or understanding of the world. It shows curiosity, kindness, and a desire for companionship. However, the Creature's appearance leads to immediate rejection and fear from everyone it encounters, including Victor Frankenstein, who abandons it.
As the Creature experiences constant rejection and isolation, its innocence and benevolence gradually erode. It becomes embittered and filled with anger and resentment towards its creator and humanity. The Creature's violent actions, such as the murders of William, Henry, and Elizabeth, are a result of its feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and the desire for revenge against Victor for creating it.
The novel suggests that the Creature's actions are influenced by the circumstances it faces and the way it is treated by others. The rejection and cruelty it experiences from society drive it to seek vengeance and cause harm to Victor and his loved ones.
The Creature's moral complexity challenges the notion of inherent evil. Instead, the novel portrays it as a product of its experiences and the treatment it receives from others. This theme aligns with the novel's broader exploration of the nature versus nurture debate, as it raises questions about the impact of societal treatment on an individual's character and actions.
Mary Shelley's portrayal of the Creature as a tragic figure highlights the consequences of neglect, isolation, and prejudice. The Creature's descent into violence and malevolence serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of empathy, compassion, and responsible behavior, and warns against the dangers of abandoning moral responsibility in the pursuit of ambition and knowledge.