Are nature and nurture necessary when creating a person? In Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, the discussion between nature and nurture is tested by the actions of the creation of the main character, Dr. Frankenstein: a monster. In the novel, Dr. Frankenstein is fascinated by the scientific creation of life and creates what he thinks is a human, but actually turns out to have the makings of a monster. Dr. Frankenstein is terrified of his creation and abandons it by running away and leaving it locked up. The monster escapes from Dr. Frankenstein's confines and goes out into the world to explore his surroundings and hates his creator for not taking care of him. In examining the effects of environment on a child's intellectual capacity for learning and their inherent sense of direction, it becomes clear that at birth the human mind is a blank slate. Children's intelligence is shaped every day by their experiences with people, objects and events. Frankenstein's monster learned everything he knew about the family he watched over after escaping from Dr. Frankenstein's confines. “Each conversation of the cottagers now opened new wonders to me” (Shelley 117). Here the monster is shown inquiring about its surroundings and wanting to learn from it. The monster explored the world on its own; he learned the language and nature of the world for himself. He observed human interactions and tried to imitate human behavior. “Men appear to me as monsters thirsty for the blood of others.” (Shelley 156) The author uses the word monsters to describe ordinary people, suggesting that their intentions are the same as those of monsters. Frankenstein had good intentions when he created the monster, but the monster wreaked havoc. The monster acting in a negative way may... middle of paper ..., but there was another one still primordial. My duties towards beings of my own species demanded more of my attention because they included a greater proportion of happiness or misery. » (Shelley 265) This quote reiterates one of the main points of the novel: Frankenstein's decision revolves around the good of humanity. Frankenstein speaks of the monster saying, “He roams the world freely and perhaps respected. » (Shelley 220) Frankenstein condemns human nature and the society and institutions that result from it. Frankenstein doesn't know if he should hold himself responsible for his creature. Mary Shelley posited a new view of nature versus nurture in human development. with the monster being a blank slate and transforming his personality based on the different events that shape his life, Shelley clearly expresses her support for the nurturing side..