Finding Virtue in FrankensteinVirtue is more often found on the margins of society than at its center. In Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, the monster embodies virtue to a greater extent than his creator, Victor Frankenstein. Shelley's creature is an isolate of great sensitivity, kindness and insight. Unlike James Whale's 1931 film Frankenstein, which depicted the creature as a lumbering idiot, Shelley's monster was modeled on Rousseau's notion of humanity as the "noble savage". The creature's nobility is evident when she meets a simple French family and observes and draws the oddities of humanity. A naturalist, the monster responded to nature with appreciation and joy. With a scientific eye, he gradually differentiates one object from another. He observed, experienced and exploited the benefits of the created order. This contemplative naturalist distinguished the cry of each species of bird and tried to imitate their song, despite his hoarse voice. Similar to a newborn adjusting to the shock of being, he painfully adapted to light and harsh sounds, quickly learning that perception and awareness hurt. Fleeing the dazzling sun, the monster was lulled by the subtle radiance of the moon. The moon was an omnipresent companion and a source of spiritual respect. Solitude insisted that he personify the moon as a special sponsor, but the moon's accompaniment was too subtle to nourish the creature. His desire for a relationship was sincere and intense. While his creator, Victor Frankenstein, shrouded himself in secrecy to avoid his fellow scientists, family, and friends, the monster drifted toward civilization to find solace and companionship. As much as he wanted to have and be a friend, the community was unimaginable. His hideous disfigurement forced the Monster to live as a clandestine observer of humanity. The De Laceys, a family in exile, became his model of human culture. The family unsuspectingly frames the monster. They had retreated from the heart of the Parisian city to a rustic German village for political and legal reasons. Their suffering and isolation spoke of their sensitivity and humanity. Their virtue was found on the margins, in the extremity. In them, the Creature had the pattern and place to grow to maturity. The Monster's emotions were awakened by scrutinizing family life. He admired his human role models for their deep love for one another and their sacrifice in times of poverty..