"'By great application, however, and after having remained during the space of several revolutions of the moon in my hovel, I discovered the names that were given to some of the most familiar objects of discourse; I learned and applied the words, 'fire,' 'milk,' 'bread,' and 'wood'" (pg 78).
Sorry two year old Youtube sensation, but this creation learned how to speak fluent English, not just recite some lame speech.
Anyways, this great show of indirect characterization by Mary Shelley really shows how superior the creature is to Frankenstein. Just a quick look at what all the creature learned would quickly classify him as a child prodigy, but he is actually a nice monster? This quote shows that the creature is misunderstood by civilization and that they want him dead even if he is kind. Poor ugly creature...
This book really bothers me, but if there is one thing that does not bother me, then it is this nature versus nurture theme that seems really to shown through the creation. Much like how I was on Team Iago, I think that Shelley is on team "Nature." If she was on team nurture, then the creature would be an evil abomination after he was yelled at by others. I suppose something in his nature must have made him inquisitive. Okay, maybe he got some genes from Victor and it makes him want to understand others just like how Victor wanted to understand animation.
P.S. I will gladly bring Iago into any post that I can.
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