Frankenstein Key Theme: Nature versus Nurture (AQA GCSE English Literature) : Revision Note

Nature versus nurture timeline

The theme of nature versus nurture in key chapters of Frankenstein:

What are the elements of nature versus nurture in Frankenstein?

Nature versus nurture is presented in Frankenstein in the following ways:

• The creature’s innate goodness: Shelley presents the creature as good and innocent when it is first brought to life. For instance, he “abstains” from taking any of the De Lacey’s “store of food” when he discovers their poverty; this also suggests the creature’s natural goodness is corrupted by Victor’s rejection and its isolation from society, supporting the idea that nurture has shaped his identity: “I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend”.

• Victor’s privileged upbringing: Victor is depicted as a product of his privileged upbringing and upper-class origins. His family’s wealth and status influence his desire to achieve greatness: “My family is one of the most distinguished of that republic”.  He wishes to uncover the hidden mysteries of nature and his arrogance influences his ambition to defy the natural order by controlling life and death. His creation’s grotesque appearance reflects the unnatural outcome of his scientific experiment: “unearthly ugliness rendered it almost too horrible for human eyes

The impact of nature versus nurture on characters

Why does Shelley use the theme of nature versus nurture in her novel?

1. Setting and atmosphere 

• Establishes the conflict between nature and nurture and whether identity and behaviour is innate or shaped by external influences

• Creates an atmosphere of alienation as the creature is rejected and Victor is isolated

2. Plot driver 

• Drives the conflict between Victor and the creature as their environments could be viewed as shaping their choices

3. Audience appeal 

• Engages readers by exploring the universal human experience of identity, isolation and rejection

4. Narrative device   

• Creates irony as Victor becomes corrupted by his ambition, while the creature, which was born innocent, becomes vengeful due to its rejection by society 

Exam-style questions on the themes of nature versus nurture

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of nature versus nurture: 

1. How does Shelley present the theme of nature versus nurture in Frankenstein? (You could start by thinking about how the creature is abandoned by Victor and left to learn about society independently.)

2. How does Shelley use the creature’s experiences to explore the idea of nature versus nurture? (You could start by looking at how the creature is initially kind but is gradually shaped by rejection and cruelty, leading to its violent actions.)