Nature versus Nurture in Frankenstein free essay sample

Nature versus nurture; this is a common debate physiologists are in constant question over. In regards to the development of an individual’s personality, some believe that one is born with an innate personality. In the meantime, others believe that one’s personality is developed through experience over their lifetime. Both nature and nurture are major contributors to the development of characters in the story, Frankenstein. In Mary Shelley’s famous novel, Frankenstein, there is evidence that Shelley views Nature of being the more powerful component to the development of a personality. In the novel, Frankenstein, the main character, Victor Frankenstein, has a natural desire to learn everything he can about natural philosophy. When speaking of his childhood, Victor exclaims, â€Å"but by some law in my temperature they were turned not towards childish pursuits, but to an eager desire to learn†¦my enquiries were directed to the metaphysical or in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world,† (Shelley 19). We will write a custom essay sample on Nature versus Nurture in Frankenstein or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Victor Frankenstein admits that his desire to learn is in his own nature, and does take interest in more common childhood preoccupants. Even when his own father disapproves by saying, â€Å"‘Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this; it is sad trash! ’â€Å" (Shelley 20), Victor still remains loyal to his studies. The outburst given by his father does not have any negative impact over Victor in any way; â€Å"But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents; and I continued to read with the greatest avidity,† (Shelley 21). This statement shows that Victor is not worried about the opinions of society or those who are raising him; he knows that studying natural philosophy is his passion, and he plans to continue studying no matter what. Obviously, Victor does not have anyone to confide in when learning about his studies, therefore, there is no one in his environment who can influence him in this area, which defends Shelley’s view of Nature. Frankenstein acknowledges this and says, â€Å"I was, to a great degree, self-taught with regard to my favorite studies. My father was not scientific, and I was left to struggle with a child’s blindness, added to a student’s thirst for knowledge,† (Shelley 21). Frankenstein continues to stay dedicated to his studies even when he goes off to college. His values on learning are apparent when he says, â€Å"In other studies, you go as far as others have gone before you, and there is nothing more to know; but in a scientific pursuit there is continual food for discovery and wonder,† (Shelley 30). He continues to engage in his studies, and when working on his creation, he quotes, â€Å"I could not tear my thoughts from my employment,†(Shelley 33). Victor is so involved with his intellectual pursuit that he is not going to let society get in the way of being active in his scientific work. In the end of the novel, he tells Walton, â€Å"Seek happiness in tranquility, and avoid ambition, even if it be only the apparently innocent one of distinguishing yourself in scientific discoveries. Yet why do I say this? I have myself been blasted in these hopes, yet another may succeed,† (Shelley 163). Although Frankenstein feels that he did not accomplish anything in the scientific field, he still recognizes the importance of science, and urges Walden to stay true to himself, or his true nature, while learning from his mistakes in the meantime. The character of Victor Frankenstein is a character born to love science, and he continues to express this throughout the novel Mary Shelley uses examples that support the theory of nature upon Frankenstein’s creature. When the creature is observing the De Lacey’s, he cannot help but notice that there is sadness amongst the family. He cannot help but feel troubled by this; â€Å"I saw no cause for their unhappiness, but I was deeply affected by it,† (Shelley 77). The creature, in his benevolent nature, wants to help the small family, and decides, â€Å"I discovered also another means through which I was enabled to assist their labours†¦during the night, I often took his tools, the use of which I quickly discovered, and brought home firing sufficient for the consumption of several days,† (Shelley 78). The creature receives inner joy when performing such tasks for others, even though they are not even acquainted with him. The creature is soon shunned by the family though, and falls into utter sadness. Despite the unjustly expressions of others, the creature still feels good in him. He witnesses a young girl slip and fall into a rapid stream, and instinctively reacts by saving her; â€Å"I rushed from my hiding-place, and, with extreme labour from the force of the current, saved her, and dragged her to shore,† (Shelley 101). Unfortunately, the human race still does not respond kindly to the creature, which eventually makes him to behave maliciously. While speaking to his creator, Victor, he explains to him, â€Å"Instead of threatening, I am content to reason with you. I am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned by all mankind? † (Shelley 104). The creature admits to behaving in an evil manner, and continues to do so. At the end of the novel, the creature shares with Walton, his feelings while behaving in such monstrous ways. While looking over the body of his creator, he says, â€Å"Oh, Frankenstein! Generous and self-devoted being! What does it avail that I now ask thee to pardon me? I, who irretrievably destroyed thee by destroying all thou lovedst,† (Shelley 163). The creature feels incredibly guilty for the evil acts, which he performed. This shows that the creature my have been behaving in a horrible manner, but in the end, he regrets it all, because he had been behaving in such a way that is against his good conscious and personality. He then reflects upon a few of the murders he committed, â€Å"After the murder of Clerval, I returned to Switzerland, heartbroken and overcome. I pitied Frankenstein,† (Shelley 165). The creature feels remorse after allowing himself to behave in a way that does not level up to his innate personality, or in other words, his true nature. The creature created by Frankenstein is born free and good, and although becomes temporarily corrupted by society, he proves to still contain his good aspects of his personality in the end of the novel. In Shelley’s novel, personality derived from nature, is strongly expressed through the character, Elizabeth. Victor Frankenstein describes her as being beautiful, peaceful, and gentle. He says, â€Å"The saintly soul of Elizabeth shone like a shrine-dedicated lamp in our peaceful home†¦she was the living spirit of love to soften and attract: I might have become sullen in my study, rough through the ardour of my nature, but she was there to subdue me to a semblance of her own gentleness,† (Shelley 20). Elizabeth is the type of person whose radiance and love brightens up everyone’s life. Victor is aware of this and knows he can rely on her to feel better no matter what, because her loving and uplifting personality seems to be in her own nature. This is also proven after her friend, Justine is accused of murdering their younger brother, William. She says to Victor, â€Å"I rely on her innocence as certainly as I do upon my own. Our misfortune is doubly hard to us; we have not only lost that lovely darling boy, but this poor girl, whom I sincerely love, is to be torn away by even a worse fate. If she is condemned, I never shall know joy more. But she will not, I am sure she will not; and then I shall be happy again, even after the sad death of my little William,† (Shelley 53). Elizabeth continues to remain optimistic even though fate in her environment seems to be turning against her. Near the end, when her and Victor are on their honeymoon, Victor senses that he will be greeted by death that night, and is nervously anticipating this event. Elizabeth can sense that something is troubling him; â€Å" ‘Be happy, my dear Victor,’ replied Elizabeth; ‘there is, I hope, nothing to distress you; and be assured that if a lively joy is not painted in my face, my heart is contented. Something whispers to me not to depend too much on the prospect that is opened before us, but I will not listen to such a sinister voice†¦What a divine day! How happy and serene all nature appears! ’ â€Å" (Shelley 143). Even though Elizabeth feels there is something wrong, she refuses to allow such environmental factors destroy that of nature and who she truly is as a person, which is comforting and positive. Although many characters portray the side of nature in the debate, Elizabeth is the character who represents this view the most. In the famous novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses evidence to suggest that nature is the more powerful component in the development of personality. The main character, Victor Frankenstein, loves scientific studies, and has had a legitimate interest since his early childhood. The creature that he creates is born to be good, and still proves to hold onto those good virtues towards the end of this novel. The character of Elizabeth is very caring and remains this way for the rest of her life. All three of these characters face horrid events in their lives, but in the end, they all prove to have the innate personality that they had been born with. Shelley views a character’s personality as being predestined and therefore, stands on the side of Nature, in the common debate, Nature versus Nurture.

desires in advertising essays

desires in advertising essays The following advertisements promote new desires and new cultural mythologies towards our society. The older desires are still evident because they are used in nature differently, but now new desires are emerging. These new desires include the power and freedom of women, a new rugged view of sex and sexuality, extreme risk, and strangely enough truth has been a new evident trend. The largest new trend or desire of our society pertains women and the new role they have in our society. In todays world women have a more prominent social standing. They are now stronger characters, and are viewed as being more independent and sophisticated. The women of today have a new freedom. This has not happened until recently. The world today is no longer a mans world; they are no longer portrayed just as housewives or sex objects. The women of today are shown as not just being beautiful, but successful and powerful at the same time. It is a desire of all women to posses power, to feel strong, and yet still express their sexuality. This change is evident in our advertisements. These advertisements promote these new desires of women. Individuality is a desire that is related with the new role of women and also their sexuality. The women of today want to differentiate themselves from the housewives they were portrayed as in the past. In the Winston cigarette advertisement the following caption is displayed, Until I find a real man, Ill take a real smoke. This advertisement illustrates the point that women have a new stronger role in our society. The woman in the ad still expresses her sexuality, but it is used in a different nature then it was in the past. Now the woman is declaring her power. A contributor to the desire of women to have power and be strong is the rise in popularity of womens sports. In the Adidas advertisement it contains a timeline highlighting the struggles of women in sports and again shows t...

Microceratops - Facts and Figures

Microceratops - Facts and Figures Name: Microceratops (Greek for small horned face); pronounced MIKE-roe-SEH-rah-tops; also known as Microceratus Habitat: Woodlands of central Asia Historical Period: Late Cretaceous (70 million years ago) Size and Weight: About three feet long and 15-20 pounds Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Tiny size; occasional bipedal posture; small frill on head About Microceratops First things first: the dinosaur most people know as Microceratops underwent a name change in 2008, to the slightly less snazzy-sounding Microceratus. The reason is that (unbeknownst to the dinosaur paleontology community) the name Microceratops had already been assigned to a genus of wasp, and the classification rules say that no two creatures, no matter how different, no matter if one is alive and the other is extinct, can have the same genus name. (This is the same principle that led to Brontosaurus having its name changed to Apatosaurus a few decades back.) Whatever you choose to call it, the 20-pound Microceratops was almost certainly the smallest ceratopsian, or horned, frilled dinosaur, that ever lived, outweighed even by the middle Cretaceous Psittacosaurus, which lay near the root of the ceratopsian family tree. Remarkably, just like its distant ancestor from tens of millions of years back, Microceratops seems to have walked on two legsthat, and its unusually tiny frill, making it a far cry from the normal ceratopsians with which it coexisted, like Triceratops and Styracosaurus. (You should bear in mind, though, that Microceratops was diagnosed on the basis of very limited fossil remains, so theres still a lot we dont know about this dinosaur!)

Friendship and Aristotle Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Friendship and Aristotle - Term Paper Example He identifies three types of friendships: utility, pleasure and virtue. True friendship is the disposition, between two or more individuals without any motivated desires. Like true love, friendship is unconditional. The model of the best friendship that Aristotle outlines in the Nichomachean Ethics is based upon virtue. Aristotle writes, â€Å"when everyone strains to achieve what is fine and concentrates on the finest actions, everything that is right will be done for the common good, and each person individually will receive the greatest of good, since that is the character of virtue† (147). From the lowest step of the ladder that is the individual friendship, Aristotle takes friendship to great heights of the levels of country and state and asserts that friendship is the finest and significant virtue an individual can own and at the highest and the perfect level it has the aura of spirituality which is the ultimate goal of humankind. Friendship is like the colors of the rai nbow. Just like white is the base of the seven colors of rainbow, there are different types of friends as per the demand of the situation and places like school, work, church, home and other secular activities. Aristotle’s basic formula of friendship is ingrained in sincerity. He paints friendship with the broadest connotation possible to highlight its importance. Friendship with motivated desires, related to utility and pleasure will not last long because secular desires have an element of perishability. Friendship co-exists with virtue. If not, it will lead to conflicts and end soon. In the broad sense, friendship motivates government officials to work in a congenial atmosphere for the greater good of the nation. Aristotle’s inspiration to describe in depth the virtues of friendship is derived from the Greek word philia which has a bigger connotation than friendship in its limited sense. Philia embraces within its ambit every kind of friendship like

Marketing of Nivea Products Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing of Nivea Products - Assignment Example Nivea products identify themselves through distinct packaging and clear labeling of the products. Nivea products are convenient products for shopping as they already sought out products packed in convenient amount, and well labeled that makes it easy for customers efficiently select their desired preferences. Again, the products are packed in small packages, which make the products portable and convenient for consumers to carry around. The products are available everywhere from supermarkets, pharmacies and convenient grocery stores. The uniqueness of the product identified through the satisfaction it has on the consumers. The products have refined scent, dry, smooth skin, in fact, most women say they products makes their lips kissable has a sensational, romantic touch. This response explicitly makes the product unique over other closely related products. In addition, the brand is extremely popular for skin care and beauty. Besides, the products are not only useful to women but also to men and a range of diverse men’s products are available. Nivea brand is owned by a German company Beiersdorf named after the owner Carl Paul Beiersdorf who was a pharmacist. The product is developed from water in oil emulsion with eucerit and used as a skin cream. The company produced products such as shampoo, tanning oils, facial toners and shaving cream which lead to development of Nivea products. The products also contain cellulite that help reduce cellulite and makes the skin firm, Nivea cellulite gel-cream is used to serve this purpose. Lotus extract obtain from flowering water plant is able to tighten the pores of the skin. It also has an anti-inflammatory features that help skin purification and cleansing. In addition, Nivea products have the following mix:

Improving Our Public Schools Essay Example for Free

Improving Our Public Schools Essay Being educated is a right, not a privilege. Whether it be in a public or private learning institution, to be educated is still what matters most. In choosing the right school for students is one of the critical decisions to arrive at a settlement. Children growing while learning are the next runners of the economy, the government, the entertainment. With their innate, infinite potentials, the quality towards learning experience is something that cannot be deprived of. Shaping them is shaping the future. But, before anything else, how can these students achieve the satisfaction of real-learning? In reality, global economy is not stable. Thus, not everyone is capable of affording their children on sending to good schools or the students themselves who work to sustain their studies can steadily stand with it. Reason why public schools are established. Student education is vital. It edifies information obtainment, organization and presentation to its receivers. If public schools are not well-maintained, its quality is degraded. A degraded quality means failure to imply proper education among its learners. Improving public schools enables its constituents to advance in education symmetry to those of in private schools. From the Comprehensive School Improvement Program (CSIP) which is a decade-long initiative to improve public schools under the Ford Foundation, it created independent observers who evaluate education initiatives. With this, suggestions from other individuals arose which are focused on improving public schools. The project started to gain donors who support the improvements. Not all public schools are lucky enough to have CSIP behind. That is why solutions are mandatory upon planning to develop a public school. Hiring qualified teachers, improving buildings to a modernized ambiance, ample funding, comprehensive program of study and efficient leadership are components of a successful improved school (Petrovich 8). Teachers are the primary persons responsible for the students. Although in some cases, teachers are hired even without passing the qualifications or, they may have passed but the quality they pass onto students does not suffice the standards of a proper education. Facility renovations are costly, which become hindrance in providing both teachers and students comfort. This is linked to the funding for a school. More so, the designed curriculum must be updated and extensive teaching methods are used. Sadly, what breaks the objective of improving public schools is the negligence to essentially impose it. Normally, these public schools cater the poor ones. And sustaining such, even from the government, is not always much reliable specifically among the third world countries. Advocacies will be of help in promoting aiding the schools. With the conviction of participation in assisting programs for public learning facilities improvement, it would at least lessen the burden of pushing the school on providing quality education despite its lax. Being a part of a project to progress public school is not easy. It will always, in a way or another, encounter financial problems; and should the allocated budget dries up, the project halts. Still, there are strategies to support in order to fulfill goals. Building constituency and coalition to minimize future financial and human dilemmas are important. Also, establishing communications and expanding networks increase participants. Public schools are still schools. It is a building that teaches how to form a better society. Regardless of the class it serves, it deserves the right to be respected and recognized. ? Works Cited Petrovich, J. Strategies for Improving Public Education. New York: Ford Foundation, 2008.

Jerry Springer versus Oprah Winfrey Show :: Daytime Television TV

In the world of entertainment, TV talk shows have undoubtedly flooded every inch of space on daytime television. Many of us have seen and heard the often recycled topics found on such veteran shows as Geraldo and Sally Jessy Raphael. And anyone who watches talk shows on a regular basis knows that each one varies in style and format. One might enjoy watching the sometimes trashy subject matter found on Jenny Jones, while someone else might prefer the more serious and light hearted feel of the Maury Povich show. But no two shows are more profoundly opposite in content, while at the same time standing out above the rest, than the Jerry Springer and the Oprah Winfrey show. Jerry Springer could easily be considered the king of "trash talk." The topics on his show are as shocking as they get. For example, the show takes the ever common talk show themes of love, lust, sex, sexuality, adultery, cheating, guilt, hate, conflict and morality to a different level. In a vintage Springer show, one finds women who cheated on their boyfriends and are ready to confess. But the boyfriends are in for a bigger surprise. As it turns out that all the women haven't been secretly seeing other guys, but seeing other women, who also happen to be waiting backstage. Another episode tells of a John Wayne Bobbit type case, but with a more twisted plot. A male cuts off his own manhood because he claimed that his homosexual neighbor was stalking him. Shocking, indeed, but the list of talk material goes on from dangerous love triangles, broken homes, pregnant strippers, teenage prostitutes, adult film stars, devil worshippers and the ever popular talk show regulars, the members of the Ku Klux Klan. Clearly, the Jerry Springer show is a display and exploitation of societies moral catastrophes, yet people are willing to eat up the intriguing predicaments of other peoples lives. Oprah Winfrey was once a follower of the trash TV format, but her long running popular TV talk show has since been reformed. Like Jerry Springer, the Oprah Winfrey show takes talk TV to its extreme, but Oprah goes in the opposite direction. Oprah is probably the most immaculate talk show there is. It is unlikely that you will find guest on Oprah that have committed adultery, have sold their souls to the devil, or are part of a racist hate group. Instead, the show focuses on the improvement of society and an individuals quality of life. Topics range from teaching your children responsibility, managing your work week, proper etiquette, getting to know your neighbors and entertaining interviews with Jerry Springer versus Oprah Winfrey Show :: Daytime Television TV In the world of entertainment, TV talk shows have undoubtedly flooded every inch of space on daytime television. Many of us have seen and heard the often recycled topics found on such veteran shows as Geraldo and Sally Jessy Raphael. And anyone who watches talk shows on a regular basis knows that each one varies in style and format. One might enjoy watching the sometimes trashy subject matter found on Jenny Jones, while someone else might prefer the more serious and light hearted feel of the Maury Povich show. But no two shows are more profoundly opposite in content, while at the same time standing out above the rest, than the Jerry Springer and the Oprah Winfrey show. Jerry Springer could easily be considered the king of "trash talk." The topics on his show are as shocking as they get. For example, the show takes the ever common talk show themes of love, lust, sex, sexuality, adultery, cheating, guilt, hate, conflict and morality to a different level. In a vintage Springer show, one finds women who cheated on their boyfriends and are ready to confess. But the boyfriends are in for a bigger surprise. As it turns out that all the women haven't been secretly seeing other guys, but seeing other women, who also happen to be waiting backstage. Another episode tells of a John Wayne Bobbit type case, but with a more twisted plot. A male cuts off his own manhood because he claimed that his homosexual neighbor was stalking him. Shocking, indeed, but the list of talk material goes on from dangerous love triangles, broken homes, pregnant strippers, teenage prostitutes, adult film stars, devil worshippers and the ever popular talk show regulars, the members of the Ku Klux Klan. Clearly, the Jerry Springer show is a display and exploitation of societies moral catastrophes, yet people are willing to eat up the intriguing predicaments of other peoples lives. Oprah Winfrey was once a follower of the trash TV format, but her long running popular TV talk show has since been reformed. Like Jerry Springer, the Oprah Winfrey show takes talk TV to its extreme, but Oprah goes in the opposite direction. Oprah is probably the most immaculate talk show there is. It is unlikely that you will find guest on Oprah that have committed adultery, have sold their souls to the devil, or are part of a racist hate group. Instead, the show focuses on the improvement of society and an individuals quality of life. Topics range from teaching your children responsibility, managing your work week, proper etiquette, getting to know your neighbors and entertaining interviews with