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Whilst tabula rasa provides an explanation as to the reactions and feelings experienced by the creature within the text, the cause of this cannot be pinned entirely on the theory. I think the concept of tabula rasa is too narrow and cannot propose a solid reasoning for the mental state of the creature, of Victor, or of any person (s) affected by the said theory in real life circumstances. In my opinion, tabula rasa does have a partial affect, however I believe that individuals become who they are over lengths of time, due to their experiences, conflicting emotions, perceptions and personality. An individual has the power to define themselves, however difficult of a task that might be; it is achievable.
In response to the focus question, ‘What suggestions does Shelley pose regarding the significance of parental responsibility through her gothic text, ‘Frankenstein’’, I don’t necessarily think Shelley was agreeing with the tabula rasa theory. William gave the impression of being a bright young boy with a promising future ahead of him, despite losing one of his most important parental figures (his mother). This loss did not define William or sway his apparent confidence. In relation to William’s situation, I do not believe the tabula rasa theory was applied. Furthermore, the creature was shunned by its creator yet sought other means of living. It gained a sense of happiness whilst residing in the barn of the DeLaceys’, and was able to move on from Victor’s rejection with the absence of any major mental impacts, at this point in time. Due to these interpretations of the characters within the novel and their portrayed emotions, I think that Shelley was trying to portray the fact that whilst parents hold an extremely significant role in a child’s life, it is ultimately the child who decides how they act and who they become.
It is because of these views that I don’t entirely agree with the tabula rasa theory proposed by John Locke, however believe it contains valid arguments and should not be discarded or overlooked.
In response to the focus question, ‘What suggestions does Shelley pose regarding the significance of parental responsibility through her gothic text, ‘Frankenstein’’, I don’t necessarily think Shelley was agreeing with the tabula rasa theory. William gave the impression of being a bright young boy with a promising future ahead of him, despite losing one of his most important parental figures (his mother). This loss did not define William or sway his apparent confidence. In relation to William’s situation, I do not believe the tabula rasa theory was applied. Furthermore, the creature was shunned by its creator yet sought other means of living. It gained a sense of happiness whilst residing in the barn of the DeLaceys’, and was able to move on from Victor’s rejection with the absence of any major mental impacts, at this point in time. Due to these interpretations of the characters within the novel and their portrayed emotions, I think that Shelley was trying to portray the fact that whilst parents hold an extremely significant role in a child’s life, it is ultimately the child who decides how they act and who they become.
It is because of these views that I don’t entirely agree with the tabula rasa theory proposed by John Locke, however believe it contains valid arguments and should not be discarded or overlooked.