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The notion proposed by Locke’s theory is observable at various points within Mary Shelley’s text, ‘Frankenstein’. Victor is perceivably ignorant to the implications that his experiment has had on his creation; these effects are finally made apparent when the creature convinces Victor to listen to the aftermath of his research. The creature states; “It was dark when I awoke; I felt cold also, and half frightened, as it were, instinctively, finding myself so desolate” (page 119). The emotions experienced by the creature when he first awakened were closely related to the neglecting of parental responsibility on Victor’s part. Adopting the theory of tabula rasa as a means of explanation, the creature was merely experiencing that which all human newborns experience; the need for an older figure capable of providing a sense of comfort, love and support. The creature went on to explain, “Before I had quitted your apartment, on a sensation of cold, I had covered myself with some clothes, but these were insufficient to secure me from the dews of night. I was a poor, helpless, miserable wretch; I knew, and could distinguish, nothing; but feeling pain invade me on all sides, I sat down and wept” (page 119). Upon the realisation he had succeeded in his task of injecting life into a corpse, Victor Frankenstein gradually came to recognise the extent of his triumph, which essentially drove him to abandon and detest the being he had brought into creation. A mutual dislike also formed on behalf of the creature, evident when he relays, “My feelings were those of rage and revenge” (page 162). Tabula Rasa indicates that Frankenstein’s failure to act as a parental figure towards the creature served to influence its personality and frame of mind in regards to society and its surroundings, transforming its mind from a blank slate.
Although Victor would appear to acknowledge his ignorance towards his duties, through his comment; “You reproach me with your creation, come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed” (page 113). Victor’s obliviousness is further acknowledged through the creature’s rhetorical statement; “You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life?” (Page 113). Yet the creature does not wish to have his life ended, despite its miserable state and outlook. Almost as though through the urge to persevere, despite the lack of support and guidance it was subjected to, it insists; “… But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me” (page 114). The hostile exchanges that occurred between Victor and the creature throughout Frankenstein suggested that, under the tabula rasa theory, not only does the dismissal of parental responsibility transform a child’s mind from a blank slate, it initiates significant issues in regards to the affiliation between the two individuals.
Although Victor would appear to acknowledge his ignorance towards his duties, through his comment; “You reproach me with your creation, come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed” (page 113). Victor’s obliviousness is further acknowledged through the creature’s rhetorical statement; “You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life?” (Page 113). Yet the creature does not wish to have his life ended, despite its miserable state and outlook. Almost as though through the urge to persevere, despite the lack of support and guidance it was subjected to, it insists; “… But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me” (page 114). The hostile exchanges that occurred between Victor and the creature throughout Frankenstein suggested that, under the tabula rasa theory, not only does the dismissal of parental responsibility transform a child’s mind from a blank slate, it initiates significant issues in regards to the affiliation between the two individuals.