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The Influence Of Childhood In Frankenstein, By Mary Shelley

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There is no denying that one’s adolescence is key in the formation of their identity. Youth brings new people, challenges, and developments, all resulting in pieces of who someone eventually becomes. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, demonstrates the tragic path one can take if led to do so in their adolescence. Three of the novel’s main characters, the creature, Frankenstein, and Elizabeth, all underwent formative events early in life. These events served as a crossroads or a possibility to change for the better or worse and unfortunately, all three took the path towards disaster. Shelley shows the downfall of these characters, all varying in levels of pity and innocence, to show no matter who you are the events of your childhood can negatively impact your adult identity. …show more content…

Despite all of her features, including eyes, brow, and lips, “being heaven-sent and bearing a celestial stamp,” Elizabeth did not have the ideal childhood (33). Her mother passed away giving birth and her father either “died or still lingered in the dungeons of Austria” (33). Until the Frankenstein family adopted her, she lived desperate to survive each day, begging for whatever food their hodge-podge family could receive. Therefore, when she was adopted into Frankenstein’s family, it is not surprising she developed an extremely dependent relationship with Frankenstein himself. She was chosen to be a “pretty present for Victor” and could only live up to what was expected of her. Even in Caroline’s, Victor’s mother, final moments alive she makes Elizabeth’s purpose and identity in the family very

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