Human Nature Through Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Oration on the Dignity of Man

Within Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein the issue of human nature is explored, specifically through the character of the Creature and his subsequent development. Shelley's dealings with the Creature engage the critical situation of whether man's nature is fixed or not. Does man have a predetermined disposition, or is there within his reach the propensity for change? And if he can change, who or what mediates that change? These questions can be framed by the assertion of Pico della Mirandola in his "Oration on the Dignity of Man." Within that speech, Mirandola asserts, "All other things have a limited and fixed nature prescribed and bounded by our laws. You, with no limit or no bound, may choose for yourself the limits and bounds of your nature" (Mirandola 65). Mirandola forms an argument wherein man is mutable. He absolutely possesses the ability to change, but those changes are the product of personal choices. Mirandola does not seem to fully address those factors that influence the choices of the individual such as societal pressures and ostracism. In this way, the Creature offers both confirmations and complications to his claim. He illustrates the potential for tremendous change. But he also shows that additional factors can impose "limits and bounds" on one's nature such as prejudice against physical appearance and consequent social alienation. Shelley, however, does not take the next step in saying this eliminates personal liability. Instead, she seems to offer a conception of humanity deeply influenced by both circumstance and personal choice.