The Importance of Parental Figures in Human Development
The Importance of Parental Figures in Human Development
The importance of parental figures in human development throughout childhood and adolescence is fundamental; parents provide their children with a foundation on which to lead their lives. Parents are expected to provide their children with food, shelter and other necessities for survival along with love and kindness which helps to develop the child’s personality. In the novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores the roles in which a parental figure can affect the development of a person as a whole. There are many different ways to raise a child and each way has its own implications, whether a child is over nurtured or rejected will influence the way they behave as adults. Shelley explores the different styles of parenting through the relationships of Victor and his parents, Justine and her parents, and Victor and his monster. Each of the various relationships utilizes a different model of parenting and the effect is shown through the behavior and attitudes of each character. The first parent-child relationship that is shown in the novel is that of Victor and his parents. As a child Victor grew up with two caring and affectionate parents. His parents, Mr. Frankenstein and Caroline provided him and his siblings with love and compassion. They allowed their children to excel in their educational pursuits without pressuring them into a specific area of study. Victor commenting on his childhood remarks, “When my father became a husband and a parent he found his time so occupied by the duties of his new situation he relinquished many of his public employments, and devoted himself to the education of his children […] No creature could have more tender parents than mine.” (64, vol.1ch.1)His parents appeared to be the perfect parents. Unfortunately Victor’s mother, Caroline, died of scarlet fever when he was only 17 and about to go off to school in Ingolstadt. The death of his mother left him with a feeling of great
The importance of parental figures in human development throughout childhood and adolescence is fundamental; parents provide their children with a foundation on which to lead their lives. Parents are expected to provide their children with food, shelter and other necessities for survival along with love and kindness which helps to develop the child’s personality. In the novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores the roles in which a parental figure can affect the development of a person as a whole. There are many different ways to raise a child and each way has its own implications, whether a child is over nurtured or rejected will influence the way they behave as adults. Shelley explores the different styles of parenting through the relationships of Victor and his parents, Justine and her parents, and Victor and his monster. Each of the various relationships utilizes a different model of parenting and the effect is shown through the behavior and attitudes of each character. The first parent-child relationship that is shown in the novel is that of Victor and his parents. As a child Victor grew up with two caring and affectionate parents. His parents, Mr. Frankenstein and Caroline provided him and his siblings with love and compassion. They allowed their children to excel in their educational pursuits without pressuring them into a specific area of study. Victor commenting on his childhood remarks, “When my father became a husband and a parent he found his time so occupied by the duties of his new situation he relinquished many of his public employments, and devoted himself to the education of his children […] No creature could have more tender parents than mine.” (64, vol.1ch.1)His parents appeared to be the perfect parents. Unfortunately Victor’s mother, Caroline, died of scarlet fever when he was only 17 and about to go off to school in Ingolstadt. The death of his mother left him with a feeling of great
Cited: Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Broadview Literary Texts: Toronto, 2003