In “The Monster in a Dark Room: Frankenstein, Feminism, and Philosophy”, author Nancy Yousef argues that prior philosophies on individuality are addressed and revised in the novel, as the monster’s growth and early experiences that influence his character reveals the restraints of such philosophies. Using classic examples of Locke and Rousseau, Yousef shows how the monster adopts some of their ideas and rebuts others. The monster is driven from nature to society by natural means (hunger) and gains his education by observing an Italian family. The creature, observing he has no history due to his lonely upbringing, adopts human sympathy, language, and identity. Overall, however, because he is not human in appearance, he is distinctly separate and does not carry the burden of human history.

Yousef addressed the critics Marshall and Lipking and their claims of the monster’s connection to Rousseau. Both critics argue that the monster inherently acts and personifies Rousseau’s philosophy: that a creature brought into nature is alone and unique. Yousef refutes this claim, saying that the creature develops this thoughts at the peak of his education, developing the self-aware quality that is unlike Rousseau’s philosophy.

This article would be useful in clarifying a basis for identity in Frankenstein and how the natural world pushes the creature of no species towards humanity, allowing it to develop human qualities and differ from humans only in history, juxtaposing it with its creator. Whereas Frankenstein grows up fascinated by necromancy and electricity, the creature grows up in hiding and observation. Pursuing science devolves Frankenstein, while nature and watching humanizes the monster.

The Monster in a Dark Room: Frankenstein, Feminism, and Philosophy

http://muse.jhu.edu.proxy.library.emory.edu/journals/modern_language_quarterly/v063/63.2yousef.html