This conflict between nature and nurture dominates Eva throughout the book, with Eva's contrary attitude towards motherhood heightening because of her guilt following 'Thursday'. In fact she now states she would give anything for a 'boring existence'; happiness may be dull after all or, at least, misery may be harder to take for granted. .
The debate about 'Nature versus Nurture' plays a substantial role in both novels. Victor's childhood was idyllic and he was exposed to the philanthropic nature of his parents. It would be expected that Victor's personality would reflect his parents' generous nature, but when faced with his 'hideous' creation he acts with harsh judgment. Philosopher John Locke suggested that humanity is neither good nor bad but a 'tabula rasa' - something we write on based on our experiences. In other words, we are what we learn. Behavioural psychologists, like Skinner, also believe that our personalities are learned through our childhood, shaped by rewards and punishments from our parents. .
Victor's self-taught fascination shapes his character, which supports this view that it is what we learn and not what is in-built. The fact the monster has no name and is referred to as 'the creature' or 'devil' shows Victor's violent detachment from his 'protégé. It is not surprising then that Frankenstein reproduces that brutality. In contrast, Elizabeth is adored, predominantly because of her angelic appearance. Victor's mother, in caring for her ill child, sacrifices herself this directly juxtaposes with Victor's treatment of his 'offspring'. Could this show us that Victor was jealous of the attention his 'sister' received?.
The father refers to Elizabeth as a 'pretty present' whilst Victor sees her as a possession, 'She was to be mine only'. Through Victor's eyes both 'the creature' and Elizabeth are 'objects', the language used to describe them dehumanizes his two 'possessions'.