Personal Perception and Personal Development
Personal perception plays an important role in personal development. Personal perception constitutes of different conclusions we make about other people based on appearances. In Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, Victor's creation is born just like any human being with good inside it. Since it was his creation, we expect Victor to accept and love the creature but instead, the creature faces rejection right from his birth. Also, Victor does not bother to give a name to his creation he made but rather, the creation is referred to with several nicknames such as evil, devil, wretched monster among others (Tiehen 65). The creature's behavior later in the novel is attributed to the way he was treated by those that were supposed to show him love and affection.
Role of Personal Perception in Personal Behavior and Development
Personal perception can play an important role in personal behavior and development. In Shelly's novel, the creature is introduced to a society that judged it right from its appearances.it is noted that almost everyone that set eyes on the creature's yellow-skinned and gigantic nature assumed that he is a threat. From the novel, the creature just wanted acceptance but, he is faced with hatred and rejection and this is what influences his vile behavior later in the book. What the creature wants, in the end, is to inflict pain and his suffering to his creator (Sarkar 29).
The True Monster: Victor's Actions and Characteristics
The term monster is often used to describe something inhuman and evil. Victor's thirst for fame and obsession to be like God drives him to create the being. When he realizes what he has created he is horrified and abandons the creature into loneliness to fend for itself despite being a ''new-born''. Victor is selfish and only cares about himself even after knowing that truth about his brother's death he does not come forward and instead Justine is sentenced to death for a crime she didn't commit. Victor's actions and his characteristics in the book make him the true monster.
Effects of Peer Perception on Behavior
Peer perception and its effects are evident in our society today where people treat others differently based on their looks, appearances and social status in the society. Discrimination against race, gender, sexual orientation are some of the vices that affect people in our society today, and in turn, influence their behavior (Nesdale et al. 19). A good example is a gay person who might face rejection and hatred throughout his life either in school or at home. In such a case, the person is treated differently due to differences in sexual orientation. This often leads to psychological and emotional pain to the victim. In some cases, the victim is driven by bad habits such as drug addiction, criminal acts, or even suicidal tendencies.
The Importance of Compassion and Love in Personal Development
Parents today should be compassionate and loving toward their children. Human beings are born with no knowledge of good and evil but it is how they are treated that influences their behaviors and actions towards others. Just like in Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, lack of love and affection led the creature to a disastrous path. Being treated as a monster by the society and his creator made him one (Sarkar 30). Mass killings in our society today are often caused by people who are victims of rejection and loneliness in their life.
The Impact of Loneliness on Behavior
Studies by psychologists show that human beings are not meant to live in solitude. Friends are important in our lives for examples in dealing with stress, life expectancy, and happiness in life (Nesdale et al. 13). As shown in the novel, loneliness leads the creature into a dark path. He turns to killing because he has no companion or family, even his creator denounced him. Things would have been different if the creature was introduced into a loving family and the society. This is evident whereby the being shows compassion towards the human even after being treated with hatred. The society, in general, should realize their role in shaping people's opinions and behaviors. No one should be judged because of their outward appearances, customs, beliefs, religion, and gender among others. In schools, for example, parents and teachers should work together to ensure they teach their children good behaviors and the importance of loving one another. Bullying, a vice common in school should be strongly condemned since it can have devastating effects on someone. It is important to teach our children how to treat and live with others (Nesdale et al. 25).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that personal perception has a great impact on personal development and how they relate to others. Children should grow in an environment where they feel loved and appreciated. However, in today lives we should not allow people’s opinions and misconceptions shape our lives. The desire for revenge should not control someone's life. In Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, even after the creature's revenge, he is still unhappy and angry and the creature destroys himself.
Works cited
Nesdale, Drew, Melanie J. Zimmer‐Gembeck, and Natalie Roxburgh. "Peer group rejection in childhood: Effects of rejection ambiguity, rejection sensitivity, and social acumen." Journal of Social Issues 70.1 (2014): 12-28.
Sarkar, Proshanta. "Frankenstein: An Echo of Social Alienation and Social Madness." IOSR Journal of Humanities And Social Science 9 (2013): 29-32.
Tiehen, Jeanne. "Frankenstein Performed: The Monster Who Will Not Die." The Popular Culture Studies Journal 2.1-2 (2014): 65.
