Frankenstein Chapter 11-12 Analysis

Discuss the relationship between the monster's development and typical child development paying particular attention to the theory of multiple intelligences, and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

   Compared to that of a human child of the same age, the Monster develops at a much faster pace. Throughout this chapter it is obvious to the reader that the Monster has developed much faster than anyone else of his age showing multiple intelligences through his ability to meet many of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. 

   At only a year old he is already completely self sufficient, and has become that way with no direct help from any human being. He began through gaining kinesthetic intelligence as he discovered how his body works demonstrating how in some ways he is similar to an average one year old. However, he takes it a step farther when he is able to recognize the feeling of hunger within his body and solve the problem for himself. This shows how his intelligence exceeds that of an average child growing up. Another sign of the Monster's intelligence is his ability to fend for himself so that most of his needs are met. Not only does he show having naturalistic intelligence through his ability to find wood, start fires, and navigate the wilderness but he is also able to, without help, meet many of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
   From the start he is able to meet all his physiological needs of food, water, sleep, etc. without the direct help of any other being demonstrating how his development exceeds that of an average child. Also, while he is incapable of human interaction due to his unfortunate look he has lived vicariously through the people he observes and in doing so somewhat meets the needs of safety and belonging. He found friendship in the family he observed daily and through watching them was able to understand how a family works. This shows his intelligence as he makes due with what he has been given and finds different ways to meet human needs. He is also able to meet the need of self-actualization through his obvious problem solving and acceptance of facts showing that he has met the highest of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs at the young age of two.
   The Monster's overall ability to fend for himself and meet many human needs is proof alone that his intelligence is above all others. Through his short life experience he has been able to understand and make sense of many things without being taught. This shows that his development is far more accelerated to that of an average child of his age.