The word "human" is typically related with having or showing those positive aspects of nature and character regarded as distinguishing humans from other animals. Another definition is subject to or indicative of the weaknesses, imperfections, and fragility associated with humans. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses what it means to be "human" by exploring the difference between a real human being and a creature created by man. Frankenstein contains a number of scenes where the creature Victor created behaves in a way that is normally human and, similarly, scenes where various humans behave in "inhuman" ways. .
In the process of creating the creature, Victor Frankenstein becomes a madman. During his experiment Victor definitely does not act like a normal human being, as he isolates himself from the people that care about him. He states that at this point he " seemed, to have lost all soul or sensation but for this one pursuit" (30). Then, as soon as Frankenstein gives life in his creature, who then opens its eyes, Frankenstein is revolted by the look of the creature whom he has brought to life, and he runs away to hide from him. As a result, Victor fails to act in a human way, first, by forgetting about his family, and, second, by refusing to accept his responsibility to the being he has created.
On the other hand, Victor Frankenstein's creature, for whom Victor has failed to show care and love, himself secretly shows kindness to and sympathy for the poor strangers whom he secretly observes in the cottage. He observes De Laceys for months, learning their language and their habits. The creature gathering wood and aiding the poor family shows his kindness. He feels he had to help the family in some way, partly because he is using their house as a shelter, but also, their kindness to one another inspires him to follow such behavior. He even stops stealing their food because he sees that it causes them to suffer.