The Definition of 'Human'

by Miranda Hawkins

 

 

You don't have to go very far to find a scientific definition of 'human'. In fact, Merriam-Webster says that the adjective 'human' is of relating to, being, or characteristic of humans; having human forms or attributes. For most, the defining of this term would end here, but through such works as 'Bicentennial Man', 'Counting Cats', and Frankenstein we learn that the definition cannot, must not, end there. To be human is to have all of the characteristics and something more. Call it self-awareness if you like or a soul if you prefer, but it's all the same.

 

In 'Bicentennial Man', Andrew starts out imitating human emotion though action as in this passage on page 248: "...and Andrew was fond of them, too. At least the affect they had uponhis actions were those which in a human being would have been called the result of fondness." However by the end of the story his emotions are entirely his own and very real, which can be seen on page 286 when he vocalizes his distress in the fact that the congresswoman chose not to abandon him to save her career. This is what makes Andrew truly human, even compared to his 'final' sacrifice, the part of him that has come to realize that he isn't just acting out the emotion any more, he really is feeling these sensations.

 

Although shorter and not as easily seen this same thing can also be found in 'Counting Cats' the emotional progress isn't as apparent, but it is suggested. This story is more emotion by action than by thought. Their words go round and round in bantering circles, that are sometimes difficult to follow, but their actions are entirely straight-forward. His acceptance of her books on page 267 is one example of this and makes his feeling more apparent than any words could truthfully express. So, once again we see that this is what makes him 'human', the little things that most might not even notice.

 

In Frankenstein, the Monster's emotions rule him entirely. Within him we see every horrifying human quality that each of us wishes didn't exist, such as rage, self-loathing, and hatred. So, as much as one would love to deny him the title of 'human' he is in all actuality more so that any of the others we've read about. In chapter 20 we can see how the Monster harbors both the light and dark of human emotion: "The wretch saw me destroy the creation whose future existence he depended on happiness and with a howl of devilish despair and revenge, withdrew." He sees his potential joy destroyed by Victor which enhances his already strong desire for revenge against humankind. The pursuit of happiness and the desire to right unjust wrongs, what could be more human than that?

 

So, you see, through these texts it becomes obvious that although one can appear human, it is the behavior and emotion of that individual which determines its humanity, thus expanding the view of what 'human' truly means.

All poetry, stories, etc. ©2000 Miranda J. Hawkins. All rights reserved

 

 

 

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