Final answer:
The given passages from Shelley's writings showcase themes of existential struggle and societal critique which suggest that his works explore the conflict between monstrousness and humanity, aligning with the second option of human-monster conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage suggests Shelley's complexity, focusing on his development of characters that reflect deeper internal struggles or truths about human nature, rather than detailing a creature's singular experience. Shelley's rebellious nature and radical thinking often led to characters that embody philosophical dilemmas and societal critiques, as seen in his writings. This includes the duality between monstrousness and humanity, the longing for equality, and the reliability of one's perspective when recounting personal history. Whether it is through his portrayal of Gothic elements, his radical literature, or through characters like the learned but loathsome Wolfe, Shelley explores significant existential themes that weigh upon the individual. This includes aspects like self-awareness, societal judgment, and the pursuit of knowledge or beauty despite grim realities.
When considering the most fitting option based on the given excerpts, it could be argued that Shelley details the conflict between one's monstrous side and one's human side, based on the eagerness of his characters to transcend their given circumstances or perceptions of themselves. Characters grapple with their internal and societal placement, which reflects Shelley's own experiences and beliefs, colored by intellectual pursuits and challenges to mainstream ideologies and the status quo of his era.
Characters like Wolfe embody this struggle vividly, showcasing human longing confronting harsh social realities. The review of Shelley's passion for science, literature, and the Gothic tradition, and his provocative actions like the publication of 'The Necessity of Atheism,' further corroborate the theory that his works present a deep-seated inner conflict—a questioning of one's place amidst societal norms and personal identity.