Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
In Shelley's Frankenstein, I came across many insightful quotes throughout the book. As Victor has just experienced the deaths of his brother, William, his dear friend, Henry, and his newly-wed wife, Elizabeth, his life has really taken a turn. All of these deaths happened in Victor's life in a time-span of a little less than three years. For Victor, this was a great deal of change in a very short period of time. Shortly after Elizabeth;s death, Victor says: "Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change"(Shelley, 146). After reading this quote, I instantly saw the truth in those words. As humans, we typically adapt to a routine and stick to it. We often like to do things that are safe and predictable in order to keeps things running smoothly in our lives. This quote verifies that obsevation about human's lives. Humans are often shaken by any change in their life that they do not see coming. Like the case was for Victor, some people take a long time recover from these changes. Some people never quite recover from sudden changes in their lives.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
It's a Hard Knock Life (for Victor)
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
As Victor continues to tell his tale in Frankenstein, Shelley insinuates that Victor's road ahead will not be an easy one. Victor is soon approaching his wedding day where he will come into a union with Elizabeth. However, Victor is told by the creature that he will be there with Victor on his wedding night. Initially, I thought that this meant that the creature would taint Victor's children. As I continued reading, I realized that the creature was more making a death threat. The phrase: "I shall be with you on your wedding night"(Shelley, 141), is spoken by the creature to Victor. This phrase haunts Victor as he goes about his life after destroying the almost-companion of the creature. The use of the phrase above would be considered paralellisim because it is used frequently throughout the last portion of the book. After haunting Victor for so long, the phrase finally achieves a sense of truth. On Victor's wedding night, it is not Victor's life that is taken, but it is Elizabeth's life that is taken. The creature came to take Elizabeth's life and to leave Victor feeling abandoned and alone.
Mary Shelley
As Victor continues to tell his tale in Frankenstein, Shelley insinuates that Victor's road ahead will not be an easy one. Victor is soon approaching his wedding day where he will come into a union with Elizabeth. However, Victor is told by the creature that he will be there with Victor on his wedding night. Initially, I thought that this meant that the creature would taint Victor's children. As I continued reading, I realized that the creature was more making a death threat. The phrase: "I shall be with you on your wedding night"(Shelley, 141), is spoken by the creature to Victor. This phrase haunts Victor as he goes about his life after destroying the almost-companion of the creature. The use of the phrase above would be considered paralellisim because it is used frequently throughout the last portion of the book. After haunting Victor for so long, the phrase finally achieves a sense of truth. On Victor's wedding night, it is not Victor's life that is taken, but it is Elizabeth's life that is taken. The creature came to take Elizabeth's life and to leave Victor feeling abandoned and alone.
How Do you Solve a Problem Like the Creature?
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
The use of foreshadowing is present in Shelley's Frankenstein. When the creature becomes despondent after his failed attempt with the cottagers, he wants to fill the lonely void in his life. It came as no surprise to me that the creature would want a woman companion to keep him company. However, he wanted Victor to create a creature just as ugly as the creature himself. Initially, Victor agreed to the creature's request. However, the following quote shows a bit of foreshadowing if Victor were to complete the creature's request. "I looked towards its completion with a tremulous and eager hope, which I dared not trust myself to question, but which was intermixed with obscure forebodings of evil, that made my heart sicken in my bosom"(Shelley, 120). This shows that Victor had uneasy premonitions of the creation of the second monster. These thoughts foreshadowed that if this creature had been created, then she would have been worse than the creature himself. This potential creature could have solved the problem of the creature's loneliness. I think that if she had been created, then she would have only caused more trouble. It seems as though the creature's only hope for a peaceful life is at the expense of Victor's life.
Mary Shelley
The use of foreshadowing is present in Shelley's Frankenstein. When the creature becomes despondent after his failed attempt with the cottagers, he wants to fill the lonely void in his life. It came as no surprise to me that the creature would want a woman companion to keep him company. However, he wanted Victor to create a creature just as ugly as the creature himself. Initially, Victor agreed to the creature's request. However, the following quote shows a bit of foreshadowing if Victor were to complete the creature's request. "I looked towards its completion with a tremulous and eager hope, which I dared not trust myself to question, but which was intermixed with obscure forebodings of evil, that made my heart sicken in my bosom"(Shelley, 120). This shows that Victor had uneasy premonitions of the creation of the second monster. These thoughts foreshadowed that if this creature had been created, then she would have been worse than the creature himself. This potential creature could have solved the problem of the creature's loneliness. I think that if she had been created, then she would have only caused more trouble. It seems as though the creature's only hope for a peaceful life is at the expense of Victor's life.
Monster on DeLacey Madness
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
The mood created by Shelley in Frankenstein quickly changes when the creature decides to encounter the cottagers. Before the encounter, the mood was somewhat calm. As a reader, I was a little bit on edge because I knew that the creature would soon encounter the cottagers. I was nervous for the creature before he executed his plan. The mood of hope for the creature quickly changed to sorrow for the creature as a reader. Due to the early return of old man DeLacey's family, the creature's plan was rushed in execution. After the creature had realized the children were home, he told the old man something that insinuated his rush. "Now is the time!-save and protect me! You and your family are the friends whom I seek"(Shelley, 96). The rush shown by the creature changes the mood from comfort to discomfort for the reader. While the creature had waitedd for the seemingly opportune time to approach the cottagers, the plan soon went awry. If the creature had waited until the whole family was home, then I think that his plan may have gone better for him.
Mary Shelley
The mood created by Shelley in Frankenstein quickly changes when the creature decides to encounter the cottagers. Before the encounter, the mood was somewhat calm. As a reader, I was a little bit on edge because I knew that the creature would soon encounter the cottagers. I was nervous for the creature before he executed his plan. The mood of hope for the creature quickly changed to sorrow for the creature as a reader. Due to the early return of old man DeLacey's family, the creature's plan was rushed in execution. After the creature had realized the children were home, he told the old man something that insinuated his rush. "Now is the time!-save and protect me! You and your family are the friends whom I seek"(Shelley, 96). The rush shown by the creature changes the mood from comfort to discomfort for the reader. While the creature had waitedd for the seemingly opportune time to approach the cottagers, the plan soon went awry. If the creature had waited until the whole family was home, then I think that his plan may have gone better for him.
Safie
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
The characterization of Safie seems to play a more significant role in Frankenstein. Shelley characterizes Safie as an Arabian who has been taken in by the cottagers. However, the creature feels some sort of connection to Safie. This connection is reinforced by hope from the creature. Like the creature's character, Safie's character seems to be foreign to the cottagers. "I soon perceived that although the stranger uttered articulate sounds, and appeared to have a language of her own, she was neither understood by, nor herself understood, the cottagers"(Shelley, 82). The fact that Safie had to learn the language of the cottagers showed a similarity between herself and the creature. The creature felt that if Safie could conform to the life of the cottagers, then he could as well. The characterization of Safie's foreign qualities provide an aspect of hope for the creature to be accepted. This hope continues to build within the creature. I feel as though this hope will only be torn down though.
Mary Shelley
The characterization of Safie seems to play a more significant role in Frankenstein. Shelley characterizes Safie as an Arabian who has been taken in by the cottagers. However, the creature feels some sort of connection to Safie. This connection is reinforced by hope from the creature. Like the creature's character, Safie's character seems to be foreign to the cottagers. "I soon perceived that although the stranger uttered articulate sounds, and appeared to have a language of her own, she was neither understood by, nor herself understood, the cottagers"(Shelley, 82). The fact that Safie had to learn the language of the cottagers showed a similarity between herself and the creature. The creature felt that if Safie could conform to the life of the cottagers, then he could as well. The characterization of Safie's foreign qualities provide an aspect of hope for the creature to be accepted. This hope continues to build within the creature. I feel as though this hope will only be torn down though.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
The Monster Did It
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
As death strikes Victor's family yet again in Frankenstein, the family continues their mourning. As Victor is reading a letter that his father wrote him, he receives news of a death. "William is dead!-that sweet child, whose smiles delighted and warmed my heart, who was so gentle, yet so gay! Victor, he is murdered!"(Shelley, 46). This shows that the father feels quite strongly about the death of William. With the death of his mother right before he left for university, Victor does not enjoy dealing with deaths. I feel as though William's death will not be the last death that happens in Frankenstein. William and Elizabeth were quite close. As a result of their closeness, Elizabeth was devastated to hear about William's death. In fact, she blamed herself for his death even though it was in no way her fault. Death affects the members in Victor's family quite drastically. I feel as though there will be more deaths throughout the book and all of them will be connections to Victor.
Mary Shelley
As death strikes Victor's family yet again in Frankenstein, the family continues their mourning. As Victor is reading a letter that his father wrote him, he receives news of a death. "William is dead!-that sweet child, whose smiles delighted and warmed my heart, who was so gentle, yet so gay! Victor, he is murdered!"(Shelley, 46). This shows that the father feels quite strongly about the death of William. With the death of his mother right before he left for university, Victor does not enjoy dealing with deaths. I feel as though William's death will not be the last death that happens in Frankenstein. William and Elizabeth were quite close. As a result of their closeness, Elizabeth was devastated to hear about William's death. In fact, she blamed herself for his death even though it was in no way her fault. Death affects the members in Victor's family quite drastically. I feel as though there will be more deaths throughout the book and all of them will be connections to Victor.
Life from Death
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Prior to reading Frankenstein, I had always thought that the character of Frankenstein was in reference to the monster. However, as I have read Shelley's words, I have come to realize that Frankenstein is in reference to the man who created the monster: Victor Frankenstein. Victor simply wanted to attempt to create life from the bones of the deceased. Little did Victor know that his creation would be so unbearable for not only himself to handle, but his creation would also be too much for society to handle. After Victor had created his monster, he had to run out of his apartment because he could not stand to be around such a horrific creation. "Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room, and continued a long time traversing my bedchamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep"(Shelley, 35). This shows that even though this creation was something of Victor's making, he could not stand to be around his own creation. This creation frightened him and he wished that he would never have created it. Victor knew that he had the knowledge necessary to create such a monster; however, he still wanted to create this being. Perhaps in today's society, people find themselves with the knowledge needed to create certain things, but the real question is whether or not we should actually create these things. Sometimes knowledge can be a harmful thing to attain. Often times too much knowledge can come back to hurt people in ways in which they did not think were possible. Victor Frankenstein did not expect his creation to hurt anyone; however, this does not mean that his creation will not end up doing so.
Mary Shelley
Prior to reading Frankenstein, I had always thought that the character of Frankenstein was in reference to the monster. However, as I have read Shelley's words, I have come to realize that Frankenstein is in reference to the man who created the monster: Victor Frankenstein. Victor simply wanted to attempt to create life from the bones of the deceased. Little did Victor know that his creation would be so unbearable for not only himself to handle, but his creation would also be too much for society to handle. After Victor had created his monster, he had to run out of his apartment because he could not stand to be around such a horrific creation. "Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room, and continued a long time traversing my bedchamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep"(Shelley, 35). This shows that even though this creation was something of Victor's making, he could not stand to be around his own creation. This creation frightened him and he wished that he would never have created it. Victor knew that he had the knowledge necessary to create such a monster; however, he still wanted to create this being. Perhaps in today's society, people find themselves with the knowledge needed to create certain things, but the real question is whether or not we should actually create these things. Sometimes knowledge can be a harmful thing to attain. Often times too much knowledge can come back to hurt people in ways in which they did not think were possible. Victor Frankenstein did not expect his creation to hurt anyone; however, this does not mean that his creation will not end up doing so.
Mommy Dearest
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Shelley presents Caroline as an archetype as the most caring of mothers. My preconceived notions of Frankenstein did not leave room for a maternal, loving figure. Nonetheless, Shelley has presented Victor's mother, Caroline, as the archetype of all mothers who would do absolutely anything to protect and care for their children. When Elizabeth caught scarlet fever, Caroline stayed by her sickbed and cared for her in hopes that Elizabeth's health would be restored. As a result of Caroline's motherly care for Elizabeth, she was able to return to her salubrious lifestyle. However, the consequences to Elizabeth's return to health were not predicted. "On the third day my mother sickened; her fever was accompanied by the most alarming symptoms, and the looks of her medical attendants prognosticated the worst event"(Shelley, 23). This shows that as a result of Caroline caring for Elizabeth, Caroline caught a much more severe case of the scarlet fever. Caroline's motherly instincts made her care for Elizabeth even if it meant endangering her own life. Mothers would do anything to ensure that their children stay healthy and safe, and Caroline was no exception to the typical, caring mother.
Mary Shelley
Shelley presents Caroline as an archetype as the most caring of mothers. My preconceived notions of Frankenstein did not leave room for a maternal, loving figure. Nonetheless, Shelley has presented Victor's mother, Caroline, as the archetype of all mothers who would do absolutely anything to protect and care for their children. When Elizabeth caught scarlet fever, Caroline stayed by her sickbed and cared for her in hopes that Elizabeth's health would be restored. As a result of Caroline's motherly care for Elizabeth, she was able to return to her salubrious lifestyle. However, the consequences to Elizabeth's return to health were not predicted. "On the third day my mother sickened; her fever was accompanied by the most alarming symptoms, and the looks of her medical attendants prognosticated the worst event"(Shelley, 23). This shows that as a result of Caroline caring for Elizabeth, Caroline caught a much more severe case of the scarlet fever. Caroline's motherly instincts made her care for Elizabeth even if it meant endangering her own life. Mothers would do anything to ensure that their children stay healthy and safe, and Caroline was no exception to the typical, caring mother.
Robert vs Victor
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Shelley begins using characterization early on in Frankenstein. She characterizes both Robert and Victor as lonely men who thirst for knowledge. Both of these characters have an instant connection when Robert pulls Victor into the boat. Only moments after Robert has spoken with Victor, he says that he begins "to love him as a brother; and his constant and deep grief fills me with sympathy and compassion. He must have been a noble creature in his better days, being even now in wreck so attractive and amiable"(Shelley, 11). This shows that Robert starts to have an instant attraction to Victor because they share some similarities in their personalities. I believe that the fact that Victor and Robert have so much in common is the reason that Victor opens up to Robert. Victor does not want Robert's thirst for knowledge and discovery to ruin his life the way it ruined Victor's own life. The characters of Victor and Robert share quite a few similarities which can be confirmed by the ways in which they empathize with each other. Victor deciding to tell Robert his story reveals a piece of Victor's character that makes the reader believe there is something about Robert that Victor finds relatable and trusting.
Mary Shelley
Shelley begins using characterization early on in Frankenstein. She characterizes both Robert and Victor as lonely men who thirst for knowledge. Both of these characters have an instant connection when Robert pulls Victor into the boat. Only moments after Robert has spoken with Victor, he says that he begins "to love him as a brother; and his constant and deep grief fills me with sympathy and compassion. He must have been a noble creature in his better days, being even now in wreck so attractive and amiable"(Shelley, 11). This shows that Robert starts to have an instant attraction to Victor because they share some similarities in their personalities. I believe that the fact that Victor and Robert have so much in common is the reason that Victor opens up to Robert. Victor does not want Robert's thirst for knowledge and discovery to ruin his life the way it ruined Victor's own life. The characters of Victor and Robert share quite a few similarities which can be confirmed by the ways in which they empathize with each other. Victor deciding to tell Robert his story reveals a piece of Victor's character that makes the reader believe there is something about Robert that Victor finds relatable and trusting.
Waldman vs. Krempe
Frankenstein
Mary Shelly
As I read Frankenstein, I notice the plethora of characters that Shelly introduces the reader to quite early on in the novel. Two of these characters include Victor's professors. Shelly presents them as foil characters to each other. Professor Krempe is Victor's professor who thinks that philosophical readings are a waste of time. All of Victor's readings on studying Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Magnus are seen as inconsequential and essentially a waste of time in Krempe's eyes. Professor Krempe tells Victor that he "little expected in this enlightened and scientific age, to find a disciple of Albertus Magnus and Paracelsus. My dear sir, you must begin your studies entirely anew"(Shelly, 29). This quote shows that Professor Krempe clearly does not view the Victor's previous studies as useful. Professor Waldman is a foil character to Professor Krempe becuase Professor Waldman sees value in the philosophical studies in which Victor has been pursuing. Professor Waldman teaches chemistry. Consequently, Victor seems to prefer Professor Waldman to Professor Krempe. These two characters foil each other because they present Victor with their oppsoing views and opinions. However, each of these men play an important role in Victor's inspiration behind his creation.
Mary Shelly
As I read Frankenstein, I notice the plethora of characters that Shelly introduces the reader to quite early on in the novel. Two of these characters include Victor's professors. Shelly presents them as foil characters to each other. Professor Krempe is Victor's professor who thinks that philosophical readings are a waste of time. All of Victor's readings on studying Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Magnus are seen as inconsequential and essentially a waste of time in Krempe's eyes. Professor Krempe tells Victor that he "little expected in this enlightened and scientific age, to find a disciple of Albertus Magnus and Paracelsus. My dear sir, you must begin your studies entirely anew"(Shelly, 29). This quote shows that Professor Krempe clearly does not view the Victor's previous studies as useful. Professor Waldman is a foil character to Professor Krempe becuase Professor Waldman sees value in the philosophical studies in which Victor has been pursuing. Professor Waldman teaches chemistry. Consequently, Victor seems to prefer Professor Waldman to Professor Krempe. These two characters foil each other because they present Victor with their oppsoing views and opinions. However, each of these men play an important role in Victor's inspiration behind his creation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)