Blog #5

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Towards the end of the novel, Victor discusses his life with Walton. In these passages, readers cannot help but to feel deep sympathy for Victor. As his life comes to a close, he looks upon himself as a murderer, for his creation killed his loved ones. These deaths have also made him a very unhappy person and a very disoriented person as well. Victor believes he had very high potential to do great things, but somewhere along the way, he was condemned to a life a horror in which he could not escape. Victor claim., "From infancy I was imbued with high hopes and a lofty ambition... Despondency rarely visited my heart; a high destiny seemed to bear me on, until I fell, never, never again to rise," (Shelly, 157).  Victor realizes his downfall was his creation. From that point on, Victor had no chance to reverse his fate. He and the creature would torment and punish one another until the day Frankenstein died. Sympathy is created for Victor because it is apparent throughout the novel that Victor was a smart and intelligent man, full of great potential. It is sickening to see his life crumble to pieces because of his greatest and most treacherous accomplishment. Although Frankenstein is being extremely pessimistic, he has lost so many important people in his life and has encountered numerous illnesses that Victor is being more realistic rather than pessimistic. He knows there is no way to recover from what he has intruded; therefore, he will either kill the beast or die trying.

Blog #4

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

References to the bible continue to occur in the last few chapter of Frankenstein. These allusions have been used in numerous circumstances to characterize both Victor and the Creature, as well as the circumstances they are facing. For example, Victor states, "But the apple was already eaten, and the angle's arm bared to drive me from all hope,"(Shelly, 139). This reference pertains to Adam and Eve and the eating of the forbidden apple. Victor is making the point that his unhappiness was beyond the point of return. The creature had already caused Victor so much pain, and that pain could never be reversed. Victor had no hope that his life could ever end happily. Another allusion to the bible was made when the creature states, "But it is even so; the fallen angel becomes a malignant devil. Yet even that enemy of God and man had friends and associates in his desolation; I am alone." (Shelley, 165). Here, the monster is revealing that he does in fact see himself as the fallen angel. He once looked upon himself as Adam, God's greatest creation, but now he sees what he has become. Through his acts of murder and rage, the creature has lost all tenderness he once possessed and now is the wretched creature Victor claimed him to be. The creature now compares himself to devil, but even the devil had companions and supporters. The creature is truly all alone. 

Blog #3

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Eternal unhappiness is to be the fate of both Victor and his creature. Due to their "relationship", Victor and the creature have made each other miserable and permanently unhappy. Through the hatred of one another, Victor and the creature have caused endless suffering upon the other, which only evokes more hatred and revenge from the other. For example, Victor could have made a female for the creature, but due to his belief that the creature is an evil and wretched being, he decided he did not wish multiply it. Due to Victor not creating a mate for the beast, the creature now feels eternal loneliness and hatred toward Victor for cursing him with this life. This hatred thus influences the beast to kill both Henry Clerval and and Elizabeth, which causes Victor endless sadness. This conflict found between the creature and the creatir allows for it to be physically impossible for either of them to be happy as long as the other is still around. Even in times of momentary happiness, the idea of the creature follows Victor in the back of his mind, even on his wedding day. Once the creature is not granted his female, he vows to cause endless suffering upon Victor's life, for Victor has caused endless suffering upon his. The creature states," Man! you may hate; but beware! Your hours will pass in dread and misery, and soon the bolt will fall which must ravish from you your happiness forever,"(Shelly,123). If the monster can't be happy, than he will not allow for Victor to be happy. It was Victor who inflicted this horrid world on the creature; therefore, the creature will punish Victor to the day he dies for not helping him achieve happiness or acceptance.

Blog #2

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Victor could have ended his pain once and for all. He could have spared the life of his beloved friends and wife through the creation of a female for the creature. But Victor just couldn't do it. Nearing the completion of the female creature, Victor's internal conflict began setting in. Victor came to realize that composing the female creature is a selfish act. Too many possible threats may arise due to the formation of another wretched creature. Victor exclaims,"She might become ten thousand time more malignant than her mate, and delight for its own sake, in murder and wretchedness," and " They might even hate each other; the creature who already lived loathed his own deformity, and might he no conceive a greater abhorrence for it when it came before his eyes in the female form?," ( Shelly, 121). These quotes reveal the internal conflict Victor is facing in deciding whether to create the female or not. Although this act may better his situation (although this is not guaranteed), he is also inflicting the curse of these creatures for generations to come. When it comes down to it, Victor does not want to be scolded by humanity for being the man who cursed them with such horrid beasts.

Frankenstein Part 2 Blog #1

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

It appears as if the tables have indeed turned. Victor was the creator and master of his creation, but now the roles are reversed. Due to the creatures deep hatred toward Victor and humanity, he has turned into the cursed wretch victor always claimed him to be. The monster vowed to give up his torturous ways if Victor were to create him a female. This one act could have ended the creatures vengeance forever, but Victor broke his promise and destroyed the female creature. It is this act that solidifies the creatures evil ways. No more will he have the hope or a desire to be apart of humanity, but will forever curse the race and cause them harm. More specifically, the monster wishes to inflict endless pain upon Victor. The monster killed all those dearest to him in revenge for Victor's abandonment. The death of Elizabeth was the most profound and horrific of all these acts. The monster was led to believe he would be united with a female and no longer be eternally alone. When Victor destroys the female creature, the monster realizes he will be the forever lonely and unaccepted. In order to return the favor, the creature killed Elizabeth. The monster clearly wants Victor to share in the everlasting loneliness he feels and even the playing field. Victor killed the creature's mate; therefore, the creature kills Victor's bride. In a moment of hatred and despair, the creature states," Remember that I have the power; you believe yourself miserable, but I can make you so wretched that the light of day will be hateful to you. You are my creator, but I am your master;-Obey!" ( Shelly, 122). This quote reveals the irony of the situation. Although Victor created the beast, the monster is the master. He is more powerful and evil than Victor, and is much more capable of causing disruption. Victor is now in the hands of his own creation.    

Blog #5

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

I have come to realize that this story is just one big twisted, ironic mess. Frankenstein created this creature and immediately hated it simply because it was not appealing to the eye."How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavored to form?" (Shelly,35). Similar to Frankenstein, when others encounter the creature,they are repulsed because of its appearance. The creature on the other hand, is observant and intelligent. He does not hate the human race or shun the people, but  watches their behavior and learns from them. The creature tries to interact with the people, but is only pushed away. He forces himself into solitude since no one will accept him. It appears that human are actually portrayed as the monsters. The people in the novel are shallow, judgmental, and superficial, but the creature is kind and loving. The humans push away anything that is different than the norm, whereas the creature is open and accepting. I believe Shelly is making the point that the monster is better off than the human race. Man is a cruel and rejecting creature, whereas the monster is a loving being.

Blog #2

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

To keep readers on their toes, Shelly uses intensified foreshadowing. She constantly creates statements that poke at the fact that something dramatic is going to occur, but then cuts the information off just before the truth is revealed. This from of suspense can be see in statements such as "prepare to hear of occurrences which are usually deemed marvelous" (Shelley, 13). This introduction reveals that an outrageous event has occurred, but gives no detail as to what, when, or where such events happened. Foreshadowing is seen again when Victor states," A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind, and never to allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquility,"(Shelly, 34). This quote foreshadows what will happen to Victor when he lets his desires and passion take over his being. Victor becomes so engrossed in his work that he looses touch with humanity and even becomes ill. This quote is also serves as a warning to Walton, for there is a lot of similarities found between Walton and Frankenstein. Both have a desire to discover the unknown grey spots of the world, though this can be very unsafe and unhealthy. Walton still has a chance to keep his sanity and his safety, but it may already be to late for Frankenstein. 

Blog #4

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Death seems to be a common aspect of this novel. At least for Frankenstein's family anyway... His mother is dead, his brother was murdered, his family friend Justine was put to death for "murdering" his brother. This is not a good sign for Frankenstein or Elizabeth. It is clear that both of these character will most likely die. I'm not quite sure how, but if this pattern of death continues, there is not a chance that Frankenstein will make it out alive. Also, through the use of the frame story, it would be easy for Walton to describe how Frankenstein's death occurred. My prediction is that the creature will kill Frankenstein. Although this view is cynical, it just seems appropriate from the master to be killed by his creation. Since Victor will not accept his creation, maybe the creature will kill him due to his frustration with not receiving approval. The creature states, "I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel,"(Shelley, 69). The creature realizes the miracle that is his being, yet his own creator can not see. For this reason, I would not be surprised to discover that either the creature kills Frankenstein  Frankenstein kills his creation. 

Blog #3

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Through the description of the horrid creature, readers are immediately drawn away from Frankenstein's creation. The creature appears to be possessed or evil, therefore it comes as a shock when Victor speaks with his creature in the mountains. Surprisingly, the creature is not mad or possessed, but appears to be very civil, observant, and intelligent. Pity is brought forth on the creature when an allusion to the bible is cited. The creature says to Victor, ""Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed" (Shelley, 69). The creature knows that Victor is not pleased with his work. It is clear that Victor see his creation as the fallen angle, but the creature wishes for Victor to see him as Adam, God's first and greatest creation. The creature does not wish to be looked upon as a mistake, but rather the first of many great creations. The creature makes the point that he has done nothing to deserve Victor's hatred, yet Victor has still banished the creature away. The creature clearly looks upon Victor as his creator, and most likely longs for his acceptance. The creature wishes to please Victor and make him proud of his creation, but Victor will not comply due to his fear of his creation. This conversation foreshadows the relationship between man and creation seen throughout the rest of the novel. 

Frankenstein Blog #1

Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

Once a mysterious and unknown figure, Victor Frankenstein slowly becomes less mysterious as readers are introduced to Victor's past. First and foremost, readers learn about Victor's passion and desire for learning through the statement, "It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to to learn, and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me,"(Shelly, 19). Furthermore, readers are acquainted with Victors mother, Caroline, who died of scarlet fever, as well as his father, Alphonse. Also introduced is Victor's life long friend, Elizabeth. Victors mother is presented as an all loving, tender, and kindhearted woman. It appears that Victor has deep affection for his mother, which leads me to believe that her death partially led him to pursue his experiment. Through his creation, Victor believed he could possible solve sickness, something his mother and other family members suffered and died from. I found this to be Victor's motivation. Although he was creating the creature for the purpose of discovering something new and uncharted, I think Victor was also driven by his desire to cure the sick and even bring is own mother back from the dead. Later, when Victor does manage to create life though, he is horrified and runs away. After seeing his creation, I highly doubt Victor believes he could still bring people back from the dead or cure anyone was sickness.

blog #5

Miss Brill by Katherine Mansfield

Although Miss Brill is only a five page long story, this short expert is filled with deep symbolism, imagery, and great misunderstanding. Miss Brill feels excitement as she repeats her usual Sunday routine of attending the band concert in the gardens. Miss Brill wears her old fur, a stole that clearly was once a lovely accessory  but has since wore down. I feel that the fur and Miss Brill are one in the same. They both once were of great delicacy and greatness, but there time has now passed. It is clear that Miss Brill is rather lonely, so to consume her time she enjoys listening in on other people's conversation and people watching. She fantasizes that each person is apart of an ongoing play, where all members much be present. Miss Brill believes that attending the band concert each week is equally important to everyone else as it is to her.This is proven wrong though when she over hears a young couple mocking her for both attending and for what she is wearing. She remarks that," odd, silent, nearly all old, and from the way they stared they looked as though they'd just come from little dark rooms or even - even cupboards,"(Mansfield. 183). This quote leads me to believe that the people are not staring because they emerged from their dark rooms, but rather because Miss Brill does not fit in here. Miss Brill is mostly likely a strange sight to see, which causes onlookers to stare. After the young couples comment, Miss Brill returns home in a gloom. She throws her stole in the box and says she thought she heard crying. I think the crying she hears is her own. Being at the band concept broke her innocent bubble about what the world is truly like and she now realizes she is not accepted into it. 

Blog #4

Bartelby, the Scrivener by Herman Melville

In this short story, readers are introduced to the intriguing and strange Bartelby. Due to his lack of social cues, awkward interactions, and his emotionless state, it can be inferred that Bartelby has some form of a mental disorder. At the end of the short story, readers are informed that Bartelby previously worked at a dead letter company. His daily work consisted of burning letters that cannot be received since the person the letter was sent to is now deceased. It can be theorized that this type of depressing and draining job is the reason behind Bartelby's lack of emotion. When analyzing Bartelby further, one can come to the conclusion that Bartelby is an example of what happens to those who work on Wall Street. The men enter as lively and normal people, but exit as soulless and isolated. These men close the world around them and become consumed in the trap that is Wall Street. Bartelby may have been normal at one time, but his work on Wall Street has left him lifeless. The narrator claims," I might give alms to his body, but his body did not pain him; it was his soul that suffered, and his soul I could not reach,"(Melville, 658). Wall Street has deteriorated Bartelby's soul, leaving only his empty body for remains. The narrator of the story, the lawyer, has yet to enter this lifeless state, but it is clear that he will if he continues to work on Wall Street. In his free time, the lawyer is only said to go on walks, never interacting with a family or a wife. His work appears to be his only life, and over time he is going to turn into a passionless worker like Bartelby and all the other men whose lives have consumed by Wall Street.