Here's a chance to say something about this novel we're reading together. It's challenging reading in many ways, but you're probably used to Shelley's style by now. If you want (optional in other words), post a comment here about the book. Here are some specific things you might want to address?
What do you think of Victor?
What can you anticipate about the Creature's narration?
In what way do you see the novel relating to our world today?
Kaitlin Allanson
ReplyDeleteSeptember 13, 2011
English D Block
How does this book relate to modern times?
As it was written as a horror story, like most other terrifying novels, it’s meant to scare you. But to scare you from what? After thinking about that question, I concluded with the idea that Mary Shelley writes this story to send readers the message to stay within the realms of normality and maintain close with what’s most important: family and friends. For example, when did Victor Frankenstein become particularly insane and distanced from all “normal” activities? When he lost touch with his family.
Now to relate this to modern times, Victor’s mishap monster teaches us to explore only what we truly want to know the answers to. Not to explore science for the sake of exploring but to have a specific question. Not to follow crazy dreams or spur-of-the-moment ideas. Also, another lesson the author portrays through her writing is to find what you want and the answers you desire but don’t cross the line to get there. As said in Volume 1 of Frankenstein, Victor knew his means of making life involved some very impure/sinful things yet he plowed forward anyway. So as stated in the famous proverb “don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.”
Sorry, it wouldn't let me indent. :(
ReplyDeleteStarchild Katz
ReplyDeleteThursday, September 15
C Block
I agree with you, Kaitlin. It is vital for the sane man to live close to family and friends. When the opposite occurs, that's when things go astray. I also wanted to touch on something different in addition to that. On Page 149, the first sentences of the fourth paragraph, Victor Frankenstein quietly expresses something very symbolic and powerful. He thinks as he listens to the creature's sad story, "His words had a strange effect upon me. I compassionated him and sometimes felt a wish to console him; but when I looked upon him, when I saw the filthy mass that moved and talked, my heart sickened and my feelings were altered to those of horror and hatred." I think Mary Shelley places these thoughts from Victor purposely to symbolize the prejudices people can't shy from. The considerate Monster (if that is ironic) articulately states an emotional story and Victor is initially moved until he remembers what he is talking to and the appearance he faces. This is symbolic I believe.