To the Graduating Class...

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)

"He is dead who called me into being; and when I shall be no more, the
very remembrance
of us will be speedily vanished" (211).

As twisted as this sounds, I was not thinking of death or monsters when I read this passage. Rather my approaching graduation grasped my mind (shocking, I know). This passage speaks the bittersweet sorrow of seniors graduating; the hardships of the present are coming to a close yet purpose and the future are unknown to us now. But more than that, this passage displays the essential role teachers, and peers play in our lives. School is meant to be a place to cultivate more than just studies; school is meant to be a place to become the citizens of the future with leaders, peacemakers, idealists, and all those in between. Teachers create and call us to be the best we can be, and work tirelessly to provide. And when they "die" or when we go on separate paths, we must decide to "die" as well or transcend to become a new being with knowledge of the past and a passion for the future. Hopefully, the future is full of alive and passionate leaders and citizens.

Allusion of the First Time..

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)

" In this manner I distributed my occupations when I first arrived, but as I proceeded in my labour, it because everyday more horrible and irksome to me. sometimes I could not prevail on myself to enter my laboratory for several days...During my first experiment, a kind of enthusiastic frenzy had blinded me to the horror of my employment; my mind was intently fixed on the consummation of my labour. But now I went to it in cold blood, and my heart often sickened at the work of my hands" (157)

This scene portrays the ghastly consequence of every scientist, boredom and distaste. Scientist such and Walton and Victor thrive on the excitement and mystery of a new location and study. However, once they reflect their work and motivation, they discover the flaws in their studies, shown in the quote above. They don't love the actual subject or fame of the discoveries, rather they yearn for the satisfaction of searching for new answers. These scientist need what actors call "the allusion of the first time" or the talent of reacting one's actions over and over with emotion and careful planning. These scientist need to plan well rather than throw themselves to danger and rash experiments. A strong base of information and passion need to replace the fickle desires of such scientist.

Don't Trust Me, Don't Trust Me

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)

"You swear," I said, "to be harmless; but have you not always shown a
degree of malice that should reasonably make me distrust you? May not even this
be a feint that will increase your triumph by affording a wider scope for your
revenge?" (140)

Literary Term: External Conflict

The lack of relationship and trust between the creature and Victor are the central conflict of this plot. There is no trust, compassion or even respect. In this instance, the old cliche "actions speak louder than words" is defined as Victor doubts his own creation. Such a lack of trust isn't unique to Victor and the creature. Elizabeth begins to doubt Victor's true feelings; Victor doesn't tell anyone what he is doing; the old man doesn't defend the creature; Victor's parent's don't trust Victor to get his own wife. As a result, there are many obstacles and sad events that occur. These actions certainly show the lacking trust and care among these characters that has contributed to the scenes of murder, fear, and grief. A little trust and the plot of this novel would have changed drastically.

A Blinded Culture

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)

" Now is the time! Save and protect me! You and your family are the friends whom I seek. Do not you desert me in the hour of trial!"

"Great God!" exclaimed the old man. "Who are you?" At that the cottage door opened and Felix and Safie and Agatha entered. Who can describe their horror and consternation on beholding me?" (129)

Literary Term: Theme

This unfortunate scene portrays a powerful theme of the work: the effects of physical judgement. A major contribution of the creature is the displaying of the reactions to his physical being. From his "birth" when Victor repudiates (vocab word!) the creature from his sight to the multiple scenes of fear and fainting, it is evident that the horror of the creature's looks destroy any chance of his acceptance. This theme is the vanity of sight and the unjust human action of judging others; the creature does not deserve such harsh and stubborn reactions. This theme is further produced in the character of Safie, who learns language and lifestyle just as the monster does, yet is accepted and cherished solely because she is a beautiful, normal human. Do to this rejection, the monster becomes evil and bitter and kills many, and all his actions are the responsibly of Victor. Werther or not Victor should have created a mate for the creature is not importance, rather the focus should be his lack of responsibly of his relationship with his creation. He never tries to to the moral and just action of taking care of the monster, and this downfall leads to Victor's doom. Victor shouldn't receive any sympathy from this story, rather he should be criticized for his lack of responsibly and unjust judgement.

Gotta Have Faith.

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)

" Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other existence; but his state was far different from mine in every other aspect. He had come forth form the hands of God a perfect creature, happy and prosperous, guarded by the special care of his Creator; he was allowed to converse with and acquire knowledge from beings of a superior nature, but I was a wretched, helpless, and alone. Many times I considered Satan as the fitter emblem of my condition, for often , like him, when I viewed the bliss of my protectors, the bitter gall of envy rose within me" (124).

Literary Term: Allusion

After discovering the story of Adam and Eve and religion, the creature of this novel relates himself to the Adam. However, as he considers this more, he titles himself more as the fallen angel of a Satan-like creator. He understands that he is not accepted and cherished as Adam was by God and yearns to have that companionship and acceptance. The creature becomes the evil and threat of the fallen angel, as he consumes Victor with fear and dread and murders those around him. At one point he refers to himself as the snake, a well-known symbol of the fallen angel and evil, shown in the following quote:

"Beware for I am fearless and therefore powerful. I will watch with the wiliness of a snake, that I may sting with its venom. Man, you shall repent of the injuries you inflict" (161).

In addition to this allusion to the story of Creation, there is an overall connection to faith throughout the novel. The monster and Victor constantly remark about sinning and repentance and guilt; the monster is also an excellent example of the extremes of free will. Just as it is thought that God gives humans free will, this monster has been given free will, and uses it for extremes of evil. If only the creature had been treated as a treasure rather than become a fallen angel.

Play me some Music

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)

"The young girl was occupied in arranging the cottage; but presently she took something out of a drawer, which employed her hands, and she sat down beside the old man, who, taking up an instrument, began to play and produce sounds sweeter than the voice of the thrush or the nightingale. It was a lovely sight, even for me, poor wretch who had never beheld aught beautiful before" (103)

No matter the novel or the genre of a book, there is always a respect and power within music. Music is commonly a source of freedom, beauty, or bond between characters, and it is no different within this book. The poor creature, let's call him Valli..as in the second part of Frankie Valli (oh man I crack myself up) comes into the world without a parental figure and is forced to nurture himself. It is a blessing that he comes upon this family to observe to learn compassion and beauty of life through music instead of remain in the chaos and fear he was created in (Perhaps he will learn the Monster Mash..). This growing knowledge of life continues as he witnesses his image of the seemingly blessed family become the true image of a family of sorrow and poverty. Valli has to lose his innocence quickly and become part of the real world. At least it has music and the chance of beauty. Valli was fortunate to stumble upon such a family.

It's all about the Relationships...

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)

"A strange multiplicity of sensations seized me, and I saw, felt heard, and smelt at the same time; and it was indeed, a long time before I learned to distinguish between the operations of my various senses" (98)

Throughout this entire novel, modern readers try to find connects with the original novel and the classic Hollywood interpretation. Overall, this novel has taken a totally opposite plot line from the common horror films. There wasn't a dark scene of creation with lighting and a eager scientist; there was no comical henchmen sent to steal a brain, and most of all, there was no horror-filled scene of the monster attacking a defense-less town. However, if there is an element that the novel and films DO have in common, it is the chaos and confusion of the monster as well as the fear of the monster. Portrayed in the films as a constantly screaming monster and in the quote above, both versions maintain the consequences of creating life without natural methods. The notion of being introduced to all senses at one time is simply a crazy thought that would confuse even the brightest of minds. This poor creature is thrown into this world without a nurturing figure. This lack of a nurturing figure creates the central theme of the films and element of the novel: fear. No matter the media, the creature always brings fear to all, including the creator. The essence of any version of Frankenstein is the relationship of the creature and the creator.