Thursday, April 21, 2011

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.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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.

True Friends are Too Honest

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)
"Compose yourself," said Clerval, who observed my change of colour. "I will not mention it if it agitates you; but you father and cousin would be very happy if they received a letter from you in your own handwriting..." (61)

Literary Term: Foil Character
Henry is a clear foil of Victor. While both have a love of education, Henry is the student that Victor was expected to be when Victor's family sent him to school. He is faithful to his studies and learning. But Henry not only pursues an education, he makes sure to maintain other relationships, even those of Victor. This difference of value of relationships define Henry and Victor's differences. Henry writes to Victor's family as well as cares for Victor when he grows ill from his self-imposed sickness. The character of Henry is used to further display the isolation and ruin that Victor becomes. Victor appears as a selfish and crazed student through the calm and nursing hand of Henry. The character of Victor is also shown through his identical character: Robert Walton, who is also a crazy thinker striving to discover science. The characters of Henry and Robert simply reassure the character of Victor: a brillant thinker lost in his studies who rejects relationships, personal need, and failure.

Would You Light my Candle...

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)
"I was like the Arabian who had been buried with the dead and found a passage to life, aided only by one glimmering and seemingly ineffectual light" (51).

Literary Term: Imagery and Irony
This quote is found in a passage centered on Victor's studies and approaching success of making the creature. First and foremost, this passage uses the common imagery of light as a symbol for reason, success, and fulfillment. Victor is so close to his success in forming a living creature yearns to reach the "light" of completion and success. However, this phrase holds more purpose due to the use of irony. Victor's study and experiments have required him to become the illness he is trying to conquer: sickness and death. This phrase shows that instead of excitement and desire, Victor is a victim of duty and a prisoner to his own creations. The end is a chance to quit the work instead of a chance to bask in honor and glory. He has created life from a death matter by becoming dead himself. Around him, he grows physically ill, his relationships strain, and he is isolated; his only focus is the light.

Love for a Child

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)
"Wealth was inferior, but what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease from the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent death" (41).

Literary Term: Motive


Following his mother's death, Victor does not face the common hopelessness of grief and sorrow. Rather he becomes restless and tries to seek ways to cure his grief for him, his family, and Elizabeth. As Victor grows, he claims to fall in love with science and learning; however, he has fallen in love with the idea of curing grief. It is often discussed that the immoral actions of Victor have no justified source because he comes from such a good life and family. But his family IS the motive! As a prized child, receiving a lavish life of travel loving parents and even a future wife, Victor views the world with rose-colored shades. He is fortunate to receive an education and begins learning with a naive perception of the world. The absolute freedom he had growing up transforms into endless study without morals or reason. Creating the creature is is source to fill his grief as well as a reflection of the freedom he had growing up. Freedom and grief are the motive of Victor.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Aqua - Barbie Girl

(1984, George Orwell)
"You think there's no other way of saving yourself, and you're quite ready to save yourself that way. You want it to happen to the other person. You don't give a damn what they suffer. All you care about is yourself" (292)
Following the trip to the Ministry of Love, Julia and Winston realise the true nature of their relationship: two selfish people joined only out of excitement. They claimed to love each other the entire novel, but the relationship simply wasn't deep. Both parties may have loved each other, but they loved themselves more. This is shown in Julia's nature to only care about her female needs and passion for sex and Winston's obsession with the idea of sex and advancing his ideals rather than creating a true relationship with Julia. The tortures of the Ministry did not pry the couple apart, rather it exposed the weakness of the relationship. Afterwards, the couple realise their selfish nature and know they need to break it off. As the human shells that the Ministry of Love created, they were simply not capable of mending the broken relationship. The following clip is of the song "Barbie Girl" an excellent example that not only shows selfish desire and human shells, but also offers a humorous video.

Back to the Future

(1984, George Orwell)

"The pencil felt thick and awkward in his fingers. He began to write down the thoughts that came to his head. He wrote in large clumsy letters..." (277)


This passage describes when Winston picks up pencil and paper, exactly like the beginning, and writes his new found knowledge. The context of the two written works are drastically different transforming from bashing to loving Big Brother. However, the motive of the action does not alter for Winston; he still uses the writing as a form of therapy for his changing thoughts. Honestly it doesn't seem to matter what Winston is actually believing or following, the only think important to him is having a peace of mind. While the reader may believe that Winston became a horrible mind-controlled creature at the end of the book, in reality he has not changed. Winston simply wants a fulfilling life which he seeks with Julia and then finds in the Party after the Ministry of Love. He is no different than the rest of the population, for he seeks security and protection in place of morals and personal beliefs. This passage in comparison to the beginning displays the major thought of conformity in exchange e for safety and community. Winston is not a hero or fighter in this story, he is simply an example of the Party at work.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Mind Over Matter

(1984, George Orwell)
"Their real weapon was the merciless questioning that went on and on hour after hour, tripping him up, laying traps for him, twisting everything that he said, convicting him of every step of lies and self-contradiction, until he began weeping as much from shame as from nervous fatigue" (241)

Literary term: Theme
One of the major themes of this novels concerns the difference between physical and mental acceptance. Before becoming a prisoner, Winston practiced the notion of accepting the Party strictly in a physical sense and learned to find mental freedom. The purpose of the Ministry of Love and the source of power for the Party is found in the mindless loyal party members that give both aspects to the Party. "Big Brother's" goal is simply to push the citizens to not only give physically but to release control of mentality and originality. This quote about the questioning displays this desire as well as the differing levels of pain between mental and physical torture. More prisoners, Winston, and citizens in general will refrain as long as possible and accept most physical pain before being defeated mentally. However once they are defeated mentally, the are at the mercy of the Party, as displayed by this quote as well as the shell Winston becomes after he is released from the Ministry of Love.

Back to the Future

(1984, George Orwell)
"The invention of print, however, made it easier to manipulate public opinion, and the film and the radio carried the process further. With the development of television, and the technical advance which made it possible to receive and transmit simultaneously on the same instrument, private life came to an end" (205)

Literary Term: Allusion
This passage of "the book" makes a reference to what is commonly referred to as the beginning of the Enlightenment: the invention of the printing press. In modern society, the invention of the printing press is praised and displayed as the spread of knowledge, thus allowing people to really think and make personal decisions. However, this image is tainted within this book to show a more negative light of government control and fickle populations. Ironically, instead of allowing knowledge to spread, the printing press is seen as an end of the spread of knowledge. This contrast of images not only portrays the major differences of the two societies, but also warns the future. The purpose of this book is to try to prevent the effects of government control, and this passage about technology really connects to modern society. As the world becomes more and more absorbed by technology, the chance to forget morals and lose humane values of patience and networking increases. Orwell has foreshadowed the future that won't have any resistance against a world of controlled technology.

The City is at War with the Young and Rich

(1984, George Orwell)
" In any case, each of the three superstates is so vast that it can obtain almost all of the materials that it needs within its own boundaries. In so far as the war has a direct economic purpose, it is a war for labor power" (187).

Literary Term: Symbol
This quote is contained in "the book" and, while it may or may not actually be true within the novel, this contains an interesting concept of war. The modern society defines war by fear and the desire for power. Countries strive to obtain the land and resources withheld from them by distance and size. Today, the world is trying to get as much as possible, but it seems in this society these nations have bitten off more than they can chew and are scrambling to fill their resources. This novel uses war as a symbol of the effects of too much power. The society uses war to give purpose to these nations rather than find purpose in conquering other nations. War has been transformed from a fearful and avoided event to a reserve of labor and cornerstone of society. 1984 displays a thirst of power and pride rather than morals and emotion. And even if war was avoided, peace would be used in a simular fashion.