Choose a line/passage, quote it, and then either ask a question and thoroughly answer your own question OR discuss why you chose that particular quotation, explaining why it stood out to you. Look carefully at language/devices and try to connect your observations to a big idea from the novel (justice, what it means to be human, how people become "monsters," impact of nature, society's notion of normal, loneliness/abandonment, etc) to deepen your analysis.
Possible questions to consider: What strikes you about the creature's perspective? What strikes you about Frankenstein's emotional state/his interaction with the creature?
Do not repeat a classmate's quotation. If that line intrigues you, just respond to their comment and choose your own, new passage to comment on.
"I expected this reception," said the dæmon. "All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, they creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us. You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life? Do your duty towards me, and I will do mine towards you and the rest of mankind. If you will comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends." (p. 88-89, Barnes & Noble® edition)
ReplyDeleteDoes the creature actually want to be alive?
Victor Frankenstein had created this "dæmon" out of interest for himself, to be "[blessed] as [the] creator and source" (48) of a new species, perhaps. Once he created the being, however, he did not fulfill his obligations as a creator or god. Frankenstein abandoned the monster, leaving him with "one hand ... stretched out" (52) asking for the help he would never receive. He couldn't have received any help, as "[a]ll men hate the wretched," and the creature is immediately categorized as one. I don't believe he would want to live under these circumstances where people mean to dehumanize and kill him, or live at all in that matter. That is probably why he is reaching out to Frankenstein in this matter, telling him to "'[d]o your duty" as the creator he wanted to be. The creature wants a better life and he wants Frankenstein to give it to him, or else he will "glut the maw of death," making sure that Frankenstein suffers just as much as he does.
"Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone" (96-97).
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because the creature's language is very similar to Frankenstein's narration in chapter 1 of Volume Two (chapter 9, in my book). To recall, Frankenstein states, "I had begun life with benevolent intentions and thirsted for the moment when I should put them in practice" (85). Frankenstein relates to the creature with the fact that they both wanted to be good-hearted and spread kindness to other human beings. However, just like how the creature changed his character by conforming into the monster society depicted him to be, so did Frankenstein. He mentions, "I was seized by remorse and the sense of guilt... I shunned the face of man; solitude was my only consolation-- deep, dark, deathlike solitude" (85). Not only did Frankenstein transform his persona due to the impact of his troubling experiences, he also realizes that is ultimately alone. The same goes for his creation. The creature feels different and rejected by society which causes him to despise humans and inflict danger and pain. This mainly comes from the fact that he has been completely companionless ever since Frankenstein abandoned him. Mary Shelley's obvious use of similar language conveys the message that Frankenstein's characteristics, emotions, and mentality are shared with those of his creation. No matter how much Frankenstein tries to run away from or hate the creature, he cannot hide the truth that the creature is a reflection of his animalistic and monster self. Also, both of them feel desolated and misunderstood by humans so they find freedom and peace only in nature, which is why Frankenstein always seems to "run into" his creation when he is roaming and enjoying the beauty/ chaos of nature.
I noticed that too, and I made an argument similar to that in my notes, so it's really cool that I'm not the only one who noticed! I was also thinking that maybe Shelley wasn't using their escape to nature as a way for them to avoid and somehow "abandon" their demons, but for us all to really become whole, and less evil as most Romantics might depict man to be. In real life, the chances of crossing someone/your creation in a place as isolated as that is kind of rare, but I think she was trying to say that they can only co-exist on that plane, away from the judgement of man.
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DeleteLike Jolien said I found this quote rather interesting as well! The similarities between both Frankenstein and the creature is that the idea of conforming to society and seeking companionship. The only difference between both of Frankenstein and his creation is that Frankenstein is a human scientist who created his monster based on scientific pursuits and has received companionship when he was a child The creature wants seek a companion and be treated like a human. I agree with the point you made Frankenstein's creation is an animal like version of himself, but my only question would be to that would be How come Frankenstein does not want to interact with his own creature and discover his own animal like feature through the eyes of the creature? and Why does Frankenstein show much neglect towards his own creature?
DeleteI completely agree, Jolien. The depiction of Nature in this Romantic work of literature is crucial in showing how nature truly accepts everyone, and isolates man from the problems of society such as jealousy, violence, and greed. And Kiran, I believe that Frankenstein does not want to interact with his creation because he doesn't want to discover he has similar aspects to that of a "demon" (as he calls him). Since Victor and the rest of society have labeled the creature as an "abomination" or "monster", he doesn't want to relate those characteristics. Frankenstein doesn't own up to the responsibility he is faced with when first creating the monster. Now this could be because of his childish behavior which hasn't matured yet, or maybe he just fears that if he gets close to the creature, he will discover that they are not so different, and get judged by society as well. He obviously would not want this to happen since he cares a lot what others think of him.
Delete““When I reflect, my dear cousin,” said she, “on the miserable death of Justine Moritz, I no longer see the world and its works as they before appeared to me. Before, I looked upon the accounts of vice and injustice, that I read in books and heard from others, as tales of ancient days, or imaginary evils; at least they were remote, and more familiar to reason than to the imagination; but no misery has come home, and men appear to me as monsters thirsting for each others blood””(116-117 Modern Library Edition).
ReplyDeleteThis quotation stands out to me because Elizabeth says something very understandable, a very common feeling, and she expresses it in a very poetic and symbolic way. She is able to incorporate a change into this passage, and she puts many characters emotions into words when she says this. Elizabeth talks about how before she was shielded from the world, she did not see any injustices or have to go through them, they were not real to her. But, with the death of Justine, the world is no longer as simple and fair as it was before. Elizabeth, and her family are no longer shielded. I find this interesting because it is relatable, but most people today, do not want to be shielded from all the injustices and imperfections, they want to be able tot understand peoples misfortunes, and know how to handle them. But the deaths of Justine and William seem to have made Elizabeth realize that she does not want to be a part of the world in that way, she wants to be shielded from the injustices and for the world to be more simple. Because Elizabeth had never experienced it before, everything in the world seems unfair, instead of being able to deal with the misfortune. Without this shield she says that “men appear to me as monsters thirsting for each others blood”(117), which is very symbolic because when Frankenstein created the monster, he learned of the worlds imperfections as well, that was when he lost his shield, and he now believes that the monster really is thirsting for others blood, and he believes that it is because of the monster that Elizabeth feels this way.
"For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness." (91)
ReplyDeleteIn Frankenstein, what does Victor, as the creator, do wrong in the raising of the creature?
In Victor's first true encounter with the monster, Victor feels no love for his "son". Instead of embracing his creation, Victor rebukes him. His initial intent was to create him for the good of science but at no point did he think about the consequences. Regardless of Victor’s intentions, the consequences of his actions are serious and indicate a level of moral responsibility. He seems ignorant to the obligations attached to his scientific pursuits; it was not until long after the monster’s creation that Victor acknowledge his responsibility to him, in which he remarks, “For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness,” Victor feels a sense of duty to the creature in the beginning as a parent feels toward a child. This is the first time in the book that Victor admits that he owes his creature support or attachment, but the fact that he does, acknowledges his debt. It makes it clear that he is unaware of his error, however, no matter how much he may blind himself to it by pretending, his real fault was abandoning his creature.
“Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine; my joints more supple. But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king, if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me” (89
ReplyDeleteBarnes and Noble Edition).
This passage stood out to me because it shows what the creature’s general intentions are with Frankenstein and humans. The creature acknowledges that he has more power than the people around him just because of his stature and the way he was created. When Frankenstein sees him he says, “… and I recovered only to overwhelm him with words expressive of furious detestation and contempt” (88). He didn’t even talk to the creature yet but because the creature is just simply the “wretch” who killed his brother, whom he created, he automatically wants to put him down and fight with him. The creature clearly has no intention of trying to hurt Frankenstein; he just wants Frankenstein to treat him with the same respect that he’s giving him. Even as Victor is screaming at him and abandoned him when he first created him, the creature still wants to be loyal to victor, as long as he listens to his side of the story. He thinks that that’s the least he can do after he abandoned him at his “birth”. However, I think that Victor at first doesn’t want to listen to the creature’s story because he’s so overwhelmed with guilt, which is supposed to make him hate the creature and try to dispose of him. Even though he recognizes that it’s ultimately his fault for creating the creature, thus leading to the death of his loved ones, his hatred for the creature blinds the part that is supposed to “father” him and at least hear his voice.
I really like your argument. It was similar to mine. To add on, because Frankenstein is being blinded by his hatred towards his creature, he fails to fully understand the creature's suffering. The creature is learning how to be human on his own, something Frankenstein should have guided him through.
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ReplyDelete"One day, when I was oppressed by cold, I found a fire which had been left by some wandering beggars, and was overcome with delight at the warmth I experienced from it. In my joy I thrust my hand into the live embers, but quickly drew it out again with a cry of pain. How strange, I thought, that the same cause should produce such opposite effects!" (110).
This passage is from the perspective of the creature, who was not aware that one does not simply put his or her hand into a live fire, unless you're crazy, that is. However, the only reason he did not know this was because his creator, Frankenstein, was supposed to tell him that, and we all know he regards his creation with repugnance. Frankenstein absolutely abhors him ever since he created him and now even more after he murdered his brother William, which can be understood. But in the greater picture, Frankenstein never assumed the responsibilities of educating his creature, a very cowardly act if you ask me. It was Frankenstein's fault that his creature killed his brother, even if it was "not in deed, but in effect," (97) as he himself admits in an earlier passage. Frankenstein fails to recognize that he created a "man baby," who may have the physical characteristics of a grown man, but the mind of a toddler, which is obviously shown when the creature touches the fire in all his delight. The creature did not go through childhood and adolescence in order to have basic understanding like Frankenstein and the rest of the world. This leads to the theme of prejudice because the one of the main reasons no one wants to help the creature learn is because of his scary features and gigantic stature. It makes us wonder what it really means to be human and how our first impression of someone does not always define the person.
I completely agree with your analysis and I would like to add on how different it is to get a first person perspective on learning new things. Mainly because when we are born, we learn new things gradually also, but we are never able to reflect or remember how we felt during these moments. Even though our parents may record our first steps or our first word, we don't get the first person understanding or emotion behind these experiences since we were just babies during the time. So it's really interesting to see how the creature educates himself and how he has the ability to express how he felt encountering fire for the first time or hearing birds sing. Since we have become used to these things, we don't usually focus on them.
DeleteI agree! I also picked a quote from the creatures perspective, and it's amazing how we expect the creature to not know much but he actually does, and how we judge based on what the creature looks like. Even though he wasn't naturally born like humans and instead made by body parts from the grave he's just like us. But we don't really focus on that.
Delete"He raised her and and smiled with such kindness and affection that I felt sensations of a peculiar and overpowering nature; they were a mixture of pain and pleasure, such as I had never before experienced, either from hunger or cold, warmth or food; and I withdrew from the window, unable to bear these emotions"(114)
ReplyDeleteThis stood out to me the most, because we expect something abnormal, like a creature to not show affection, we also expect because he's a monster to automatically try to attack the family instead of observing them. Even though he isn't "normal" he can still feel even though he doesn't know what it is.He leaves because he is unaware of what he's feeling. Since his first time with a human they ran he doesn't understand affection. I also feel like that's what the creature wants the most is for someone to love him. "He raised her and smiled with such kindness and sensation of peculiar and overpowering nature" This also shows how he's observing how they are throughout the day because he desires it. He wants someone to love him, the way the family does to each other. That's why he doesn't leave.
I found it interesting you decided to choose a quote from the creature's perspective, as like Ismerlyn. I agree with the part where you say he doesn't understand affection. We expected the creature to not be able to talk, to not have the intellectual ability that he has... I think it's remarkable the connection he has with humans (although they aren't necessarily connecting with him). He learned to read, talk, and think like a human without having someone directly teach him that. He's tried to connect with them but everytime he is rejected. This shows his compassion outshines the hate that he receives. When it comes to Victor, I agree when you say the creature needs someone to love him- that person is Victor, the man who created him and gave him the ability to do all these things.
DeleteThis stood out to me also. He was able to feel whatever those people were feeling even though he doesn't know them and doesn't understand what they're feeling. Instead of him just seeing these people and going on with his life, he sticks around because they caught his attention with the way they're living. He uses them to learn. This shows that he wants to know how to be "normal" and human.
DeleteThe quote that you chose stood out to me as well, although I had a slightly different interpretation or understanding of the scene described as I saw it as another learning experience. The beginning of the creature's tale is a recount of his initial observations and instinctive reactions as he stumbles through the our, or really Frankenstein's, world. He depicts his time in the woods, his pangs of hunger satiated by picked berries, his feeling of the cold and discovery of a coat, and his discovery of fire, its warmth and dangers. His observation of the young girl and her family appeared to me as yet another learning experience, a lesson concerning emotional rather than physical survival. It interested me not because of his capability of emotion, but his inability to see others (in some respects). When he sees the young girl and watches her struggle with a bucket of milk, he determines his love for her (which was surprising, as it was a sort of love-at-first-stalking moment). When he, however, sees a similar love (possibly a more father-daughter or brother-sister love) exchanged between the young girl and the youth, he is unable to process the strength of such emotion. Assuming that the love was that between a father and daughter, I thought that his inability to look upon the exchange was possibly due to his own inexperience as his own creator/father screamed, fled and forever abandoned him. The creature had never felt or shared any love as strong as that he shrank away from.
DeleteI love that you chose this quote! Maybe it's saying that despite how valuable human knowledge can be, you can't overcome the will to feel things. Even when you don't know what it is you're feeling. If you put together the power of knowledge and feelings at the same time, however, it can be something even more magical. I think one of the reasons he loves the girl who is struggling with a bucket of milk is because he knows what it's like to struggle with "simple" things, and there is someone he finds who can relate. I don't believe he's a "monster" emotion-wise--I think people judge him by his looks too quickly and don't take the chance to see him as he carefully sees them.
DeleteThis was an extremely smart quote to pick to demonstrate the Creature's disposition towards humanity. The Creature is simply uneducated, and scared of how these new feelings can affect him in the future. Instead of trying to accept these emotions, as he does not know how, the Creature reacts with fear, in a similar fashion to how Frankenstein did. These new experiences, for both Frankenstein, in creating the monster, and the Creature, for seeing love, brought up questioning feelings in themselves, which immediately scared them. No one wants to be so self aware that their understanding of the world at large is questioned.
Delete"The wet wood which I had placed near the heat dried and itself became inflamed. I reflected on this, and by touching the various branches, I discovered the cause and busied myself in collecting a great quantity of wood, that I might dry it and have a plentiful supply of fire." (101)
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because you can see how the creature is learning all by himself. Even though he was abandoned, he's quickly discovering how to live on his own. He tries hard to get by with what he has. You can tell how grateful he was when he discovered the fire. It motivates him to find other things that will help him live his life.
I also saw this quote interesting because although the monster was abandoned, he never gave up in life and he did not care about how he looked. Later on, the monster does learn that his appearance fears the human society but that does not affect his decision in whether he should stay alive and be thankful of nature or give up in life and end his misery. It seems like the monster has some similar characteristics to Victor, his creator. Victor also has some kind of fear towards nature and life but at the same time, he is also interested in the human knowledge of nature. Both of them had lost something important and they both had the idea of whether they commit suicide or live on. Nature is an important key in the mind of life.
DeleteI absolutely agree with you. You can see how much the monster is leaning new things and everything surrounded by him. He is picking up on the little stuff humans do everyday and it shows how much he is growing as a person, or in other words becoming a person if you really think about it.
DeleteI also agree with this quote because it shows how the monster whats to be loved and is learning and growing stronger to have the love of a family. The monster wants to be with his "creater/dad" because he wants to be treated like others. He wants to feel accepted in his society and like hes apart of something that supports him because he has so much more to learn.
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DeleteI saw this quote as highly pleasing to myself as I came up with constant theories to why Frankenstein could be learning so quickly and what Mary Shelley has in store for the future and progress of Frankensteins abilities. By seeing his rapid progression in such a short time, I compared this to the slow comprehension of fire that early homo erectus's took a million years to accomplish. I asked to myself and to you other fellow readers; is Frankensteins brain have characteristics of a intelligent human being from which it came from? Or, does he actually just learn very rapidly from trial and error?
DeleteI too was impressed with this quote. I found that it showed a great deal of natural humaneness. It felt like a relief that the monster is capable of experiencing a genuine way of life, because it was unnaturally and unfairly brought into the world.
Delete"Have I not suffered enough, that you seek to increase my misery? Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it...Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel..." (96)
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, from the moment Frankenstein curses his creation with the gift of life to his immediate remorse to his eventual decision for vengeance against his creation (the supposed murderer of William and Justine), Shelley builds layers upon layers of character insight, traits and dynamics, adding depth to characters and revealing parallels between Frankenstein and his creation. Both man and monster are surprisingly intelligent and articulate for their self-taught beginnings. Both are plagued by discontent, loneliness and guilt. Both find their salvation and solace in the haven of Mother Nature. Yet, the characters place very different values on life, both human and monster. Frankenstein is not only quick to presume the monster's cold, cruel hand in the murder of his younger brother, but is quick to be consumed by hatred, vengeance and a desire to take away the life he created himself. He is ruled by sorrow, guilt and anger, awaking from nightmares filled with dread and covered in cold sweats; he, repeatedly, recounts thoughts of suicide. His creation, however, while suffering similarly and possibly even more greatly (as a monster and societal outcast), places a far greater value on the lives of himself and others. He understands the possibilities of happiness and opportunities for joy that could exist in the future. He, while really only six years old, appears to have knowledge of Biblical texts and beliefs, as well as a true understanding of the great worth of life, which Frankenstein blatantly disregarded when he capriciously created and subsequently abandoned a new life.
I really like your point about the parallels between Frankenstein and his monster and how he is quick to turn to hatred. I found it interesting how Frankenstein grew up in such a lovely family, with loving parents and basically a love interest as a sister. Afterwards, he creates something that when you look at it, actually is quite like him, and automatically blames it for a horrible crime, then turns to hatred. Whereas the creature is immediately put into a world of hatred and hardship, and all he is looking for is love and affection. These polar opposites I feel like add to your analysis of their similarities in character but opposites in circumstance.
Delete“One day, when I was oppressed by cold, I found a fire which had been left by some wandering beggars, and was overcome with delight at the warmth I experienced from it. In my joy I thrust my hand into the live embers, but quickly drew it out again with a cry of pain. I examined the materials of the fire, and to my joy found it to be composed of wood…I covered it carefully with dry wood and leaves and placed wet branches upon it; and then, spreading my cloak, I lay on the ground and sank into sleep”(101).
ReplyDeleteThis quote is a great example of the impact of nature that it has on the human body and other living organisms. Even if the creature does not know how the world works, nature teaches it the way of life. The creature was able to figure out the way to survive with the help of nature guiding its way. The nature also made a big impact on Victor Frankenstein’s life. Victor was shocked by the creation of life but nature made him rethink about what he has done and how he should take responsibility on it. Nature can guide and help the human mind and the “non-human” mind.
"... often, I say, I was tempted to plunge into the silent lake, that the waters might close over me and my calamities forever." (94)
ReplyDeleteVictor has just admitted that he has often considered suicide, but decided against it when he was reminded of Elizabeth and the rest of his family. This quote is really interesting when you consider what Victor's (and Mary Shelley's) views are on life and death. Victor has just given life to the creature, he's given him a wonderful if not the best gift of all. He immediately wishes the creature dead, even before he realized the creature killed William. He so easily decides on taking away life, and toys with it as though it has no value. He gives life and if that life doesn't please him then he wants to take it away, but life and death are not that simple and morally, you can't just kill a fully formed human because they don't please you. Now that he says that he wants to end his own life because of all his problems going on shows the reader how simple life and death are to Victor and Mary Shelley. Victor never considers how killing the creature would affect the world, but when it comes to himself he starts considering how his family would react and how it would make their lives worse. Life and death seem so easy when it comes to others but when you put yourself into the equation things get more complicated. This definitely stems from Mary Shelley's personal life, as so many of her relatives died from nature and a couple took their own lives. Perhaps this is Mary Shelley's way of showing the reader that life and death are unfair, and there really is no right or wrong answer.
I agree with you. It is interesting to look at how Victor is compared to God. In comparison to the latter, he gave life. We often believe that God takes away life also. It bring up this new idea of whether Victor has the right to take away the life of the creature. He does not think of the latter up until this point. He undermines the creature and does not think of it as a person but more of a tangible object. And earlier in the book he talks about the obligations parents have toward child and obviously he does not think of him as one. The more he accuses the creature of bad-doing the more he distances himself.
Delete“It is also a duty owed to yourself , for excessive sorrow prevents improvement or enjoyment, or even the discharge of daily usefulness, without which which no man is fit for society,” (86). This quote stood out to me because it tells us that we are all unhappy and should relax and take a moment to understand and take everything in. Life is stressful and it wont help you when it comes to your daily life. The unhappiness holds you back from accomplishing great things and makes useless in a society based on accomplishments. Not enjoying life makes it pointless to even live. You feel no purpose and don't want to achieve making society see you as worthless in a way. You should remove your self of sorrow to move forward into the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment, as being in such as state of depression can often leave a person unable to act or accomplish anything, and it comes to the point where someone's whole life is defined by whatever is depressing or repressing them. I think in Victor this is clearly shown, as when he realizes that the creature (most likely) killed William his entire life is thrown into depression, and it is hard for him to find any meaning in his life. This has alarmed his friends and family and not being able to tell anyone has prevented Victor from moving forward in your life as you explained, instead he has become a paranoid nervous creature.
DeleteI completely agree, and I think that the wording in this quote is particularly important. Here, Victors father is trying to console Victor, to help him move on from Williams and Justine's deaths, and he says that he owes it to himself to take pleasure in things, instead of comforting him in a gentler way. I think that Victor needed to hear this because it seems that after creating the monster, Victor is working to become "fit for society" again, and it took him almost two years to partially recover. But, if Victor believed that the deaths of William and Justine had nothing to do with him, then he might be able to recover more quickly; but, later on Victor says that his fathers advice was "totally inapplicable to my case", and that he can simply not move on, because he believes that it is his fault.
Delete"They elevated me from all littleness of feeling, and although they did not remove my grief, they subdued and tranquillized it". (101).
ReplyDeleteI found this quote very interesting cause he is really explaining how he feels. Not saying that he hasn't before in the book, but him just getting away shows how that has helped him not to get over the execution but for him to not have suicidal thoughts anymore. I honestly understand why he feels guilty, because the monster he has created has basically kill his family and believes it is all his fault. I personally think it is partially not all because to be honest, he is not responsible for the monster actions, but he was responsible for being there and not abandoning the monster. This was in a way a lesson to him, because that teaches him to never judge anyone by their appearance, because you never know what they're capable of.
I think this quote demonstrates how Victor is drowned in a pool of guiltiness and dismay that not even the love and benevolence of his family can console and relieve him of the agony he is faced with. However, when in the presence of nature he is moved and cheered by its beauty and wonders. This reveals nature's power and influence over Victor and how it can make a drastic change in his mood. The author demonstrates the romantic movement during this period of time and how the huge love and reliance of nature was a big factor in the society of the time.
Delete"I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed"(84).
ReplyDeleteIn what way is Frakenstein's monster a fallen angel, and how does that connect to how Victor views him?
The creature is describes as a fallen angel and not Adam shows the creature's resentment towards Victor as he chose to create a physically deformed monster, that he abhors instead of loving. The creature has done no misdeed, as he tells Victor, but is cursed for his appearance and his existence which he had not control over. Victor's strong hatred comes not from its physical appearance which resembles the very essence of fear, but from the fact he has created a living organism from the dead. This is echoed in an earlier passage, when Victor calls the creature a "filthy demon to whom I had given life". This implies the creature was already a demon before it was resurrected thus insuring it would always be a demon in Victor's mind. Victor, though unknowingly, created a creature that would find suffering wherever it turned, and he was setting himself up for disaster as no one can stay holy against the very outrage turned upon oneself for their mere existence. This resembles how the creature is a fallen angel, he started out pure and good but the ardent rage from the outside world cannot help but corrupt.
I agree, I think Victor subconsciously was aware that the creature would appear a demon to him even before he'd given the creature life. I wonder why Victor followed through and made the creature if he knew this would be their fate?
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ReplyDelete" I imagined that they would be disgusted, until, by my gentle demeanor and conciliating words, I should first win their favour and afterwards their love"(113).
ReplyDeleteIn this quote Frankenstein is revealed as creature with a child-like mind, innocent and naive. He knows that his different and alien appearance will cause people to fear and loathe him because people hate the unknown and unfamiliar. The creature is like a child who is born, naive, pure and good however as he faces and learns to live by societies rules he is transformed into a monster. Although internally he is benevolent and pure society sees him as a fiend and all the indifferences toward him make him believe that he is a monster so therefore he acts like one because that is what society made him to be. He believes that just by acting kind and having good attentions society will be able to see that and ignore his uniqueness and different appearance. But he does not know the cruelty of the world and how its function can destroy and create spirits and characters.
I agree with you Crystal, the creature really wants to be accepted into society, and will do anything in order to be perceived as this benevolent creature instead of a killing machine. To add on, I think it's really interesting how he only confronts Frankenstein when he is out in natures pit, and it may be because, as you said, societies rules has transformed into a monster. However, when he is out in nature, it is almost like he is just another creature, like he could almost be his true kind self and it is only in this state, that he can express to Frankenstein his feeling without having to deal with the cruelty and judgment of society.
Delete"It was dark when I awoke; I felt so cold also, half frightened, as it were instinctively, finding myself so desolate... I was a poor, helpless miserable wretch; I knew and could distinguish, nothing" (99)
ReplyDeleteThis quote was interesting to me because it proves how the monster is lacking companionship from his owner and the monster is finding it difficult to survive on his own. Ever since Frankenstein's abandonment towards his own creature the creature is having difficult time conforming to society and views humans as fiends rather than friends. It is the reason why he might have contributed to the death's of both William and Justine because he despises humans. Although, he was created by Frankenstein to be a man child and have human like characteristics, society perceives the creature to be a monster due to the fact that he looks rather peculiar. He feels rejected by society and he has no one to turn to, which is why he looks to Frankenstein to take care of him. He said, "It was dark when I awoke" means the dark is that he comes back from dead and he is hoping to seek the love he deserves from his owner. Companionship from his owner can only mean he doesn't have feel to "so cold also, half frightened, as it were instinctively, finding myself so desolate". The creature is learning things on his own and he inflicts danger and pain on humans as a response to Frankenstein's negligence towards him.
I agree that the creature is lacking companionship, however, I do not think he "views humans as fiends." On the contrary, he believes human view him as a fiend, as he confesses to Frankenstein, "You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow-creatures, who owe me nothing? They spurn and hate me" (103). He feels so lonely, and so unloved by his own creator, that he feels that everyone else will just despise him and perceive him as a monster. Maybe he turns to Frankenstein as you say, for companionship and for care, but also as his first steps to really getting to be apart of the society to which he was created into.
DeleteWow Isabel I didn't think about that! The creature has a hard time fitting into society already, that he might have been the reason to contribute both the death's of William and Justine, that Victor feels so guilty about. I agree with the point you made, he feels hurt by his creator and then society for treating him differently. Besides he is a man-child and wants to spread kindness to people, but How can the creature even do that if people keep ostracizing him?
Delete“Listen to my tale: when you have heard that, abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me. The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they are condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man!” (103).
ReplyDeleteThis quote stood out to me because the creature, who is seen as this fiend character in their society, wants to take more humane actions than Victor Frankenstein himself. Frankenstein wants to rely on his animalistic ways, and compete in a survival of the fittest competition knowing, that only one will survive. However, the creature, seems to be wiser than the creator and insists on his telling of the story. Much like Justine, who although the evidence depicted as guilty, was also put on trial because it’s a right. However, how much justice does this right actually do for the person put on trial? Society, or in this matter Frankenstein, already has this focused image of the accused. No matter the personal sob story they may say, the people (Frankenstein) already have a mind set for that person, and will most likely still want to do what they consider justice in order to save themselves from a horrid society with “killer creatures” on the loose. Even if these creatures are benevolent, innocent people who have done nothing wrong, society will still see them as evil beings.
I feel like here he sees how vicious society and the nature of man can be. He states " human laws" as a means to describe such a wretched existence. As one who can not seem to fit in because he isn't what humanity expected him to be. He is only a monster and nothing more simply for some physical differences. Change is something man kind despises. We love the old way of life, nothing new because we can not expect to know what's beyond the horizons of normality.
Delete"He turned on hearing a noise, and perceiving me, shrieked loudly, and quitting the hut, rean across the fields with a speed of which his debilitated form hardly appeared capable"(111)
ReplyDeleteWhile reading the illustrious chapters in which Frankenstein is portrayed as a gentle and affectionate lover rather then a savage monster, the resentment that receives whether it is from Victor or the man in the hut shows the disappointing common occurrence of humans "judging a book by the cover". I thought it was interesting to read even when it made me feel remorse for the troubled creature, as even when events such as Victor issuing futile threats of attacking the monster, the monster, speaking eloquently, persuades him to accompany him to a fire in a cave of ice as if he instantly forgives him. This shows "Judging a book by the cover" as Victor was so mean to to creature because of its grotesque looks when in reality it benefitted him from talking to his kind creation and learned a lesson that theres more to life that meets the eye. On a sad note, the man who saw Frankenstein in the hut did not learn the lesson as without getting to know the creature, he ran out of his house. In fact, he was so intimidated that the jolt his "debilitated form hardly appeared capable". Due to previous accounts, Would Frankenstein show affection to the man like he did to Victor? Or perhaps, was the man correct for "judging a book by the cover" as he might have killed the man like he did to William?
" Yet my heard overflowed with kindness and the love of virtue"
ReplyDeleteI find it ironic that Frankenstein can talk about something like " love" because he has created such a creature that murders and is untamed. This is not the monsters fault, but it is Frankensteins, for acting without preparing for reacting. He should have thought out what he was to do. So when he talks about how he feels like a good person, a righteous person it amuses me that one could feel that way after all the harm they have done to their community and their family.
"You have made me wretched beyond expression.You have left me no power to consider whether I am just to you or not."
ReplyDeleteThis quotation stood out to me because it was very telling on the creatures part. His life was cruel and this in all actuality was due to Frankenstein's carelessness and lack or responsibility towards him.The creature is here expressing how horrible Frankenstein has made him. The creature does not want to be bad, but is stuck in this situation where all he does is horrify people. This being constantly the case, the idea of the creature being bad was probably instilled into his brain, making him think negatively of himself. Frankenstein left the creature no choice and no chance either, so the creature here speaks out on how he has been given no power over his life. Frankenstein created the creature out of wanting to make scientific discoveries. However he failed to realize how selfish this was, because although the creature may have just been an experiment to him, the creature was still a living creature with a life of its own that was detrimentally affected by Victor. The creature did end up doing horrible things, but who's fault is this essentially?
I think power plays a huge part in this whole novel. The power to create. The power to kill. The power of nature. The power of man. A lack of power leads to a lot of negativity which as you point out pays a major role. Victor says that whatever he creates will be in debted to him more than any other relationship could call for and he's right. But that debt, that sacrifice of power drives the creature mad. Everyone wants a voice that can be heard.
Delete"My rage was without bounds; I sprang on him, impelled by all feeling which one can arm one being against another... 'Everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded...' 'Begone! I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies'" (90-91).
ReplyDeleteThis quote, as well the whole first interaction between Frankenstein and the Creature, interested me because demonstrated clearly is how competition pits creatures against each other, and how easily this competition can corrupt humanity. The Creature was clearly a innocent creature when he was first created, employing "goodness and compassion" (91), but Frankenstein, feeling endangered by this possibly abominable and, possibly even superior, as Frankenstein created the Creature was made to be "more powerful" (91) thank Frankenstein, immediately reactions with fear and anger. This sense that in some way, the Creature was a danger to Frankenstein, forces them to clash with each other and causes the Creature to become a "fallen angel" (91), never truly knowing the norms of humanity or the affection of another being. Frankenstein does not mean to harm his creation, but rather defaults to a natural human reaction to the new and bold: fear.
"Sometimes I could cope with the sullen despair that overwhelmed me: but sometimes the whirlwind passions of my soul drove me to seek, by bodily exercise and by change of place, some relief from my intolerable sensations." -97
ReplyDeleteHe's a child on the run and this quote shows that. He's in search of constant distractions. He's unable to live with himself so he does everything he can to not have to. He's emotionally available enough to feel despair and that's the problem. He's not insane in his response. He's utterly honest in his response to the creation of the creature and it would drive most people mad. People make mistakes. That's not the hard part. It's living with them thats the challenge.
"I wandered like an evil spirit, for I had committed deeds of mischief beyond decription horrible, and more much more was yet behind" Pg 85
ReplyDeleteVictor Frankenstein is beginning to feel more and more vicious and morally similar to that of a monster, specifically the one he created. There's not much differenciating the two. Frankenstein, instead of confessing his crimes against humanity and nature, he decided to conceal this deed and let other suffer from his discoveries. Right now, there are no differences between him and the monster. They are both attempting to hide and confide themselves from the world. Both are scared from judgement, and both are scared of lonliness. These factors go hand in hand and surprising can cause pain, and suffering while trying to achieve those atributions.
"The silver hair and benevolent countenance of the aged cottager won my reverence, while the gentle manners of the girl enticed my love." (114)
ReplyDeleteAs Frankenstein's creature tells his story, he eloquently describes the emotions that he felt when he was "young". This quote stood out to me because even as the creature had lived for not very long, he was feeling these emotions as a grown man and was "unable to bear" them. I believe that as a child, one goes through these phases of learning new experiences and emotions, however does not remember them because they soon grow past them and forget. But because Frankenstein's creation had the mind of a full grown man, he remembered these emotions and was successful in detailing them to his creator. And so what? I believe that the creature's ability to tell this story and remember all his emotions foreshadows an opposition that is to come in the book. Joelle previously mentioned the opposition between Frankenstein and his creation, and this quote builds on that idea, that he has all of this self-awareness and need for love and basically these characteristics that he never got to fulfill because of his existence as a horrifying creature, which will turn him into the fiend that they all think he is, whereas Frankenstein grew up happy and healthy until his mother died, and he was always looking for more knowledge and had every opportunity to fulfill this desire, and he ended up miserable and terrified.