"I often referred the several situations, as their similarity struck me to my own. Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being in existence; but his state was far differentfrom mine in every other respect." page 124
This brings up an intresting form of allusion and comparision. The story of Adam and Eve is very well known. Evryone knows the story but if you look closely there really are a lot of similaritites to the story of Frankenstein. This also brings religion into the picture. the creature is different from Adam becaue he is not loved by his creator and he is not as perfectly made as adam. This shows how Victor failed in his attempt in playing God and in doing so made an immoral sin that resulted in the creature suffering. The story is also were the creature may have gotten the idea that he wanted a lady friend. He saw that God made Adam a lady and he didn't want to be lonely either. THe stories parallel each other very well but show that human actions can not compare to God's actions.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Conclusion
"Farewell! I leave you, and in you the last of humankind whome these eyes will ever behold. Farewell, Frankenstein!" page 211
THis was a rather anitclimatic ending in a way. Everyone in Victor's life is dead and the monster plans to kill himself. Fortunately for me I'm one of those people who enjoy these types of endings. It was sad yet taught alot about human nature. We may be filled with anger and seek revenge but when we see the effects of our wrong doings we are remorseful. (If only the monster would have realized this before he killed everyone..). We also learn that our hateful actions will come back around to us. Both Victor and the monster realize that it was because of their own hate that so many people died. I think it would have been really interesting if the story would have gone in a different way. FOr example, if Frankenstien would have created the monster a lady friend. He mentions that he worries they will have children etc. I think that could have made a pretty good sequal.
THis was a rather anitclimatic ending in a way. Everyone in Victor's life is dead and the monster plans to kill himself. Fortunately for me I'm one of those people who enjoy these types of endings. It was sad yet taught alot about human nature. We may be filled with anger and seek revenge but when we see the effects of our wrong doings we are remorseful. (If only the monster would have realized this before he killed everyone..). We also learn that our hateful actions will come back around to us. Both Victor and the monster realize that it was because of their own hate that so many people died. I think it would have been really interesting if the story would have gone in a different way. FOr example, if Frankenstien would have created the monster a lady friend. He mentions that he worries they will have children etc. I think that could have made a pretty good sequal.
Parallelism
"Hideouse Monster let me go!" page 136
"Great God who are you!" page 128
Through out the story there is a repeating theme of rejection. THe monster is first rejected by his creator, then the cottagers, then William, then the girl he tried to save. In fact this repeated rejection is what lead him to act appon his hatred for victor. Another theme that is associated with this is that the people fear and hate the creature because of his looks. The reader understands that he only seeks companionship and love. The monster makes a comment when he frames Justine for murder that he learned his evil ways from man. THis is certainly the case. THe monster starts out lost and reaching for his creator and ends up being constanly rejected to the point of hating his life and not caring for the lives around him. Prejeduce and hatred inspire his actions and are the driving force in the story.
"Great God who are you!" page 128
Through out the story there is a repeating theme of rejection. THe monster is first rejected by his creator, then the cottagers, then William, then the girl he tried to save. In fact this repeated rejection is what lead him to act appon his hatred for victor. Another theme that is associated with this is that the people fear and hate the creature because of his looks. The reader understands that he only seeks companionship and love. The monster makes a comment when he frames Justine for murder that he learned his evil ways from man. THis is certainly the case. THe monster starts out lost and reaching for his creator and ends up being constanly rejected to the point of hating his life and not caring for the lives around him. Prejeduce and hatred inspire his actions and are the driving force in the story.
Foreshadowing
"I will revenge my injuries; if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear, and cheifly towards you my arch enemy, because my creator, do I swear inextinguishable hatred." page 139
All of the Creature's story is told by him to Frankenstien. When he ends his tale with his request for a lady friend he says if Frankenstien fails he will certainly kill everyone he loves and make him as lonely as he is himself. Frankenstein makes a comment to Walton about how he really did kill Henry. This clues in the reader that Victor will fail in making the lady friend and his loved ones will die. While there are brief glimpses of forshadowing through out the story this is the most dramatic because it basically tells us how the next few chapters are going to go. The author uses this technique when the frame story shifts becasue there are over lapping events such as the death of william and finding out who killed him. This made the story more interesting because we know what happens a little bit but we find out the other sides of the story at separate times.
All of the Creature's story is told by him to Frankenstien. When he ends his tale with his request for a lady friend he says if Frankenstien fails he will certainly kill everyone he loves and make him as lonely as he is himself. Frankenstein makes a comment to Walton about how he really did kill Henry. This clues in the reader that Victor will fail in making the lady friend and his loved ones will die. While there are brief glimpses of forshadowing through out the story this is the most dramatic because it basically tells us how the next few chapters are going to go. The author uses this technique when the frame story shifts becasue there are over lapping events such as the death of william and finding out who killed him. This made the story more interesting because we know what happens a little bit but we find out the other sides of the story at separate times.
Irony
"It is true that I am a wretch. I have murdered the lovely and the helpless; I have strangled the Innocent as they slept and grasped to death his throat who never injured me or any other living thing. I have devoted my creator, the seclect specimen of all that is Worthy of my love and admiration"
WHAT!!? This whole time the monster has been devoted to revenge. He sought out Victor and killed his loved ones. It was completely unexpected to find him weeping over Victor's dead body. I think this further goes to show the human-like emotions that the creaute portrayed in the beginning of the novel. We see that the creature feels guilt. Through out the story, the monster struggles with lack of purpose and social interaction. He finds purpose when he seeks revenge on Victor. But in the end he is horrified with what he has done and despises his life. This is another form of ironic doubling because Victor died hating what he had done. This was an ironic twist of events that really shows the truth about the monster and humanity as a whole in his response.
WHAT!!? This whole time the monster has been devoted to revenge. He sought out Victor and killed his loved ones. It was completely unexpected to find him weeping over Victor's dead body. I think this further goes to show the human-like emotions that the creaute portrayed in the beginning of the novel. We see that the creature feels guilt. Through out the story, the monster struggles with lack of purpose and social interaction. He finds purpose when he seeks revenge on Victor. But in the end he is horrified with what he has done and despises his life. This is another form of ironic doubling because Victor died hating what he had done. This was an ironic twist of events that really shows the truth about the monster and humanity as a whole in his response.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Splice
There is a movie that has just come out in the past year called "Splice". In this movie, two scientists create a kind of clone out of genetic studies etc. When the clone is first created, they are disgusted and scared of their creation. They don't fully comprehend what they have created and if they even should have. Through the story there is a debate over weather this is moral or not. In the end the clone kills them all (sorry spoiler). This story is very similar to Frankenstien. HE is disgusted with his creation. Weather it be over morals or appearance, it is unsure. (another spoiler!) ALso similar is that Frankenstiens creation kills his loved ones. The Splice movie was like a modern day Frankenstien with some really weird sci-fi twists. In both stories the scientists feel responible for their creations. This is a theme of the book.
Monster!!!
If you were to ask anyone who has not read the oringinal verion of Frankenstien, they would 1. say Frankenstien is the monster not the doctor and B. Say that Frankenstien is an angry terrifying monster! However, us wise scholars who have indulged in the REAL story have discovered that the "monster" may very well be gentel in nature. Frankenstien is not an mad scientist in the ways that movies deplict him. However he is obsessive with his work. There is no flash of lightening and rejoicing from Frankenstien. In fact Frankenstien is immediately disgusted by his creation. It is odd how media and Hollywood always distorts the true story to please the audience. However they miss out on all the themes of the story and the lessons it teaches of human nature. On another note, I think its really sad that Frankenstien instanly rejects his creation. I automatically thought of a small child looking to its parents and being turned away because they are ugly or the parent decied they were a bad idea after all. poor creature thing :(
Imagery
"Heaven shower blessings on you, and save me, that i may again and again tesify my fratitude for all your love and kindness." page 18
Mary Shelly uses tons of flowery imagery. this gives the reader a great description of the scenery and the characters. It helps the reader understand the plot more thouroughly. However it has caused some confusion in class discussion. In walton's letters to his sister he describes his love for her in such a flowery fashion that is sounds like the the love of lovers not family members. Walton is also very similar to Victor who married his sister. This can cause some confusion as to Walton's and margrets relationship. However it is important to take into acount the time eara of the story and the poetic background of the author. Most of this descriptive language is hyperbole but helps the reader to understand scenery and emotions more clearly.
Mary Shelly uses tons of flowery imagery. this gives the reader a great description of the scenery and the characters. It helps the reader understand the plot more thouroughly. However it has caused some confusion in class discussion. In walton's letters to his sister he describes his love for her in such a flowery fashion that is sounds like the the love of lovers not family members. Walton is also very similar to Victor who married his sister. This can cause some confusion as to Walton's and margrets relationship. However it is important to take into acount the time eara of the story and the poetic background of the author. Most of this descriptive language is hyperbole but helps the reader to understand scenery and emotions more clearly.
Structure/style
"Letter 1 To Mrs. Saville, England St. Petersburgh Dec. 11th" Page 15
The beginning of the novel is told to us through Walton's letters to his sister. Later he also writes in his journal. This is a very informative structure for the reader and lets them learn alot about the characters right away. First of all the very first line tells us the setting, the date, and one of the valued characters in the story. Further more, this structure allows the reader to understand the narrators inner feelings and experiences. In the case of Walton we learn of his past events that have lead him up to this point. This is slightly unrealistic because he is writing to his sister who would already know his past. The important details are included in these letters because they are short summaries of what the character has been doing, just like a real letter would be. However this does help the reader understand the story more thoroughly.
The beginning of the novel is told to us through Walton's letters to his sister. Later he also writes in his journal. This is a very informative structure for the reader and lets them learn alot about the characters right away. First of all the very first line tells us the setting, the date, and one of the valued characters in the story. Further more, this structure allows the reader to understand the narrators inner feelings and experiences. In the case of Walton we learn of his past events that have lead him up to this point. This is slightly unrealistic because he is writing to his sister who would already know his past. The important details are included in these letters because they are short summaries of what the character has been doing, just like a real letter would be. However this does help the reader understand the story more thoroughly.
Frame Strory
"..listen to my history and you will understand how irrevocably it is determined." page 29
In the first six chapters we learn of Walton and his quest to the North Pole. HE begins the book as the sole narrator. However, this changes when Victor Frankenstein is taken aboard. For awhile we learn about Frankenstein through Walton's narrations but later Frankenstein desires to tell Walton his story. While we are learning Walton's story, we are then learning Frankensteins story and later in the book we will learn the monster's story. This frame story structure allows the narration of the book to be switched from character to character. It also allows for direct characterization. We learn the way that Walton thinks and who/what he values most. When Frankenstein is the narrator we learn the same things about him. I think this is an interesting way to tell a story because we can learn the plot from all view points and there are different events happening at the same time.
In the first six chapters we learn of Walton and his quest to the North Pole. HE begins the book as the sole narrator. However, this changes when Victor Frankenstein is taken aboard. For awhile we learn about Frankenstein through Walton's narrations but later Frankenstein desires to tell Walton his story. While we are learning Walton's story, we are then learning Frankensteins story and later in the book we will learn the monster's story. This frame story structure allows the narration of the book to be switched from character to character. It also allows for direct characterization. We learn the way that Walton thinks and who/what he values most. When Frankenstein is the narrator we learn the same things about him. I think this is an interesting way to tell a story because we can learn the plot from all view points and there are different events happening at the same time.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
THEND
As I began reading this novel, I was a little worried because I had been told that the ending was not well written and was disapointing. However, I found the ending to leave the reading feeling like the story wasn't really over but it was hopeful. I think this make the story seem more realistic. In reality, problems are never totally resolved but we hope that in the end it will be more positive with a brighter future. I especially found it interesting that Amir has humbled himself from the boy we betrays his servant to the man who servs the servants son in America. I think this was a good use of irony that demonstrates how Amir was redeeming himself and his father for their betrayal. The ending was stylized in a way that left the reader wondering what would happen next and kept them thinking about it for days. It also reflected on the major themes.
DYNAMIC CHARACTER
DYNAMIC CHARACTER is one who changes in some important way as a result of the story’s action.
pg. 371 " for you a thousand times over"
Amir is a dynamic character that finally, after more than 30 years, learns his lesson and has almost changed completely in dynamics. Amir begins the story as a child seeking only his father's acknowledgment. He is selfish and cowardly and will never fight his own battles. This is something that Amir struggles with for most of his life. He slowly begins to out grow this when he is living in American and has to take care of his father. Latter when he goes to Afghanistan he realizes there is no one to fight his battles for him any more and he has to redeem himself. Amir makes up for his past selfishness and fights for sohrab. He treats Sorab like a son and serves him however he can. Hassan said the quote above to Amir when they were children. This quote is repeated by Amir to Hassan's son at the end of the story. Just as Hassan loved Amir and would serve him forever, so would Amir serve and love Sohrab. This is a complete change of Amir's characterization as a child and earlier in the book.
pg. 371 " for you a thousand times over"
Amir is a dynamic character that finally, after more than 30 years, learns his lesson and has almost changed completely in dynamics. Amir begins the story as a child seeking only his father's acknowledgment. He is selfish and cowardly and will never fight his own battles. This is something that Amir struggles with for most of his life. He slowly begins to out grow this when he is living in American and has to take care of his father. Latter when he goes to Afghanistan he realizes there is no one to fight his battles for him any more and he has to redeem himself. Amir makes up for his past selfishness and fights for sohrab. He treats Sorab like a son and serves him however he can. Hassan said the quote above to Amir when they were children. This quote is repeated by Amir to Hassan's son at the end of the story. Just as Hassan loved Amir and would serve him forever, so would Amir serve and love Sohrab. This is a complete change of Amir's characterization as a child and earlier in the book.
Theme
THEME the insight about human life that is revealed in a literary work.
pg. 359 " I wondered if that was how forgivness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."
pg. 226 " Baba and I were more alike than I ever would have thought we had both betrayed the people who would have given thier lives for us."
There are two themes of the book that really stand out. First is that of betrayal. Amir betrays Hassan when he does not help him when he is being raped. This betrayal is an underlying motive for Amir's actions through out the rest of the book. Later in the story we learn that Baba had betrayed Ali and lied to Amir and Hassan his entire life. This lie was the reason why Ali and Hassan were treated differently around the house and why Baba was so attached to Hassan. This theme of Betrayal is accompanied by a theme of forgiveness and seeking redemption. Amir's guilt is always present. It is constantly driving him to make certain choices such as going back to afghanistan and adopting Sohrab. These themes connect the plot of the story together and teach a lesson to the reader.
pg. 359 " I wondered if that was how forgivness budded, not with the fanfare of epiphany, but with pain gathering its things, packing up, and slipping away unannounced in the middle of the night."
pg. 226 " Baba and I were more alike than I ever would have thought we had both betrayed the people who would have given thier lives for us."
There are two themes of the book that really stand out. First is that of betrayal. Amir betrays Hassan when he does not help him when he is being raped. This betrayal is an underlying motive for Amir's actions through out the rest of the book. Later in the story we learn that Baba had betrayed Ali and lied to Amir and Hassan his entire life. This lie was the reason why Ali and Hassan were treated differently around the house and why Baba was so attached to Hassan. This theme of Betrayal is accompanied by a theme of forgiveness and seeking redemption. Amir's guilt is always present. It is constantly driving him to make certain choices such as going back to afghanistan and adopting Sohrab. These themes connect the plot of the story together and teach a lesson to the reader.
FOIL
FOIL A character who acts as contrast to another character. Often a funny side kick to the dashing hero, or a villain contrasting the hero.
pg. 221 "A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who won't stand up for anything."
It is a reoccuring theme, the desire Amir has for his father to be proud of him. It is what causes Amir to make the decision not to help Hassan and it is what makes Amir believe that he is a weak man. Baba has stories of fighting a bear and he is admired by the entire afghan community for his donations and strong will. One event that really shows Baba's character is when he stands up to the Russian soldier who wants to rape the Afghan woman in order for the travelers to pass. Amir, on the other hand, won't fight for himself when the other boys pick on him. He is not athletic and would rather stay inside and read a book. Baba is disapointed with Amir constantly and becomes frustrated with Amir's emotions. This direct contrast is what drives the plot of the story. Amir would have helped Hassan if it woudn't have put his father's pride in jepordy. Hassan may have continued to live with Amir and would have gone to America. Amir wouldn't have felt like he needed to prove himself to be couragous when he travels back to affghanistan, if Baba hadn't been always shutting him down.
pg. 221 "A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who won't stand up for anything."
It is a reoccuring theme, the desire Amir has for his father to be proud of him. It is what causes Amir to make the decision not to help Hassan and it is what makes Amir believe that he is a weak man. Baba has stories of fighting a bear and he is admired by the entire afghan community for his donations and strong will. One event that really shows Baba's character is when he stands up to the Russian soldier who wants to rape the Afghan woman in order for the travelers to pass. Amir, on the other hand, won't fight for himself when the other boys pick on him. He is not athletic and would rather stay inside and read a book. Baba is disapointed with Amir constantly and becomes frustrated with Amir's emotions. This direct contrast is what drives the plot of the story. Amir would have helped Hassan if it woudn't have put his father's pride in jepordy. Hassan may have continued to live with Amir and would have gone to America. Amir wouldn't have felt like he needed to prove himself to be couragous when he travels back to affghanistan, if Baba hadn't been always shutting him down.
ALLEGORY
ALLEGORY story or poem in which characters, settings, and events stand for other people or events or for abstract ideas or qualities.
pg. 239, 261, 295 (Dreams)
Through out the story the narrator has many dreams that symbolize other characters and events. These often point out an underlying theme, forshadow an event, or symbolize the true feelings of the characters. These dreams have symbols through out. for example, on page 239 Amir sees a man getting shot, realizes that it is Hassan, and then later realizes that he is the man shotting the gun. This is symbolic of Hassan being trapped in his race, social status, and country. It also demonstrates how AMir feels he betrayed Hassan by not fighting for him and leaving him in Afghanistan where he was killed. This dream shows Amir's emmense guilt. This allegory clues the reader into themes with an event that they can connect to the story.
pg. 239, 261, 295 (Dreams)
Through out the story the narrator has many dreams that symbolize other characters and events. These often point out an underlying theme, forshadow an event, or symbolize the true feelings of the characters. These dreams have symbols through out. for example, on page 239 Amir sees a man getting shot, realizes that it is Hassan, and then later realizes that he is the man shotting the gun. This is symbolic of Hassan being trapped in his race, social status, and country. It also demonstrates how AMir feels he betrayed Hassan by not fighting for him and leaving him in Afghanistan where he was killed. This dream shows Amir's emmense guilt. This allegory clues the reader into themes with an event that they can connect to the story.
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