"I couldn't forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified. It was all very careless and confused. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made..." (181).
This was the most profound quote in the book for me, and it summarized the preceding action well. Throughout the novel, the rich lived without care and concern, harboring secrets while socializing at the summer parties. Tom, Daisy, Gatsby, and even Myrtle Wilson all caused havoc in their own lives but never took responsibility. Others were left to deal with the messes they left behind. This was one of the key points that separated Nick from the others; he cared about others. The wealth these people had could protect them from responsibility, but it couldn't make them happy or truly satisfied. I think this is a theme in the novel, how unsatisfied the rich were as they acted with carelessness. The damaging consequences serve as a warning, showing how the carefree, lavish lifestyle leads to corruption and destruction.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Symbols and the Protagonist: The Great Gatsby
"The locality was always vaguely disquieting, even in the broad glare of the afternoon, and now I turned my head as though I had been warned of something behind. Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that the other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity..." (125).
Although I originally thought that Gatsby would be the protagonist with his name being in the title and all, but I came to the conclusion that Nick is the protagonist in the story. He suffers an external conflict with society, and he doesn't ever fit in with their personalities or lifestyles. This conflict is shown throughout his interactions with everyone, but I think it might also be represented in some reoccurring scenery. The eyes of Dr. Eckleburg passed judgement on Nick and his companions many times as they passed by the ash. Those giant eyes were always watching, and I got the impression that they looked on with disapproval and scorn. The ashheaps made the location seem desolate and hopeless, and nothing really positive occurred by the ash. I think that whole area with the eyes and the ash represent how their careless lifestyle was not free of consequence, and someone was always watching their lives. They never had any secrets with those eyes watching. The characters couldn't escape the eyes or the desperation of the ashheaps even when they weren't at the physical spot.
Although I originally thought that Gatsby would be the protagonist with his name being in the title and all, but I came to the conclusion that Nick is the protagonist in the story. He suffers an external conflict with society, and he doesn't ever fit in with their personalities or lifestyles. This conflict is shown throughout his interactions with everyone, but I think it might also be represented in some reoccurring scenery. The eyes of Dr. Eckleburg passed judgement on Nick and his companions many times as they passed by the ash. Those giant eyes were always watching, and I got the impression that they looked on with disapproval and scorn. The ashheaps made the location seem desolate and hopeless, and nothing really positive occurred by the ash. I think that whole area with the eyes and the ash represent how their careless lifestyle was not free of consequence, and someone was always watching their lives. They never had any secrets with those eyes watching. The characters couldn't escape the eyes or the desperation of the ashheaps even when they weren't at the physical spot.
The Not so Great Gatsby
"'And she doesn't understand,' he said. 'She used to be able to understand. We'd sit for hours-'...'Can't repeat the past?' he cried incredulously. 'Why of course you can!' He looked around him wildly, as if the past were lurking here in the shadow of his house, just out of the reach of his hand" (111).
Throughout Nick's entire relationship with Gatsby, I thought that the rich man was strange. Even though he threw these lavish parties with many people in attendance, he was not especially social. In fact, his social encounters were sort of awkward. His actions were abrupt and sharp, like when he looked around wildly. I picture him like a cornered animal, acting erratically and slightly defensive. I don't know if the author wanted him to come off as that weird, but I definitely got a strange vibe from him. I wasn't really sympathetic towards him, even when he was pursuing Daisy. The whole mystery surrounding him confused me, especially because in the beginning Nick said Gatsby turned out alright. Maybe Nick was talking about how Gatsby turned out to be alright as a person. Since he died at the end, I would guess that Nick didn't mean that Gatsby's situation was alright.
Throughout Nick's entire relationship with Gatsby, I thought that the rich man was strange. Even though he threw these lavish parties with many people in attendance, he was not especially social. In fact, his social encounters were sort of awkward. His actions were abrupt and sharp, like when he looked around wildly. I picture him like a cornered animal, acting erratically and slightly defensive. I don't know if the author wanted him to come off as that weird, but I definitely got a strange vibe from him. I wasn't really sympathetic towards him, even when he was pursuing Daisy. The whole mystery surrounding him confused me, especially because in the beginning Nick said Gatsby turned out alright. Maybe Nick was talking about how Gatsby turned out to be alright as a person. Since he died at the end, I would guess that Nick didn't mean that Gatsby's situation was alright.
James Gatz to Jay Gatsby
"So he invented just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen-year-old boy would be likely to invent, and to this conception he was faithful to the end" (99).
The parties and the grandeur of the characters' lifestyles were used a distractions from their unhappiness, and everything about that group of people was not genuine. Even the mysterious and incredibly wealthy Jay Gatsby was not who he seemed to be; he was instead an illusion conjured up in his teen years. No one really knew who Gatsby was because the man before them was not truly a Gatsby. He morphed himself into the kind of man he thought he needed to be to be successful. He had to distance himself from James Gatz, the poor farmers' boy, in order to live in the rich society of New York. The more he became Gatsby, the more he left his former life behind and turned into the restless, strange rich man Nick knew. I thought having this other life that he rarely spoke about made Gatsby less genuine. The novel talks about how he formed this conception about himself and let that consume him; he hardly ever disclosed his true identity or story. I think this covering of his past and becoming the unsatisfied, corrupt "businessman" led to the events surrounding his demise.
The parties and the grandeur of the characters' lifestyles were used a distractions from their unhappiness, and everything about that group of people was not genuine. Even the mysterious and incredibly wealthy Jay Gatsby was not who he seemed to be; he was instead an illusion conjured up in his teen years. No one really knew who Gatsby was because the man before them was not truly a Gatsby. He morphed himself into the kind of man he thought he needed to be to be successful. He had to distance himself from James Gatz, the poor farmers' boy, in order to live in the rich society of New York. The more he became Gatsby, the more he left his former life behind and turned into the restless, strange rich man Nick knew. I thought having this other life that he rarely spoke about made Gatsby less genuine. The novel talks about how he formed this conception about himself and let that consume him; he hardly ever disclosed his true identity or story. I think this covering of his past and becoming the unsatisfied, corrupt "businessman" led to the events surrounding his demise.
A Thought to End With: The Great Gatsby
"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter- tomorrow we will run faster, stretch our arms out farther...And one fine morning- So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past" (182).
The only somewhat optimistic part of this whole book were the final lines of the novel that gave a glimmer of hope for the future. Although it sounds like the current keeps pushing them back, at least they keep trying to achieve a goal. Nick seems to be fighting society, like when he mentions how the people at Gatsby's party are so stupid. He never really fits in with the rest of the high society types, but they seemed more lost in the world than he did. They are the people fighting the current and being pushed back as the future recedes. There came a point in people's lives when they seemed to give up, like when Daisy and Gatsby cannot be with each other. Even their riches and materials could not bring them happiness or closure. This is a theme in the novel, centered around the meaningless society events that Nick attended as he watched the people be pushed back by the current. They were never really happy, just bored and unsatisfied most of the time. The quote seemed really profound to me and appropriate to end the novel.
The only somewhat optimistic part of this whole book were the final lines of the novel that gave a glimmer of hope for the future. Although it sounds like the current keeps pushing them back, at least they keep trying to achieve a goal. Nick seems to be fighting society, like when he mentions how the people at Gatsby's party are so stupid. He never really fits in with the rest of the high society types, but they seemed more lost in the world than he did. They are the people fighting the current and being pushed back as the future recedes. There came a point in people's lives when they seemed to give up, like when Daisy and Gatsby cannot be with each other. Even their riches and materials could not bring them happiness or closure. This is a theme in the novel, centered around the meaningless society events that Nick attended as he watched the people be pushed back by the current. They were never really happy, just bored and unsatisfied most of the time. The quote seemed really profound to me and appropriate to end the novel.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Style/ Theme: The Great Gatsby
"The instant her voice broke off, ceasing to compel my attention, my belief, I felt the basic insincerity of what she had said. It made me uneasy, as though the whole evening had been a trick of some sort to exact a contributory emotion from me. I waited, and sure enough, in a moment she looked at me with an absolute smirk on her lovely face, as if she had asserted her membership in a rather distinguished secret society to which she and Tom belonged" (18).
The author seems to be giving subtle commentary on the lives of the rich characters. Their personalities, motivations, and secrets are slowly revealed as Nick gets deeper into their social circle. Nick's tone overall seems neutral with instances of suspicion and unhappiness as he tries to fit in with this crowd. The author's tone seems more ironic and perhaps satirical as the characters as described as arrogant and insincere. The theme will be embodied by the characters and their choices in life, and the message may not be too positive. The characters obviously lead a life of excess and low morals for the time period, as shown by the descriptions of their actions and character. Much mystery surrounds the characters, as seen with Nick's interactions with Daisy, Jordan, and Gatsby especially. There seems to a tone of disapproval in regards to the characters' actions.
The author seems to be giving subtle commentary on the lives of the rich characters. Their personalities, motivations, and secrets are slowly revealed as Nick gets deeper into their social circle. Nick's tone overall seems neutral with instances of suspicion and unhappiness as he tries to fit in with this crowd. The author's tone seems more ironic and perhaps satirical as the characters as described as arrogant and insincere. The theme will be embodied by the characters and their choices in life, and the message may not be too positive. The characters obviously lead a life of excess and low morals for the time period, as shown by the descriptions of their actions and character. Much mystery surrounds the characters, as seen with Nick's interactions with Daisy, Jordan, and Gatsby especially. There seems to a tone of disapproval in regards to the characters' actions.
Techniques: The Great Gatsby
"In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. 'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told me, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had'" (1).
The author did not dive right into the story on Nick and Gatsby; instead the novel began with a brief reflection in which Nick talks about judging others and Gatsby. This piece included a quote and a statement about Gatsby that hinted at future events, but it really created more questions. The beginning serves a greater purpose, but I expect that to come back into play at the end. Nick has been telling the story in the first person point of view, giving the reader insight into the lives of his friends and neighbors. Nick does not appear to be overly wealthy and lives in a smaller house, so he is on the outside of the wealthy circle. His associations allow him to join the rich at parties and dinners, and he shares those events with the reader. He rarely makes a judgmental comment on the happenings he tells and instead gives the facts of the event. He shares his observations with dramatic irony as the reader learns the secrets of his acquaintances.
The author did not dive right into the story on Nick and Gatsby; instead the novel began with a brief reflection in which Nick talks about judging others and Gatsby. This piece included a quote and a statement about Gatsby that hinted at future events, but it really created more questions. The beginning serves a greater purpose, but I expect that to come back into play at the end. Nick has been telling the story in the first person point of view, giving the reader insight into the lives of his friends and neighbors. Nick does not appear to be overly wealthy and lives in a smaller house, so he is on the outside of the wealthy circle. His associations allow him to join the rich at parties and dinners, and he shares those events with the reader. He rarely makes a judgmental comment on the happenings he tells and instead gives the facts of the event. He shares his observations with dramatic irony as the reader learns the secrets of his acquaintances.
Setting: The Great Gatsby
"Outside the wind was loud and there was a faint flow of thunder along the Sound. All the lights were going on in West Egg now; the electric trains, men-carrying, were plunging home through the rain from New York. It was the hour of a profound human change, and excitement was generating on the air" (96).
The location and the time frame are specific and probably contribute greatly to the theme. From what I have read, I think the theme will comment on the behavior of the rich, but I am not entirely sure what the overall message is. However, New York never sleeps and houses many wealthy people. This is an ideal place for the rich to enjoy their lavish lifestyles, even in the early nineteen hundreds. The story takes place during the '20s, a time of lavish living without a thought to expenses. The novel most likely contains truth about the lifestyles during that time period. The book was published in 1925, so the author experienced life during that time. That experience translated into a novel dealing with the actions of the rich.
The location and the time frame are specific and probably contribute greatly to the theme. From what I have read, I think the theme will comment on the behavior of the rich, but I am not entirely sure what the overall message is. However, New York never sleeps and houses many wealthy people. This is an ideal place for the rich to enjoy their lavish lifestyles, even in the early nineteen hundreds. The story takes place during the '20s, a time of lavish living without a thought to expenses. The novel most likely contains truth about the lifestyles during that time period. The book was published in 1925, so the author experienced life during that time. That experience translated into a novel dealing with the actions of the rich.
Characterization: The Great Gatsby
"Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward. Not even the effeminate swank of his riding clothes could hide the enormous power of that body... It was a body capable of enormous leverage- a cruel body" (7).
Most of the characterization has been to describe the rich people with whom Nick socializes. Although the author describes their physical appearances, the adjective choice reveals much about their personal character as well. They all seem to have an assumed arrogance and behave as stereotypical rich people. They lounge about and enjoy their riches by hosting parties and dinners. I think the characterization will lend itself to a social commentary since the novel revolves around the wealthy and their unsavory behavior. Nick, Jordan, and Gatsby are so far the only characters with any depth to them. Since they are the main characters, I expect the others to act as flat characters and will not change.
Most of the characterization has been to describe the rich people with whom Nick socializes. Although the author describes their physical appearances, the adjective choice reveals much about their personal character as well. They all seem to have an assumed arrogance and behave as stereotypical rich people. They lounge about and enjoy their riches by hosting parties and dinners. I think the characterization will lend itself to a social commentary since the novel revolves around the wealthy and their unsavory behavior. Nick, Jordan, and Gatsby are so far the only characters with any depth to them. Since they are the main characters, I expect the others to act as flat characters and will not change.
Structure: The Great Gatsby
"No- Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men" (2).
The beginning of the novel included a short reflection by the narrator that gave an insight into Gatsby. Although no more is revealed in the introduction, the structure adds mystery to his character. The structure may turn out to be circular, and the narrator could end with a similar reflection. This looking back by the narrator creates suspense and hints at foreshadowing to intrigue the reader. I think this book maybe one that builds in detail until the end when everything comes together. I am not sure of the themes or overall understanding yet, but those will probably be saved until the resolution. In fact, nothing much as happened as far as explosive action so hopefully these events are building up to greater action. This seems likely since the narrator hinted at Gatsby's troubles and recovery.
The beginning of the novel included a short reflection by the narrator that gave an insight into Gatsby. Although no more is revealed in the introduction, the structure adds mystery to his character. The structure may turn out to be circular, and the narrator could end with a similar reflection. This looking back by the narrator creates suspense and hints at foreshadowing to intrigue the reader. I think this book maybe one that builds in detail until the end when everything comes together. I am not sure of the themes or overall understanding yet, but those will probably be saved until the resolution. In fact, nothing much as happened as far as explosive action so hopefully these events are building up to greater action. This seems likely since the narrator hinted at Gatsby's troubles and recovery.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Themes: Frankenstien
"That then was the period fixed for the fulfillment of my destiny. In that hour I should die, and at once satisfy and extinguish his malice" (123).
This novel was a downer from the very beginning, starting out in the desolate and harsh North Pole where Walton finds a nearly dead Victor. From there, Victor tells his story and manages to make his entire history gloomy. When he mentions positive times in his life, he also talks about destiny and his impending destruction. Contributing to the negative nature are the themes of destiny, duty, death, and depravity. Victor felt that fate led him to create the creature and ultimately try to destroy it. He felt a conflicting duty to his family and the creature that led to the deaths of four friends and family. Death was mentioned frequently in the novel, and depravity was usually connected with death. Emotions connected to these themes also added to the somber tone like guilt, sorrow, and anger.
This novel was a downer from the very beginning, starting out in the desolate and harsh North Pole where Walton finds a nearly dead Victor. From there, Victor tells his story and manages to make his entire history gloomy. When he mentions positive times in his life, he also talks about destiny and his impending destruction. Contributing to the negative nature are the themes of destiny, duty, death, and depravity. Victor felt that fate led him to create the creature and ultimately try to destroy it. He felt a conflicting duty to his family and the creature that led to the deaths of four friends and family. Death was mentioned frequently in the novel, and depravity was usually connected with death. Emotions connected to these themes also added to the somber tone like guilt, sorrow, and anger.
Not a Fan of Victor Either: Frankenstein
"I expressed a wish to visit England; but concealing the true reasons of this request, I clothed my desires under a guise which excited no suspicion, while I urged my desire with an earnestness that easily induced my father to comply" (110).
As much as I did not like the creature, by the end of the novel I liked Victor even less. I cannot understand why he wouldn't warn his family about the creature when he has suspicions about it hurting them. Even if they didn't immediately believe him, at least they would have heard of the creature. Victor is also the moodiest character I've ever encountered. He often ventured into nature and collapsed on the ground in a fit of emotion. He was too busy letting his emotions make him sick that he didn't do much to stop the creature. When he finally decides to take care of the creature, it has already been involved in the deaths of four of his friends and family. I don't know why he thought creating the creature in the first place would be a good idea. Surely he thought of some consequences when creating an eight foot monster from dead body parts?
As much as I did not like the creature, by the end of the novel I liked Victor even less. I cannot understand why he wouldn't warn his family about the creature when he has suspicions about it hurting them. Even if they didn't immediately believe him, at least they would have heard of the creature. Victor is also the moodiest character I've ever encountered. He often ventured into nature and collapsed on the ground in a fit of emotion. He was too busy letting his emotions make him sick that he didn't do much to stop the creature. When he finally decides to take care of the creature, it has already been involved in the deaths of four of his friends and family. I don't know why he thought creating the creature in the first place would be a good idea. Surely he thought of some consequences when creating an eight foot monster from dead body parts?
Who's to Blame? Frankenstein
"Think not, Walton, that in the last moments of my existence I feel that burning hatred, and ardent desire of revenge, I once expressed, but feel myself justified in desiring the death of my adversary. During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor do i find it blameable" (161).
Even though throughout the novel Frankenstein has been overcome by guilt, he admits his failures while dying. Although he doesn't absolve himself of blame, he has reflected upon his actions and found them necessary. The frame story setup allowed the reader to hear from Walton to prompt Victor's story which includes the creature's story. After learning the stories of these characters, the reader can grasp the realities of their lives and the motives for their actions. Victor felt a sense of duty towards the creature, but he finally failed. He felt he owed the creature happiness since he is the creator, but the necessity of protecting humankind came first. He should feel guilty for even creating the creature. As he lay dying, Victor feels he did the right thing by sacrificing the creature's happiness and not creating his female counterpart.
Even though throughout the novel Frankenstein has been overcome by guilt, he admits his failures while dying. Although he doesn't absolve himself of blame, he has reflected upon his actions and found them necessary. The frame story setup allowed the reader to hear from Walton to prompt Victor's story which includes the creature's story. After learning the stories of these characters, the reader can grasp the realities of their lives and the motives for their actions. Victor felt a sense of duty towards the creature, but he finally failed. He felt he owed the creature happiness since he is the creator, but the necessity of protecting humankind came first. He should feel guilty for even creating the creature. As he lay dying, Victor feels he did the right thing by sacrificing the creature's happiness and not creating his female counterpart.
Duty: Frankenstein
"In a fit of enthusiastic madness I created a rational creature, and was bound towards him, to assure, as far as was in my power, his happiness and well-being. This was my duty; but there was another still paramount to that. My duties towards the beings of my own species had greater claims to my attention" (161).
This theme relates not only to Victor's sense of duty, but also to the family that he feels most connected to than anyone else in the world. Even though he never expresses the duty he feels to the creature well, he often mentions the bond that ties him to his family. This conveys a strong message about the importance of family. Throughout the entire novel, the Frankenstein family and the Waltons supported one another. To help convey the strong duty one owes to his or her family, the author used dramatic irony so the reader knew the complications with the deaths and relationships, but many of the characters did not understand everything. Because of this, the reader sees the devastation and struggles that plague the Frankenstein family due to issues like illness and the creature. Ultimately, Victor feels his duty lies first and foremost with his family and the rest of mankind. Even though he struggled to please the creature, he gave up balancing those duties and admitted to his failures.
This theme relates not only to Victor's sense of duty, but also to the family that he feels most connected to than anyone else in the world. Even though he never expresses the duty he feels to the creature well, he often mentions the bond that ties him to his family. This conveys a strong message about the importance of family. Throughout the entire novel, the Frankenstein family and the Waltons supported one another. To help convey the strong duty one owes to his or her family, the author used dramatic irony so the reader knew the complications with the deaths and relationships, but many of the characters did not understand everything. Because of this, the reader sees the devastation and struggles that plague the Frankenstein family due to issues like illness and the creature. Ultimately, Victor feels his duty lies first and foremost with his family and the rest of mankind. Even though he struggled to please the creature, he gave up balancing those duties and admitted to his failures.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Creature: Frankenstein
"-oh! not the ten-thousandth portion of the anguish that was mine during the lingering detail of the execution. A frightful selfishness hurried me on, while my heart was poisoned with remorse" (163).
Although I felt my sympathy waiver when the creature told of his miserable life, I never really liked it. We talked about how it acted like a child during the moments after its creation, reaching out for his father. I think he acted like a child throughout the entire book, especially with Victor. He throws a fit when he cannot get what he wants and then makes selfish demands and threats. I understand that he was desperate from loneliness, but he acted like a whiny child. If he could not have love and happiness, then neither could Victor. He has to take all the joy from Victor's life until he eventually dies simply because Victor was morally unable to make another creature. The creature, although intelligent, never considered the consequences to another like him. He had his mind set on a female creature, and he let that and his disappointment consume him. When he finally feels remorse five deaths later, then he decides to kill himself. I just thought his character was weak and annoying.
Although I felt my sympathy waiver when the creature told of his miserable life, I never really liked it. We talked about how it acted like a child during the moments after its creation, reaching out for his father. I think he acted like a child throughout the entire book, especially with Victor. He throws a fit when he cannot get what he wants and then makes selfish demands and threats. I understand that he was desperate from loneliness, but he acted like a whiny child. If he could not have love and happiness, then neither could Victor. He has to take all the joy from Victor's life until he eventually dies simply because Victor was morally unable to make another creature. The creature, although intelligent, never considered the consequences to another like him. He had his mind set on a female creature, and he let that and his disappointment consume him. When he finally feels remorse five deaths later, then he decides to kill himself. I just thought his character was weak and annoying.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Family: Frankenstein
"I was tempted to plunge in to the silent lake, that the waters might close over me and my calamities forever. But I was restrained, when I thought of the heroic and suffering Elizabeth, whom I tenderly loved, and whose existence was bound up in mine" (62).
The themes of duty and family are closely connected in the stories because Victor and his family hold such a strong sense of duty towards each other. Even in his most depressed states, Victor thinks about his family. Each member looks out for one another, and the family even takes others in when necessary. Even though Victor upholds his duty to his family, he does not have a strong sense of duty when it comes to the creature. If anything, Victor is driven by guilt to take care of his creation. Maybe after hearing the creature's plea and story, Victor's feelings will change. If, however, the creature did murder William, then Victor will not have any positive feelings for the creature. That would threaten the thing Victor holds most dear, and perhaps this could lead to his downfall.
The themes of duty and family are closely connected in the stories because Victor and his family hold such a strong sense of duty towards each other. Even in his most depressed states, Victor thinks about his family. Each member looks out for one another, and the family even takes others in when necessary. Even though Victor upholds his duty to his family, he does not have a strong sense of duty when it comes to the creature. If anything, Victor is driven by guilt to take care of his creation. Maybe after hearing the creature's plea and story, Victor's feelings will change. If, however, the creature did murder William, then Victor will not have any positive feelings for the creature. That would threaten the thing Victor holds most dear, and perhaps this could lead to his downfall.
Destiny: Frankenstein
"It was a strong effort of the spirit of good; but it was ineffectual. Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible destruction" (23).
Another prevalent theme in the story is the role of destiny in Frankenstein's life. As he tells Walton of the events leading up to the creation, he often mentions how certain key events were predetermined and unavoidable. Destiny had chosen a path for him, and Victor had no choice but to follow. The personification of destiny shows the strength of its force and its presence in Victor's life. His constant mentioning of destiny implies that the inevitable creation serves a greater purpose. If destiny is so intent on having this creation, then there must be a reason. Also, the above quote gives a foreshadowing of Victor's possible destruction. His demise will most likely be a result of the creation, as his life seems to revolve around that pivotal moment.
Another prevalent theme in the story is the role of destiny in Frankenstein's life. As he tells Walton of the events leading up to the creation, he often mentions how certain key events were predetermined and unavoidable. Destiny had chosen a path for him, and Victor had no choice but to follow. The personification of destiny shows the strength of its force and its presence in Victor's life. His constant mentioning of destiny implies that the inevitable creation serves a greater purpose. If destiny is so intent on having this creation, then there must be a reason. Also, the above quote gives a foreshadowing of Victor's possible destruction. His demise will most likely be a result of the creation, as his life seems to revolve around that pivotal moment.
Creation: Frankenstein
"Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy no misdeed" (69).
Many themes occur frequently throughout the novel to illustrate a variety of messages. One theme, creation, is alluded to by the creature when speaking to Frankenstein. Instead of the creation being an accomplishment, this creation is viewed as a grievous error, a deadly mistake. Victor spent years pursuing a high level of knowledge, never limiting his curiosity. Eventually his efforts led to the creature, but Victor was horrified with his work. The creature says he should be Adam, and that would make Victor the God. This allusion shows that when Victor tried to play God, he failed miserably in his eyes and the creature's. This could also be seen as a commentary on the necessity to limit scientific pursuits because horrible consequences can arise from such experiments without limits.
Many themes occur frequently throughout the novel to illustrate a variety of messages. One theme, creation, is alluded to by the creature when speaking to Frankenstein. Instead of the creation being an accomplishment, this creation is viewed as a grievous error, a deadly mistake. Victor spent years pursuing a high level of knowledge, never limiting his curiosity. Eventually his efforts led to the creature, but Victor was horrified with his work. The creature says he should be Adam, and that would make Victor the God. This allusion shows that when Victor tried to play God, he failed miserably in his eyes and the creature's. This could also be seen as a commentary on the necessity to limit scientific pursuits because horrible consequences can arise from such experiments without limits.
Solitude: Frankenstein
"I shunned the face of man...solitude was my only consolation- deep, dark, deathlike solitude" (61).
The theme of solitude ties three of the characters together: Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the creature. Due to their solitude, whether self imposed or an unavoidable occurrence, these characters often engage in unhealthy and dangerous behavior. Walton takes a dangerous journey that takes him much time and effort to accomplish, all the while longing for a friend. Frankenstein experiences many periods of solitude because he cannot relate to many people, he carries a terrible secret, and he spirals into fits of emotion that make him push people away. The creature wants to be among people that care for him, but he is feared by many and is miserable in his solitude. The theme and its connection to the main characters presents a negative view on solitude. It shows how these characters lose control, feeling heavy emotions like misery and loneliness. The creature even threatens harm upon Victor's "remaining friends" if he does not improve the creature's solitary existence. The entire novel has a very somber tone, and the negativity of this theme reenforces that mood.
The theme of solitude ties three of the characters together: Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the creature. Due to their solitude, whether self imposed or an unavoidable occurrence, these characters often engage in unhealthy and dangerous behavior. Walton takes a dangerous journey that takes him much time and effort to accomplish, all the while longing for a friend. Frankenstein experiences many periods of solitude because he cannot relate to many people, he carries a terrible secret, and he spirals into fits of emotion that make him push people away. The creature wants to be among people that care for him, but he is feared by many and is miserable in his solitude. The theme and its connection to the main characters presents a negative view on solitude. It shows how these characters lose control, feeling heavy emotions like misery and loneliness. The creature even threatens harm upon Victor's "remaining friends" if he does not improve the creature's solitary existence. The entire novel has a very somber tone, and the negativity of this theme reenforces that mood.
Not What I Was Expecting from Frankenstein
"I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body...now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart" (35).
Before we began reading the book, we discussed in class all of the ideas we had about Frankenstein. So far, this book has not at all been what I expected. The creation scene had been dramatized from what the book portrayed, making it much more appropriate for the movies. Instead of a mad scientist cackling over his creation, Frankenstein is actually terrified of his creation and thinks it to be evil. The creature itself is quite intelligent and is able to speak eloquently. Since the book has differed so much from my previous notions, I am curious to see what role the creature will play. I still doubt that the creature murdered William, but given his past experiences, that is possible. I am most interested to see how Victor will deal with this creature that he is convinced is evil and a murderer.
Before we began reading the book, we discussed in class all of the ideas we had about Frankenstein. So far, this book has not at all been what I expected. The creation scene had been dramatized from what the book portrayed, making it much more appropriate for the movies. Instead of a mad scientist cackling over his creation, Frankenstein is actually terrified of his creation and thinks it to be evil. The creature itself is quite intelligent and is able to speak eloquently. Since the book has differed so much from my previous notions, I am curious to see what role the creature will play. I still doubt that the creature murdered William, but given his past experiences, that is possible. I am most interested to see how Victor will deal with this creature that he is convinced is evil and a murderer.
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