1. By now, you have noticed a number of topics or motifs- reoccurring images or ideas. Choose ONE topic or motif that seems to be ubiquitous, then in 200 words or more, explain how this specific topic is developed throughout the novel. What might be the possible theme or message from the author? Use at least 2 direct quotes to support your answer.
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In the novel, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, in letter 1, Walton, the narrator is writing a letter to his sister Margaret Saville explaining that he is safe and that he excited for his voyage to help mankind. He also explains his goals and why they are important to him. The major topic of letter 1 , is ambition. Shelly uses epistolary to strength her theme that man has no limit for their ambition.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, Shelly uses epistolary, which are literary, work in the form of letters, help strength the theme. Walton writes letter to his sister explaining that he very excited for his voyage. Walton says “I am already far north of London, and as I walk in the streets of Petersburgh, I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks, which braces my nerves and fills me with delight….I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man. These are my enticements, and they are sufficient to conquer all fear of danger or death and to induce me to commence this labourious voyage with the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat, with his holiday mates, on an expedition of discovery up his native river. ”Shelly use of epistolary shows how Walton has no limit for his ambition. His ambition is his motivation and nothing will stop him from completing it. In letter 1 we notice that Walton only care about his voyage and that he wants to help mankind. Walton voyage is also dangerous, it can lead to his death, but he doesn’t seem to care too much about it. Walton also tells his sister that “I shall confer on all mankind, to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries.” His ambition is very strong he is determined to discover a passage.
Is it really the letter-form that helps support the theme,or rather what's inside them? If Shelly is trying to imply that man has no limit in ambition what occurs when he finally fulfills it? Does he ever fulfill it?
DeleteYour analysis on the theme throughout the novel is good. But I feel as if your using quotes to kind of fill in most of the response. I don't quite get the whole theme to which your trying to raise to the surface. The theme in letter 1, does it flow throughout the novel also?
DeleteIn Letter 1, from the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the narrator, a man named Walton, is writing a letter to his sister describing the outcome of his journey and what his possible goals or plans are for the future. Two thing that were mentioned were "and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man" and "I shall confer on all mankind to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries... or by ascertaining the secret of the magnet....". When Walton mentions these things he is describing his contribution to the advancement of mankind, which is a topic that can be seen throughout the novel. One notable example is when Doctor Victor Frankenstein decides to study night and day to defy the laws of death, in which he eventually makes his monster. -Jonathan Kim
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, a reoccurring topic is admiration. Whether it be with Walton and discovery, Frankenstein and science, or Elizabeth and nature, each and every character admires someone or something. In Letter 2, Walton proves this to be true when he exclaims " there is a love for the marvellous..., wild sea and unvisited regions I am about to explore". This provides an idea for what Walton is passionate about and why he is so willing to put his life at risk during his voyage. Later on in chapter 3, Frankenstein releases almost the same reason for partaking in discovery, but he is putting the attention towards science: "I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation". Frankenstein is dutiful to expose science to its' farthest extent and is very passionatly willing to do exactly so. As the story unravels, this topic is seen more frequently within the characteristics of the people described. A possible theme following this topic could be "admiration gives us a purpose to keep moving forward". Without admiring or appreciating anything in life, there is no value to us. We, as humans, need to be passionate about something in order to be successful at attaining happiness.
ReplyDeleteI somewhat agree with your statement, but with this admiration of Frankenstein came his ruin. He created a creature so vile to him, that it caused him to become severely ill, and lead a miserable life. So yes, with Frankenstein's admiration of science it let him push the boundaries of the study and do things no other had done, but it also lead him to his own death, so in his case, it didn't "keep [him] moving forward".
DeleteI somewhat agree just like Diana, I feel like it's not admire but love. Frankenstein loves Elizabeth and the love for the family makes him take certain actions towards the monster. That can be argued too, that the feeling of love does come from admiring someone or looking up to them as well.
DeleteThe first letter in the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, depicts how ambition is not always something that is admirable to have and mirrors disobedience whether it was Victor trying to create life when it was frowned upon in that era or if it was Robert Walton seeking to break the boundaries of discovering things that had yet not been." I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man. These are my enticement and they are sufficient to conquer all fear of danger of death, and to induce me to commence this laborious voyage with the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat", people of the time period surrounded themselves on things they knew, he instead liked to test it and sought to defy the rules that were placed."I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world. A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as i should deserve theirs.....if i could bestow animation upon lifeless matter, i might in process of time(although i now found it impossible) renew life where death had apparently devoted the body to corruption",again in that era when Victor sought to study the sciences he was always put down by his professors saying that his studies were ignorant. He then strives to accomplish his pursuits and give life and create life, but it wasn't due just to his curiosity , it was in part because everyone said that it was wrong and studied nature and not unnatural sciences. His creation was sped up because of defiance.
ReplyDeleteThe first letter in the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, depicts how ambition is not always something that is admirable to have and mirrors disobedience whether it was Victor trying to create life when it was frowned upon in that era or if it was Robert Walton seeking to break the boundaries of discovering things that had yet not been." I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man. These are my enticement and they are sufficient to conquer all fear of danger of death, and to induce me to commence this laborious voyage with the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat", people of the time period surrounded themselves on things they knew, he instead liked to test it and sought to defy the rules that were placed."I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world. A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as i should deserve theirs.....if i could bestow animation upon lifeless matter, i might in process of time(although i now found it impossible) renew life where death had apparently devoted the body to corruption",again in that era when Victor sought to study the sciences he was always put down by his professors saying that his studies were ignorant. He then strives to accomplish his pursuits and give life and create life, but it wasn't due just to his curiosity , it was in part because everyone said that it was wrong and studied nature and not unnatural sciences. His creation was sped up because of defiance.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Nemesis on how there ambition was what kept them going on in challenging moments. There disobedience and defiance was what pushed them to keep on exploring. This ambition and stubbornness caused the discoveries to be there own demise. The point of this theme is to show how trying to control things that are way past our own control can end in our own self destruction.
DeleteI also agree with you Nemesis. AS the topic of ambition throughout the novel especially in the beginning of Victor's story. And I also like how well you put your thoughts together.And you should put more quotes.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, scientist Victor Frankenstein artificially creates life in the form of a monster. Although the monster is at first simply curious and benign, he becomes vengeful after being rejected by his creator and treated harshly by villagers. A recurring topic in the novel is acceptance. The monster yearns for acceptance the moment he is brought to life. Unfortunately, he is deprived of this from his master almost immediately, and is instead left to navigate the world by himself. As if the neglect from his owner wasn’t enough, the monster is later attacked in a village for looking so vile. As a result, the monster feels like an even bigger outcast and recedes to go live in the woods away from civilization. However, the monster encounters the DeLacey family and decides that he will use them in order to learn how to speak properly, in hope that his improved speaking skills will help him become accepted by the DeLacey family. This is shown in the quote, “...I should first win their favor, and after wards their love. These thoughts exhilarated me, and led me to apply with fresh ardour to acquiring the art of language.” It is important to note that the monster is willing to go through all this trouble to receive the love and compassion he craves. A possible theme or message from the author may be that acceptance comes with the price of losing part of who you are.
ReplyDeleteI concur with Isaura M., on the recurring topic of acceptance. All the monster was seeking was a companion, someone there to love him. He had received rejection from day one until he encountered the DeLacey family and in hope of getting some type of affection back. As mentioned before, is a companion really needed for one of life’s necessities? In this case, the monster is in need of one due to the anger he has towards his creator and because of this anger he causes a chain reaction of deaths with William and then Justine. The monster wanted acceptance, yet he lost his chance of having his hands free of murder.
DeleteI agree with you Isaura, I would also like to bring up the topic of abandonment. In the novel, Victor abandons the monster much like how a mother sometimes abandons their child because they are unable to accept their responsibilities as a parent. I think that abandonment ties in with acceptance because with both, whether you're the mother or the child, you need to accept whatever decision has been made and be able to move past it. I think that if Victor had accepted the monster he created as opposed to abandoning it, lives would have been spared and maybe the others would have come to eventually accept the monster into their society.
DeleteI agree with you Isaura that one of the reoccurring topic in this novel is acceptance. Society had not only rejected the creature but tormented him due to his appearance which made him realize that society will never accept him for who he truly is. I believe that if, not only society, but Victor accepted him, the creature would not have decided to harm mankind.
DeleteWithin the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein is a genius scientist who is unable to view the signifigance and beauty of nature throughout parts of this novel. For instance, in chapter 3, Frankenstein is busy creating a monster that will eventually be the very thing that destroys him. As he is creating this monster, he does not have any contact with family or friends for 2 years, keeping himself isolated indoors, which leads to him becoming ill. As he spends his time inside, he pays no attention to the things going on outside and even states "It was a most beautiful season...but my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature."(pg.52) His love for science, and his determination to finish his monster, are over powering his ability to view the nature that surrounds him. He is incapable of caring for the science of nature, and would rather focus on the science before him. As we move forward in the novel, once Frankenstein finishes his creation he becomes severely ill as he witnesses the catastrophe he has created come to life. His friend Clerval is there and assists him back to health. With Clerval's help, Frankenstein is gradually able to not only get better, but is even able to see the beauty in nature. In chapter 4, Frankenstein states "I remember the first time I became capable of observing outward objects...I became as cheerful as before I was attacked by the fatal passion." With the topic of nature occurring throughout the novel, a possible message from the the author is how nature can bring out the humanity and peace in all of us. As seen with Frankenstein, he faces the cold and bitterness that comes with isolation. As soon as he frees himself from his work and is able to look upon the beauty of nature, he becomes the healthy and cheery man he once was.
ReplyDeleteAdrian Trigo
DeleteI agree with your statement , i believe that the author is seeing a society that is becoming more and more imprisoned by their work in a very unhealthy way. Maybe this is the authors way of warning of our ever growing narcissistic goals. For example, Walton and Frankenstein obsess on their chase for glory, Frankenstein so far being eaten up and then nearly destroyed by his own creation. He got so deep into his work he forgot to live his life and enjoy simple things like nature. i believe the author is trying to remind us that goals are great as long as they do not destroy the person trying to obtain them.
I also concur with both you and Adrian about how Victor isolates himself from the rest of society. It does reoccur within the rest of the novel because Victor is trying to somewhat fix what he created and also because the monster destroyed everyone else that Victor cares about.
DeleteI agree that Victor's passion leads him to isolation and bitterness and that nature helped him to view outward objects. However, I believe there is more to it than simply nature. In the quote,"I became as cheerful as before I was attacked by the fatal passion" he refers to the time of his childhood when he had connections with his family and friends. In addition to nature, I believe human companionship helped him escape his fatal passion as seen in the story when Henry nurses him.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, a variety of aspects of ambition is examined through the eyes of the first two narrators. For instance, Robert Walton, the first narrator, informs the readers through the form of letters that his main purpose in exploring the North Pole is to bring glory to his name, “I shall confer on all mankind on all mankind to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries, to reach which at present so many months are requisite…” (13). Walton emphasizes not only his desire to be recognized for exploring a territory that no man has ever been to, but also the fact that his discovery will also benefit future generations. Victor Frankenstein, the main protagonist of the novel, played as a “God” by discovering the study behind the secret of life. He states, “Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world” (54). This quote proves that Frankenstein once believed his abilities are equal to God’s; he also mentioned that the creatures he will soon create will thank him and owe their “being” to him. Because of his ambition, he created a monster that caused the death of his loved ones. He felt disgusted so he neglected his creation, which resulted in the monster seeking for vengeance on its creator. Victor’s selfishness was completely provoked by his ambition to create life himself. He did not realize he had gone too far until it was too late; he was not prepared for the responsibility and the consequences that came with his creation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you because throughout the beginning of the book you see Victor's ambitions especially with his dream of bringing life back to the dead. This ambition can be seen as overly ambitious because around that time period the only person that could have that power was God.
DeleteI completely agree with your statement, it seems as if Walton and Frankenstein are on the same path of ambition that is fueled by arrogance. For Victor his hubris becomes his downfall because he believes that his creation will be some great he never once stopped himself and asked playing "God" would ever come with any consequences. Looking onto Walton as i have not completely finished this i hope that his Hubris does not defeat his as well.
DeleteAdrian Trigo^
DeleteI strongly agree with you claim, I chose a similar topic likewise to yours but instead of explaining the curiosity Victor had, I explained the curiosity Walton had in the Letters and they both are very similar people that had similar motifs.
DeleteI agree with your statement. Victor's ambition caused him to want to succeed in everything and accomplish many things even being "god" although it did not work the way he wanted because it ended up back firing on him because the monster ended up killing everyone victor cared about.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, an ambitious scientist, Victor Frankenstein, discovers the secret of life and then creating a monster that is ostracized by his creator and the village. One of the major topics shown is how dangerous knowledge can be. In Letter 1, Walton, a ship captain, writes to his sister about his trip to the North Pole. He claims that his journey shall give “inestimable benefit which I shall confer on all mankind to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole.” Although his discoveries will benefit all mankind, his trip is endangering both himself and his crew. Walton knows this because his sister has brought up the perils that could happen, considering he begins his letter by saying, “You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings.” Another example is Victor Frankenstein and his desire to discover the secret of life. “It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn.” Due to his need to obtain knowledge, Victor’s life in consumed by his work, so much so that he alienates himself from his family for two years. After Frankenstein manages to create his monster, it only brings sadness to his life. The creature causes the death of many of Victor’s loved ones. In the end, both of these men’s need for knowledge end up being the cause of their sorrow.
ReplyDeleteI do agree, in this case, the thirst for knowledge destroyed these men. Victor sacrificed his family to achieve his goal, unknowingly. Walton did the same by leaving his sister. Even though these men sacrificed a lot,only one sees what he paid. Could Walton turn into Victor?
DeleteI agree as well, the thirst for knowledge lead to the destruction of these men. They wanted to seek knowledge, but in reality all they found was their own failure. They wanted to help all mankind, but in reality just wanted fame for themselves.
DeleteI agree with you Jennifer, because we can see throughout the whole novel, how dangerous it can be to seek knowledge. Frankenstein's obsession to defy the laws of nature, will eventually lead to his own destruction and deaths amongst innocent individuals.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein written by Mary Shelly, talks about Victor Frankenstein's guilt for reanimating a dead body. One of the overly present topics shown throughout the book is defining beauty. Victor's family values beauty and we see this by his father's choice of a wife, Victor's mother, and with the adoption of Elizabeth. Victor's mother describes Elizabeth to be a "pretty present" for Victor. Victor often describes her beauty in detail and eventually marries her. it is apparent that Victor has been raised to value physical beauty especially when he abandons the monster he has created to which Victor describes to be "horrendous" and hideous. It is clear that the monster looks repulsive. When Victor rejects him, the monster wanders around the woods and feeds off of vegetation. He then stumbles upon a small family living in a cabin. After watching the family for some time, he goes to see his reflection in a pool of water. " I had admired the perfect forms of my cottages-- their grace, beauty, and delicate complexions: but how was I terrified when I viewed myself in a transparent pool! At first I started back, unable to believe that it was indeed I who was reflected in the mirror; and when i became fully convinced that i was in reality the monster that i am.." You realize here that the monster also values beauty and becomes saddened that his physical appearance is not pleasing to the eye. The monster's thoughts and actions shows that his heart is beautiful despite his ugly appearance. The monster brings firewood to the family in secret, he does not fight back when they reject him and the son, Felix, begins to beat him. But although, the monster still holds out hope and asks his creator to make him a woman as ugly as he. When he gets denied, the monster decides to seek revenge on his creator.
ReplyDeletedamn i like you point a lot , the theme you present about beauty would had never crossed my mind. i like how beauty is mention a lot in the books. it seems like beauty is very important to victor and the monster .
DeleteI do agree that beauty is a reoccurring topic. Their appearances are mentioned a lot, as well as acceptance. Could it be possible that during this time period, people focused on one's image, not their personality nor their qualities.
DeleteI agree with you Cindy because beauty is a major topic throughout the novel. It's seen through the way that the monster describes Felix and his family and how bueatiful they are. Could this presentation of beauty be used to show how it's the natural body that's important rather than creation? Is that the reason that Victor couldn't accept the monster he created even though he made it with all the beauty he could? The topic is meant to show how natural beauty is great, but it's still not the center of the whole universe or the most important thing in the world.
DeleteI'd like to agree with you Cindy because beauty in the novel is mainly defined by physical appearance. The only instance when beauty is defined from within is when the monster interacts with the blind man Delacey, who is able to view the good within the monster.
DeleteI agree with Cindy on the recurring idea of beauty throughout the novel. It seems like you need to look a certain way, with appealing looks in order to be accepted by society. Had Elizabeth not been a “pretty present”, would she still have been accepted into the family? They focus rather too much on physical appearances, rather than what they are truly like on the inside.
DeleteI really admire what you pointed out because I never would have acknowledged the idea that Victor was in a way raised to value physical appearance. Hence the connection as to why he neglects his creation that he's devoted his life to.
DeleteCristina Chinchilla
DeleteI agree with your topic regarding beauty as we can perceive how it defines the characters and their views among others. Also, we can discern beauty in nature and how it plays a significant role throughout the novel.
In the Novel, Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelly, an ambitions man dedicates his life to his own obsession, unable to move forward from his troubled past he creates a monster so horrendous as described by him due to his own actions. The main motif that seems to be over seen a lot is the fact of acceptance. Sure it seems like a cliche, however Victor's obsession with the philosopher's stone derives from his mother's death which he had no control over. In this instance he does but in-spite the fact of not listening to the warning he creates the create which he dubs as being "beautiful" and "Horrendous." Due to this he realizes his mistake but its too late as his actions had severe consequences towards his family.
ReplyDeleteCan you elaborate more on the motif of acceptance? Possibly give an example? But overall I do very much agree of what you are stating.
DeleteI do agree to what you are saying to a certain extent, but I believe that motif is more of vengeance than acceptance. It is true that Victors obsession with the philosopher's stone is caused by his mothers death, I believe he continues to search in the subject because he wants vengeance for his mothers death as it could have been avoidable. -Jonathan Kim
DeleteI agree with you to a degree, but perhaps you can backup your claim with critical evidence from the novel because I understand what you're trying to propose but it feels like your claim is somewhat vague. Nice topic though!
DeleteDoes the book really cover acceptance or maybe the lack of. Victor never accepts his creation, spends all of his life trying to hunt him down. The monster doesn't even accept himself because in the end, he vows to destroy himself because he has caused so much grief.
DeleteNature, withholding the unspeakable beauty to draw anyone to peace and awe, yet so ironically bewitching for those of the "natural science". In the novel, "Frankenstein", by Mary Shelly, nature makes its appearance in two separate manners: an angel of purity and grace, exposing Victor (our "main" character") & Walton (the narrator of Victor's tale) to the wonders of life and beauty on the Earth. However, an angel can darken its wings, as Nature also appears somewhat as "the devil's advocate", driving Victor and Walton out into perilous conditions only to "explore" every corner of what Nature withholds for them, even if it means risking their own lives, doing the unnatural, and leaving family behind. “It was a divine spring; and the season contributed greatly to my convalescence.” The nature is in fact beautiful, and possibly soothing for some. However, it can also potentially drag a weary “explorer” on. “They elevated me from all littleness of feeling; and although they did not remove my grief, they subdued and tranquilized it. In some degree, also, they diverted my mind from the thoughts over which it had brooded for the last month.” I believe Mary plays Nature as a demon similar to a Sea Siren. Not necessarily a Siren that would be upon the ocean, but rather one that preys upon “explorers” like Walton and Victor only to lead them to a perpetual and perhaps deadly end.
ReplyDeleteWhy? Well perhaps Mary is in fact posing the idea that such a reckless pursuit of the natural and unnatural may lead to death, if not physical, then emotional and mentally.
Don't forget to use direct quotes. Other than that you put out a very compelling theme. Do you think there were any reoccurring indicators that proved that Walton and Victor's fight against the natural was a bad idea? Were they just ignored?
DeleteCristina Chinchilla
DeleteI really like how you discerned both point of views for nature as it can be perceived as a sanctuary throughout the novel for both Victor and the monster. But also, it can be perceived as self destruction among the explorers, such as the characters, Walton and Victor. Your Analogy of nature as a "sea siren" definitely fits the idea how the characters were lead into self destruction by nature.
i agree with you about the topic being ambitous, but can you eleaborate more into what it represents and how it is shown in the story. the monster is a perfect example, just give insight and details to why it is.
DeleteIn the book "Frankenstein" ,by Mary Shelley we see many reoccurring topics but one that is the most prevalent among all others is the obsessive way some characters go about when trying to accomplish their goals.This topic is quickly mentioned in the first letter of the book where Walton explains his goals presently to his sibling. For example in the 3rd letter Walton, the first narrator in the book writes about his voyage and he describes it as a very difficult trip, "This letter will reach England by a merchant-man now in its homeward voyage from Archangel; more fortunate than I, who may not see my native land, perhaps, for many years." We see here how Walton is willing to not just risk years of his life for one voyage but possibly his life entirely. This topic pops up once again when Victor Frankenstein begins experimenting with life. "The summer months passes while i was thus engaged, and soul, in one pursuit." Victor spent years working for his famous creation day and nights barely sleeping. This brings out both a question and them, when is ambition and work ethic too much or unhealthy ? When does it stop being a hobby and become slavery?
ReplyDeletePlease use your name so you can receive credit
DeleteAdrian Trigo^^^
DeleteI agree that obsession is one of the reoccurring themes in the novel Frankenstein. To answer your question, "When is ambition and work ethic too much or too unhealthy?" I believe it becomes "too much" or "too unhealthy" is when you start neglecting those around you whom care and love you. For example, Victor Frankenstein started to neglect his own family even Elizabeth because far too deep into his work.
DeleteI agree that obsession is a reoccurring topic in the novel, like April said, ambition becomes too unhealthy once you start neglecting the people you love. In addition to that, it starts becoming more unhealthy once the person himself/herself starts becoming careless, such as Victor in Frankstein. He is so ambitious in finding the answers of life that he starts lacking sleep and does not eat well. In result, not only hurting myself but his loved ones as well.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, in Letter 1, a recurring topic is ambition and excessive pride. In the letter, Walton is writing to his sister Margaret about the feelings he has invoked in the beginning of his journey to the north pole. In the letter, we see excessive pride play in when Walton states " I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks, which braces my nerves, and fills me with delight. Do you understand this feeling?" This quote expresses his pride towards his journey as he asks a rhetorical question, for only he can answer. We also ambition play in when Walton says, with arrogance , " But, supposing all these conjectures to be false, you cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall confer on all mankind to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to these countries,.." Here Walton is asserting that HE will discover new passages that no man has discovered and that he will benefit future generations. As aspiring as it may seem, there is always a downfall from everything, and this is shown throughout Chapter 3, when Victor regrets what his love for nature and ambition drove him too. " I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart. The theme is portrayed here to show that over ambition and excessive pride can lead one to lose themselves in the mists of all that.
ReplyDeleteWhat your saying is great. But I think your response to the question heavily relies on quotes rather than what you think. I agree with you upon arrogance and excessive pride shown throughout the book but perhaps you can elaborate and provide more details on this? And how does it affect the characters?
DeleteI agree with you as well because Victor's ambition is the main reason why he's so miserable after his ambitions are fulfilled. The monster he created and so longed for ended up destroying everything Victor ever loved so this proves that sometimes the thing we always wanted isn't we always need.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, a common topic is discoveries far more than what is expected. At the beginning of the novel, Victor seeks to learn more about natural philosophy to be able to give life to an unanimated being. Similarly, Walton seeks to increase his knowledge while he takes a voyage to discover a passage to the North Pole, as he states,”…by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries (8).” Both Walton and Victor seek to be known for their accomplishments. However, Victor and Walton go through challenges before they accomplish what they want. They realize that what they’ve been working hard for has brought several effects with it. Walton discovers that he often feels lonely and in need of companionship, as he states,” I desire the company of a man who could sympathize with me…(12)” Victor, on the other side, discovers his regret for ever creating such a horrendous creature and doesn’t see him like a companion, but rather a monster. While Walton’s challenge is to adapt to a more solitary life, Victor’s challenge is to stay isolated from the monster. Sometimes in life, you uncover the unexpected before you discover what you’ve been long awaiting for.
ReplyDeleteI see what you're saying however your message is a little contradicting. Victor doesn't necessarily want to be isolated from the monster in which he actually goes as far as journeying through the freezing temperatures of the Notth Pole to actually seek revenge on the creature.
DeleteI like the point you're stating that they both want to be known for their accomplishments however, as Liliana stated, Victor doesn't want to be isolated from the monster but undo what he has created. Other than that, i like your theme and the quotes you have used to back up your claims.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly, Victor Frankenstein goes against the laws of death and creates a creature by animating a dead body. Throughout the novel, the author shows the reader several outcomes of what Victor did, which was creating the monster. I believe the theme illustrated throughout the novel is that whatever you do, there is always something that comes out of it. For example, by creating the monster, many tragedies arose from it. Victor’s obsession with creating the monster, not only hurt him physically but also hurt people he knew. He might of not intended to hurt anyone but because of his creation, he did. As proved, there can always be a consequence to what you do. Victor says, “For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished..”, meaning he did not care for himself, all he was concerned was for the creature. With that being said, because he cared so much in creating the monster, in result he endangered his health. In addition, Victor said, “I slept, indeed, but I was disturbed by the wildest dreams. I thought I saw Elizabeth, in the bloom of health, walking in the streets of Ingolstadt. Delighted and surprised, I embraced her, but as I imprinted the first kiss on her lips, they became livid with the hue of death”. In other words, this is a foreshadow of what happens in result of Victor creating the monster. In fact, it proves that actions can not only hurt yourself but the people you care about, in this case, Elizabeth. By Victor creating the monster, it affects many of the people he loves, for example, Elizabeth. Throughout the novel, this message is shown, as more and more people die by the creation of Victor Frankenstein.
ReplyDeleteIts a great theme, however its quite vague when it comes to what happens after certain action arise. In other words maybe a slight descriptive towards the end might help whether the outcome is good or bad.
Deleten the novel, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the main topic that I personally noticed in novel was the topic of striving to explore the unknown. A quote that supports this claim can be found in Letter 1 in which Walton states, "I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man". The way Shelley writes this quote with cerebral words such as "satiate" and "ardent", shows how passionate Walton is about having extreme interest in desiring to discover the unknown. This topic can be distinguished again in Chapter 2 when Victor thoroughly states, "The world was to me a secret which I desired to divine. Curiosity, earnest research to learn the hidden laws of nature, gladness akin to rapture, as they were unfolded to me, are among the earliest sensations I can remember". Another quote that is worded so well that it even enlightened me as I was reading it. He even uses personification to enhance his outstanding quote where he says, "they were unfolding me" whereas "they" means the "hidden laws" that aren't a physical entity that can unfold someone. I think there is a message and the message is that to always be curious and to explore the unknown.
ReplyDeleteOne reoccurring theme through the novel, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, seems to be the curiosity that takes a hold of the main characters. It all begins with Walton when he states, “I may there discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle; and may regulate a thousand celestial; observation, that may require only this voyage to render their seeming eccentricities consistent over.” This quotes shows how Walton is curious in discovering the vast secrets that the unknown land holds within it. He's also ambitious through this journey because he sounds so confident that he will find something and it will be only because it was he who decided to embark on that journey. His ambition prevents him from seeing the risk of the journey he is embarking on and how he's putting not only his life but the crews life in danger. Another character that shows this curiosity and ambition is Frankenstein when he states, “After days and nights of incredible labor and fatigue, I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter.” This is the quote in which Frankenstein has finally discovered the key to bringing a dead person back to life. This curiosity led him to create a monster that would end up causing his own demise. Frankensteins ambition to prove his father and the professor wrong led him to this research that would be a tragic ending for the family. The theme shows how to much curiosity and ambition can lead someone on the path of there own self destruction because there is certain things we can't control.
ReplyDeletei love the way how you state the theme with quotes, i can see you point perfectly and i can agree with you. i have a question though , does the monster have any ambition goals?
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DeleteA recurring topic throughout the book is rejection. Mary Shelley develops this by first demonstrating Victor Frankenstein's determination and passion, then she turns passion into obsession. Slowly, one sees it develop, and it is all quickly stopped by his fear and realization of the crimes against mortality and nature he committed. Since the monster opened it’s eyes, Victor rejected the monster. “When I thought of him, I gnashed my teeth, my eyes became inflamed, and I ardently wished to extinguish that life which I had so thoughtlessly made.” The monster, in his eyes was a mistake and a crime against nature, even though prior to his success, he thought it was be an advancement. Once Victor Frankenstein was nursed back to Henry, he goes back to the university to show him around. As they one into his professor and speak of the achievements Victor has accomplished in his short time being there, He begins to reject the subject he had once loved ad devoted his life to. Just like Victor Frankenstein rejected his creation, it rejected him. After the monster was left to fend for itself and was wondering, it began to the feel angry towards his creator.“I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on.” The monster no longer wants to be accepted by his creator, causing him to reject anything to do with him. This causes the monster to grow angry and vengeful towards Victor, leading up to the killings.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Mariel. In the beginning of the novel, Victor was driven to know more knowledge about the secrets of life. As the story progressed, he gradually put his knowledge into a creation he only regretted creating. He despised the monster he has created and realized that he shouldn’t have spent all his time trying to acquire the “forbidden knowledge”. He curses his creator for being irresponsible and for neglecting him. The monster’s appearance led the people to think that he is a dangerous man who shouldn’t be allowed to get near them. The effect of the society’s judgments caused him to assume that all humans are hateful.
DeleteI agree with both Mariel and Cathleen, in the novel we see Robert Walton, Victor, and the creature destroy themselves in a pursuit of knowledge. Victor pursues this "dangerous knowledge" when he tries to discover the elixir of life and creates the monster. Victor's act of creation, ironically kills everyone he holds dear to him. The creature, once having learned about emotions he sought out to destroy Victor and in the end destroyed himself. As for Robert Walton, he finds himself trapped in between sheets of ice and abandons his voyage to the north pole altogether, having learned from Victor just how dangerous the pursuit of knowledge can be.
DeleteWithin the novel Frankenstein, written by English novelist Mary Shelley, a reiterated motif of dangerous knowledge is displayed. As Victor attempted to exceed limitations and discover the secret of life, Robert Walton similarly attempted to explore further beyond any other human had traveled before. Victor's reasoning for pursuing in discovery is stated as,"I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation."(ch3) Likewise, in an overly ambitious manner, Robert Walton writes his sister that,"[He] will confer on all mankind... a passage near the pole."(Letter 1) Their overly ambitious pursuit of knowledge lead Victor's act of creation to the destruction of everyone dear to him and lead Robert Walton helplessly trapped between sheets of ice. Additionally, as seen through the monster's point of view, the more he learned of human relationships, love, and commitment within the DeLacey family, the more the knowledge ironically caused him to suffer even more. This knowledge helped fuel his rage and hatred towards mankind for not allowing him to fit within their society which in turn causes the deaths of everyone close to Victor. Through these results, Mary Shelley emphasizes the danger of knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI have to fully agree with your passage about the dangers of knowledge being portrayed throughout the whole novel. And, I enjoy how well written this was.
Deletei agree with your motif of knowledge because with victor gaining a whole lot knowledge seems to be a bad thing. the reason for that is because he challenges life, in a special way and he was able to do that by the amount of knowledge he gained. And how you stated that the more he learned the more he suffer is something that is the truth with victor.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein brings back to life a body in which he created by putting together body parts to make one, however he becomes horrified and disgusted at the sight of what he has dedicated his life to. A ubiquitous motif seen in the novel is isolation. Readers are first able to see how isolation affects Victor and the toll it takes on his life. Victor is overly obsessed with playing God that he isolates himself from his family, friends, professors and school; in which they soon become worried and write to him: "for it is now several months since we have seen your hand-writing." He soon realizes that he was blinded by his obsession that he never looked up to notice the months and years pass him by, never acknowledging what matters most. We are also able to see how the creature Victor created is affected by isolation and the toll it takes on him. The first instant the creature is brought into the world, he is abandoned and left alone to deal with the hatred and rejection by the rest of humanity. He is deemed a "monster" and "feared" by everyone, therefore turns against mankind.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Liliana that one of the motif's seen in the novel is isolation. When the creature Victor created came to life, he was excited yet disgusted. Victor rushes to the next room to sleep (which is a sign of him isolating himself from the monster), but is "started from his sleep with horror," and the creature's "eyes were fixed on him." After that, Victor rushed out, yet again isolating himself from the monster. Victor is constantly running away, trying to remain alone, which only takes him into an ill state, making him very sick with the fear and anxiety he has gained with the creation of the monster.
DeleteI agree with you Liliana because throughout the novel wee see this motif, isolation. We see how Victor chooses to be isolated since he does not want anyone stopping him or taking credit of his creation. Also, I believe that this can fall under Victor having excessive pride which causes him wanting to be isolated. We notice how that in the end doesn't turn out the way he wanted it to be.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly a recurring topic would be ambition. Throughout the whole book we see Victor's thirst for knowledge about things that should be out of his control. Victor's ambition can be seen when he reaches a breakthrough,"What had been the study and desire of the wisest men since the creation of the world was now within my grasp." His ambition causes him to become a different person a more crazed and angry side of him comes out when he talks about his goals and his need of knowledge of the unknown. Victor's goal is too achieve what no other person besides God was able to do which was to tamper with the balance of human life. In Chapter 4 Victor praises himself when he says, "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge... then he who aspires to become greater than his own nature will allow." Frankenstein's believes he can break through the invisible barrier that separates humans and nature he wants to control both.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Michelle. Victor Frankenstein thought that he was worthy of the power to create life himself. Due to his irresponsibility, he was attacked by the work of his own hand. Victor did not know how to supervise the monster he created, which resulted in the monster seeking for vengeance on its creator. Moreover, Victor was not the only character that had ambitions; Robert Walton's purpose for exploring the North Pole was because he wants to help not only the present mankind, but also the future generations. Both characters wanted to bring glory to their names.
DeleteI would like to agree with you Michelle because as the topic of ambition can be seen through the eyes of Victor and the different challenges that he would take on. And also how he would not let anyone put him down when we would talk about the reanimation of a life form.
DeleteI like the point you stated about ambition and how it changed the characters throughout the novel, it can also be seen as arrogance or excessive pride. Another good quote would be in Letters 1 when Walton is writing to his sister and states that he would benefit many generations after him by discovering new territories.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, one of the main characters, a scientist Victor Frankenstein, steps into the position of a women and God. Frankenstein creates life to a monster, using the term “labour”, signifying that he literally gave birth to a monster himself. For example, Frankenstein states, “After so much time spent in painful labour”, using female symbolism of bearing a newborn child. Not only does he compares himself to the role of a women but also at the same time he puts himself in the position of God by giving life just as God. But the difference between Frankenstein and God acceptance for their creature wasn’t the same. Frankenstein did not accept his creation. The role he took was unnecessary but his ambition brought him to the point where creating a monster was the answer for mankind. He wanted to be seen as the one can answer and do the impossible. But by doing this lead to a creature to be rejected by society. The monster who would only want to be accepted by his own creature, but was not given that desire. Mary Shelley also emphases how going against nature can bring dangerous knowledge and many life in threat.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Jailim that Victor did try to take the role of a woman, however I recommend you try to choose only one role he tries to take and go into detail with that.
DeleteI'm sure the usage of the world "labour" could also symbolize the hard work that God went through to create the world and man in his own image. Much like God, Victor was aiming to create something or the "creation of a being like myself"(Shelley 50). I can I agree with your viewpoint on how it could symbolize the strain of birth, but we could also acknowledge how God creation of man pertains to the creation of the monster.
DeleteIt's Raul Martinez Jr. by the way.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly certain topics such as ambition or determination can be observed throughout the book. In some instances readers can infer when a character seems to be in such a mood with precise diction that is used within a sentence or quote from a character. For example, when victor Frankenstein says, "how many things are soon the brink of discovering if cowardance or carelessness do not restrain our inquiries", it may represent how he feels about the devotion and care of mankind to advance and prosper as a "Devine race". Frankensteins ideas are somewhat spiritfiul due to the amount of curiosity and insight he had on a certain topic or thought. In chapter 2 of the book he makes a statement which implies his devotion to an idea of exploration he had which states, "the world to me was a secret which I desired to discover" and shows his level of ambition and dedication to certain ideas he has. Throughout the chapters he is convincing on his thoughts and admirations with the use of formal diction, making incidents more intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI conquer with what you said Jorge, one of the motifs being ambition or determination. Victor shows this ambition through his hard work in trying to discover the "secrets" of life and with that, he put his own life at risk.
Delete-Cecilia Arellano
In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, the narrator named Victor Frankenstein, discovers the world of natural sciences which leads to the destruction of his life. From this, it is evident that a reoccurring topic that develops throughout the novel is discovery. Discover, is what lead to the beginning of every single event that occurred in the story because Victor came to discover the magnificence of science and chose to exceed the limits of life and death due to that. By this, he created a horrible creature that he soon discovered was a failure to the success he truly wished to acoomplish as he states, “dreams that had been my food and pleasant rest for so long a space, were now become a hell to me.” This was the beginning of a life sentence to self destruction. Apart from Victors point of view, the creature also discovered the essence of life and cursed his creator for a life filled with loneliness and despair, and once he learned the basics of life, went off, in search for revenge. The development of discovery, can be seen to occur many times as a basis of the novel since both characters were led to an epiphany of many discoveries that led to their actions and consequences that Shelley sucsefully portrayed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Dulce, however I think that there is more to the theme besides discovery.
DeleteI fully agree with you Dulce about the theme being discovery. Through the cause of discovery and curiosity a monster was created and killed many innocent lives. Going against nature and discovery new thing may lead to wrong paths. Maybe that is why humans should not go against nature because new things that we discover we may not control them after all.
DeleteBoth Dulce and Jailim make a valid point in that discovery is a reoccurring topic, however I believe that it goes even further into the topic of curiosity. It isn't just about discovering things by chance but it's the curiosity that leads to the discovery. For example Robert Walton and the North Pole, or Victor Frankenstein and his discovery in the ability to bring dead things back to life.
DeleteCristina Chinchilla
ReplyDeleteIn the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley a recurring topic we can discern throughout the novel would be revenge and forgiveness. The scientist Frankenstein finds himself in a melancholy state as he is unable to forgive himself when he gives life to a monster of his own creation. He finds his creature horrendous and is disgusted by his presence, because of this, he decides to abandon him and leave him desolated. The creature takes revenge on his creator, Frankenstein, by murdering his younger brother (William). When Frankenstein hears about this tragic news and reveals his murderer he wants revenge, but also accuses himself of his brothers murder and isn't able to forgive himself. “I was seized by remorse and the sense of guilt, which hurried me away to a hell of intense tortures, such as no language can describe” (Shelley 61) Victor’s sense of guilt drives him to believe he is the murderer of his brothers death. He states “I not indeed but in effect was the true murderer” (Shelley 63) As Victor deals with the internal struggle of forgiving himself he takes his feelings of remorse and regret and channels it into revenge. As Victor lacks to forgive himself, he comes to believe that the only way he can come at peace with himself is by getting revenge from the monster to conceal the deaths of William and Justine. Furthermore, The immense drive of revenge leads Victor as not only the creator of a monster, but he becomes apart of his creation by slowly turning into a monster himself.
I agree with how forgiveness is present throughout the novel. Each time victor does something so stress inducing he falls ill till someone, like henry for example, takes care of Victor till he is restored to better spirits. However he still battles his own guilt despite being physically restored. If Victor was capable of forgiving his own actions, things like revenge would be minimal and blame wouldn't be pointed around.
DeleteIn the novel, “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, mentions how the creature did not have anyone to grow up with. “But where were my friends and relations? No father had watched my infant days, no mother had blessed me with smiles and caresses”. As in the quote it says how he wanted someone to know what he has done and see how other people around him have had those people that it wanted. The creature felt alone with no one who it could go to throughout its childhood and growing up. This has not only shown up in chapter 12 but also in the beginning of the novel he felt the need of having a companionship as a need to continue. He has felt this isolation and loneliness for a long time. This quote is from the beginning of the novel, "... when I'm glowing with the enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy; if I am assailed by disappointment, no one will endeavor to sustain me in dejection". He mentions basically the same thing as from the other quote how he needs someone to be admired by and needed for someone to be their for it's joy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Mariana, however he didn't want to be admired. He just wanted to be loved and cared for. Since his "birth" he was rejected by his own creator.
DeleteI somewhat agree with you because the creature truly wanted to feel surrounded and included with acceptance like human family's are in most cases. Still, he didn't really intend to be admired more so valued as a being equal to his creator by having a family or at the very least a companion that is like family.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, a theme throughout is revenge. Frankenstein creates a monster because of his ambition to help all mankind, but instead he was only seeking what many seek, fame. When he finally succeeded with his creation, he was horrified by what he created. Once he saw what he created, he abandoned the monster and fled where he couldn't be found. With Frankenstein's actions the monster wanted to seek revenge, to hurt Frankenstein the same way he hurt him.
ReplyDeleteMary Shelley uses the novel to paint a picture of the seemingly endless cycle of revenge and the fact that is a consequence of blind range, love, and hatred. The novel shows that wrongs indeed do not make a right and there is no satisfaction to gain any revenge. The monster first stars with William Frankenstein's brother and then Justine someone beloved by the family. "Frankenstein! you belong then to my enemy--to him towards whom I have sworn eternal revenge; you shall be my first victim." Shows that he was seeking revenge to the ones Frankenstein loves to hurt him. "When dead, the creature noticed a locket around William's throat which he took. Planting the locket on Justine as she herself slept, the creature framed Justine for William's murder". Then it Into a whole cycle of revenge Frankenstein leaves monster, monster kills Justine and William, monsters kills Elizabeth and Henry, and lastly Frankenstein wants to seek vengeance for himself. Every action taken was for emotion of anger and love towards someone, but at the end nothing was gained but regret.
I agree with you Miranda since the monster is unhappy on how he is he seeks revenge on those that victor loves and blames others for his fault.
DeleteI agree with you Miranda about the topic being about revenge. Yes, the monster wanted revenge because his own creator did not want him. But before any murders where to happen, couldnt the monster speak to Frankenstein like he did later on in the book. Couldnt he speak to him before killing many innocent lifes.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, explicitly depicts many topics and motifs throughout the literary work. One being, the idea of appearances and judgement. From the day the monster arose, it was already being neglected by his creator, Victor Frankenstein. When the monster fled, he came across the De Lacey family who lived in a cottage and whom he watched daily. To him, they were his “protectors” and acquired quite the knowledge from them. The monster yearned for love from the family until all this took a turn. He was humiliated and despised from the son named Felix. “Felix darted forward, and with supernatural force tore me from his father, to whose knees I clung:...” (Shelley 160). Without even giving him a chance to explain himself, Felix assumed the worst of the monster because of his looks. It was so much that the family Delacey was driven out of their cottage due to the monster's appearance. Later on, the monster bravely reacts to a situation. I rushed from my hiding place, and, with extreme labour from the force of the current, saved her, and dragged her to shore” (Sheley 167). The monster was capable of saving a little girl despite his imperfect self. Nobody in the novel has yet really given him a chance to be himself and not to be judged by his looks. He becomes the monster he seems to be because of the way society portrays him. In the end, it is not about how you look like on the outside, but rather the kind actions that come from within you.
ReplyDeleteI like to disagree with the part where you stated that no one has given the monster a chance because I believe DeLacey gave the monster a chance because he was blind and as a result treated him with compassion.
DeleteI strongly agree with your insight about how the monster was rejected and neglected by his creator, Victor, and most of the people that saw him. As they only judged him on his appearance and they refused to give him a chance even though he did no initial harm.- Jonathan Kim
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, a reoccurring topic is solitude. Mary Shelly began the novel with letters, all being written by Robert Walton, in which he describes his lonesome voyage and need of companionship.
ReplyDeleteIn letter 2, Walton writes, "I have no friend, Margaret: when I am glowing with enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy..." which emphasizes his desire for a friendship. Walton is wishing for a friend to share his successes and failures, so he doesn't feel alone throughout the voyage. It shows that even the people who believe they don't need someone else by their side, that it can be difficult to only have yourself at the end.
Also, in letter 4, Walton writes "... that I should find no friend on the wide ocean; yet I have found a man who, before his spirit had been broken by my misery, I should have been happy to have possessed as the brother of my heart," which shows his loneliness being saved by a complete stranger. Even with out Walton knowing who the stranger is, Walton easily felt comfort and companionship because he craved it for so long, that anything was acceptable. It could mean that the best friendships come along when it is unexpected.
Through out the novel, the feeling of solitude is brought up again with the monster. There is a similarity with Robert Walton and the monster because they both crave companionship. The message can be that anybody can feel isolation and solitude at their worst and best times, which destroying oneself can be a possible rising issue, so the feeling of companionship is very well needed.
I agree with you, Carolina because throughout the novel we see how those 3 characters seek a companion. We especially see this in Walton when he writes to his sister in his voyage how desparate he is for a companionship.
DeleteOne of the best things about Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly, is how everything seems to be tied together, and by all means it's no accident. Following Victor, we begin in letters meeting him as a man disillusioned by the fascinations of science, but as we enter the chapters we see what exactly happened to change him into the man Walton meets. It was ambition that caused him to fall; it was because he was chasing something that should be out of his reach. The most important theme that Shelly conveys in Frankenstein is that the higher you climb for ambition, the fall that awaits becomes even greater. The key motif is ambition. In letters, we can see that Walton himself had wanted to become a poet, but ultimately failed; he tells his sister, "you are well acquainted with my failure, and how heavily I bore the disappointment." (Shelly 9) His ambition to become a poet, in spite of his in-education, led him to fail. So how does he respond? He decides to go off into the unknown, seeking out a higher ambition. Another example can be found in Victor. When he began, Victor became a man "who continually sought the attainment of one object of pursuit" (Shelly 47). He let his ambition eat away at him. He then goes on explaining how the outside world, nature, didn't matter to him, and how he became so focused that he had neglected his family. Then, when he finally makes his monster, all of the metaphorical climbing he had been doing had finally led him to his "fall". Victor, who was once proud and curious, became fearful and paranoid; his ambition led him to this.
ReplyDeleteAstute observation Darynne, but was it entirely the fault of these characters' ambition that led them to their ruin? I say that while ambition did play a key role in shaping the actions of these characters, we must not forget that curiosity and the thirst for knowledge were also key factors in the novel. However, these two factors do seem to heavily influence Victor more so than Walton because it does seem that Walton's only goal for his expedition is to seek glory that will last him centuries. That goal sounds like the dream of an ambitious man. As for Victor, curiosity and the thirst of knowledge are what led him to study at Ingolstadt. Here at this University, he would soon become interested in natural philosophy enough so that he became curious to see if he can grant life to a creature of his own design. Now, it was also ambitious of him to think he could do such a thing, but we can still say that his curiosity also got the better of him.
DeleteRaul Martinez Jr. (
ReplyDeleteIn Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, a man by the names of victor creates a monster after being able to gain the knowledge on how to do so. Now, the gaining knowledge, I noticed, is something that brings misery. Victor's gain of knowledge led him to create a beast of a man who would go on to plague his mind with grief and sorrow. It seems as though Shelley is trying to get across tge point that there might be some things that man was never meant to learn how to do, crwating life being one of them. Because of his actions, Victor now has to live the consequences of creating which would include have his younger sibling strangled at the hands of the monster. Yet, Victor is not the only who is suffering from the gaining of knowledge.
Part 2
DeleteHis monster was set out into the world after he had been neglected by Victor. Out in the real world, the monster had to learn the hard way that he will forever be scorned by humanity, always being avoided and met with violence. He also gets to learn many things about humanity when he stumbles upon the DeLacey family. From them, he learns many things including about the world and human society. He however realises that he will never be able to experience all the pkeasures humans are able to experience. Thus self-awareness was only obtainable through his gaining of knowledge. This new knowledge will now make him a miserable wrtetch for the rest of his life. Again, it seems to me that Shelley is implying that there is a certain danger in the gaining of knowledge and that it may not be for the best.
Oh hi Raul. I would have to agree with you. Knowledge is not all its cracked up to be. The more knowledge you have the more you know about what hurts you and the more you have to battle life.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly there are a couple reoccurring themes. One of the reoccurring themes would be the theme of ambition. Robert Walton is one of the examples of how Mary Shelley portrays ambition. For example, in Letter 1, Walton writes to his sister, Margaret Saville," I Shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man." He writes this letter to prove to her that he can, make this voyage to the North Pole with success. He is also ambitious in the way that he's going to uncharted territory, and as Walton stated going to a land where humans have never before stepped on. Walton has no idea what kind of obstacles or dangers he may come across, however he is still taking a risk to be the first person to step on such land. Shelley portrays ambition by having Walton boast about his trip. Walton feels that not only will he be the first person to discover the North Pole on foot but he will help humanity by finding a passage to the North Pole. Walton writes,"-you cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall infer on all mankind to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the Pole to those countries-" Walton feels that his discovery will benefit to not only his current generation but generations to come as well. Through his words he demonstrates his ambition. The topic of ambition is shown through the book as well, in the way that Victor Frankenstein is ambitious as well. Victor's obsession with science and nature and needing to make the creature come to life is another way that Shelley brings back the reoccurring theme of ambition.
ReplyDeleteI love the evidence you're providing about Shelley's recurrence of Ambition, however I must ask, why does Mary provide this throughout the book? Perhaps it is the danger of ambition from those that were in the "Enlightenment" movement? Was she perhaps warning those still stuck in the mood during her time to not let ambition get the better of them?
DeleteApril, I do believe that ambition is what drive the human race and especially what hurts us too as we exaust our being.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein it shows the motif that seems to be played is the wonder. Like With them keep wanting to experiment and play with the recreation of life. The stuff that they are messing with is dangerous knowledge and can affect them and everyone else. Even like in the novel Robert Walton wanted to discover what is in the North Pole. And even when Victor's recreation can also cause destruction with everyone around him. These experiments can be quite dangerous. But Walton decided to cancel after learning from what Victor has gone through.
ReplyDeletea bit short. Please add more details and text based evidence
DeleteAbel Sanchez
ReplyDeleteIn the novel Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein, the creator of the monster, brings back
the life of the dead. One problem with this was that Victor had no idea what
the monster would look like or what he would come out to be. It seemed as if
Victor was horrified with the final result of the monster. After so much time
and dedication he put into his work, he still viewed his success as a
catastrophe. One reoccurring theme brought up to mind now is the thought of physical appearances.
As you have already noticed, Victor was unpleased with the monster
he created. He could not stand looking at him. Almost as if he wanted to catch
hands with him. The monster then dips and comes across a new place. He runs
into the DeLacey family whom are then known to be the monsters “protectors.” All
goes wrong there with the monster and his appearance as well and he ends up
getting neglected by them. Despite his appearance, his actions have nothing to do with the way he is seen. For instance, he looks scary but in reality he does
not fall under the stereotype of “scary”. He only looked that way because of
his creator. Although one might not set out the best appearance, it is not the right to judge them because you have no idea who they actually are.
You have a very valid point. Throughout the whole novel, the monster had to endure very cruel treatment from any human being who laid eyes on him, including his own creator. The monster has no idea on who he is, what he's doing, or where to go. He is basically a harmless child, but with the appearance he carries, people could only think of how dangerous he could be. This treatment can be seen in chapter 17, where he encounters William Frankenstein who he wishes to befriend since he thinks he is too young to treat him cruelly but he is wrong. William Frankenstein tells the monster, "...ugly wretch! You wish to eat me, and tear me to pieces-You are an ogre-Let me go..."(pg.169) With just one look at the monster, he was already antagonized. This treatment ruins the monster, since he is only a lost and miserable creature, who is looking for some sort of love and acceptance.
DeleteI feel like you are summarizing the the story but do not explain what the topic is.
DeleteI agree with Mariana, you seemed to have focusing on summarizing the story instead of providing insight on how being discriminated on by appearance affected the creature. After the creature is abandoned by his creator and rejected by the townsfolk, he becomes what everyone believes him to be, a monster. Mary Shelley could be saying that at some point people stop fighting their stereotypes, and begin to embrace them.
DeleteIn the book Frankenstein, I think the motif that is most haunting or most significant is the motif of creation. The motif of creation is especially important because it is the means through which most scientist become famous, something Victor Frankenstein would like to do. While other scientist create machines and other contraptions, Victor is creating something of taboo, Victor is creating a soul. Even though Victor is successful, he is not kind to his creation. Unlike God, Victor does not care for his creation or maybe similar to God he set his creation up for failure and punishes his monster through neglect.
ReplyDeleteIn the book Victor said “The innocent and helpless creature bestowed on them by heaven, whom to bring up to good, and whose future lot it was in their hands to direct to happiness or misery, according as they fulfilled their duties towards me.”, He said this to parallel his creation of the monster with the creation of himself by his parents but it becomes a foil as he did not fulfill his parental duties. Victor also says “When night came again I found, with pleasure, that the fire gave light as well as heat and that the discovery of this element was useful to me in my food, for I found some of the offals that the travellers had left had been roasted, and tasted much more savoury than the berries I gathered from the trees. I tried, therefore, to dress my food in the same manner, placing it on the live embers. I found that the berries were spoiled by this operation, and the nuts and roots much improved.”, this references prometheus something that Mary Shelley implements into the story as another creation figure to compare Victor with. Victor did not provide the monster with the fire of life.
i agree with mark with the significance that creation has in the novel. this motif is something really important in the novel because creating life is something that revolves around victor. thats hat he wants to to do and he wants to feel like a god
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, in "Letter 1" we see a topic that occurs throughout the whole novel which is ambitious and hubris. We see that in "Letter 1", Robert Walton writes to his sister describing his voyage to the North Pole and how successful he will be in his journey. Walton writes, "I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man." Here we see how ambitious he is in discovering the North Pole, which no human being has ever visited. Walton, wants to be able to tell his sister all his success to his sister so she knows he is becoming a man. Towards the ending of "letter 1" we see the hubris in him when he writes, "But, supposing all these conjectures to be false, you cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall confer on all mankind to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the pole to those countries...". Here we see the emphasis on I which results on having excessive pride and ambitious. This quote will then lead us onto Victor Frankenstein with his creation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. It is because of ambition that both Walton and Victor continue to work on their discoveries, without considering possible consequences. Both characters rely on their pride of wisdom to dictate their lives. Their ambition does not drive them to what they expected.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly, there is one main topic which seems to appear in different aspects of the novel. The topic of Humanity affects the 'monster' than all the other characters in the story. It reoccurs during the time of the monsters 'birth'. "the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart." Victor didn't give his creation love like a mother would when her child is born. The 'monster' lacked the warmth embrace of a parent or companion that would guide him into the new world he would have to row accustom to. The monster, in the beginning did not have any humanity. It lacked the morals and emotions a human being would have. And as the monster begins to acquire his own personality, he losses it, "I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind." The 'monster' begins to discover the unkindness people show him because of him physic. His heart is ind as he tries to have encounters with people who seem fit to not treat him with violence. He sees the negative side of the country and how they should treat outsiders like the monsters. Humanity tells the story on how it should be treated and how people to treat ones who are different from each others.
ReplyDeleteIn the novel Frankenstein by Marry Shelley, the recruiting topic o found often is the topic of passion over everything else. The first example of that in chapter one when he was reading all the books about philosophies he defined his own father to please his own desires .Not only he dose that but guess on en excursion for about 2 years without going home not even once. But once his creation which is the monster fails he feels so turn apart because he doesn’t know what he did wrong it also show how his passion was greater than anything else so once he fail he couldn’t find the courage to keep on going because his failure keep hunting him. He even thinks back to how much time and effert he put in it to just be ruined even to the point he lost his own family.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great point Zaidy and this could be seen at the end of the book in Walton's letters that he is forced to return back home by his crew instead of finishing his journey to the North pole in which he states that he has "lost [his] hopes of utility and glory" when forced to return although himself and his men were in great danger.
Deletethis is one good point Zaidy, i can see how victor passion is of of his biggest motivated . when he failed he remember about his passion and what he did. i can see why it was hard for walton coming back because he had a passion like victor does.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the reoccurring theme that has been found is how your success may not turn out how you expect it. Victor has ran away from the creature he has created, because I believe his is horrified at the appearance of it. He abandons it and the creature will be the cause of his demise. Victor will always be haunted at the success of this "experiment", because the creature follows him wherever he goes, which can be symbolic to the guilt Victor feels. It will haunt him to the day he dies. In chapter 5 he claims, "I desired it with an ardour that far exeeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart,". This is where he has realized that his success is not what it may seem. Instead, he is horrified by his success of the creation. Lastly in chapter 8, the creature follows Victor during his visit to the summit and Victor states, "But I scarcely observed this; anger and hatred had at first deprived me..". All in all, one of the reoccurring themes is that sometimes our success does not turn out how it seems.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement Alicia because as you said even right after the creature comes to life the parts that Victor chose that were beautiful separately come together to form a horrendous monster as he described in the beginning of chapter 4. These are great examples of one's ideas not turning out how they thought they would.
DeleteI agree with both Alicia and Isabel because through out the novel, Victor feels like he's the one to blame for the effect the creature had on his family. For example, with Justine and her trial, although she didn't commit the crime, she was still convicted for it. With that, Victor then has to ponder the deaths of 2 innocent people. The feeling of guilt shows that Victor isn't proud of what he's done, which then emphasizes both Alicia's and Isabel's theme that success doesn't always turn out how it seems.
Deletein the novel "Frankenstein" by Mary shelly a topic that i have seen a few times in the perspective of the monster is rejection.
ReplyDeleteHe is constantly getting rejected by his society and even by the man that made him. In the beginning when victor was just thinking about creating life he was hyped for it and eager to see what he is capable of making. Once the time comes and gets to create the creature he is disappointed at what he made and just wants to get rid of his creation. when victor is chilling in the other room the creature comes to him, he gets scared by his appearance. Victor soon abandoned his creation. At this point the creature feels rejected from his creator, this was the beginning of his many rejections. The monster finds a new place to crash for a bit, with the DeLacey family. The monster sees them as his protectors because they accepted him. but that didn't last long, eventually the DeLacey family rejects the creature because of his scary looks. The creature is just constantly getting rejected by society and that leads him to feel zero sympathy later on in the novel. What Mary Shelly wants to get across by showing rejection from the monster is that it isn't okay to shun someone for their appearance because in the end that might hurt you instead. Rejection is a topic that constantly pops up in many different books that we've read in gracias class, like "always running" with luis.
I would like to agree with Angel that one major topic that comes across the novel "Frankenstein" is rejection. The monster seemed to be getting denied by society based upon his so called "scary" appearance. As we all know from the famous saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover." This relastes to the monster himself as it is practically the story of his life.
DeleteI agree with you Angel. It is because of the monsters rejection that Victor found misery in his life. His appearance was apparently more important to the mankind that his true feelings. This affected Victor as it hurt him until death;he became miserable and could bare with his guilt no more.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly the topic of having Natural beauty is repetitive. Take Elizabeth for example, when victor's father first sees her " a child fairer than a pictured cherub " (pg 17) he instantly agrees to keep her. Her beauty, not designed like the creatures, was created naturally. Thus, allowing the audience to perceive that most things created by artificial man-made design are unfavorable and a smear against all things natural. If it is not made by fate then it shouldn't be made at all would be a perfect theme for this topic.
ReplyDeleteThe creature exemplifies this because when victor first realizes who he has created he was flooded with indescribable emotions " How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe.. " referring to his creature "... The wretch whom with such infinite pains.. I had endeavoured to form." (Pg35) immediately this brings more attention to the idea that having been born a pure being inherently makes one good while creating something of an accident and design will form an inherently evil being. "The different accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings of human nature." (Pg 35)
I fully agree with your statement,because in chapter 12 i believe the monster even saw that humans were extravagant creatures that recenbel elegance. That why i fully agree with your statement about how natural beauty shows up in the novel often.
DeleteIn the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley the topic of glory is rather ubiquitous. For example, in Letter One, Walton is on an expedition to the North Pole for his own personal gains, such as being the first to set foot on unexplored land. He says so when writing to Elizabeth, " I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man."(p.16). By being the first to set foot on new and undiscovered land, Walton will be historically renowned around the world and for future generations to come. This is exactly what he wants, eternal glory.
ReplyDeleteAnother example would be when Victor's professor, M. Waldman is giving a lecture when he says this "These philosophers...have performed miracles...They ascend into the heavens....They have acquired new and almost unlimited powers; they can command the thunders of heaven, mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with its own shadows". When praising the modern scientists, Waldman even went so far as to giving them god-like qualities. As a result, Victor makes a vow to "pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation"(p.49). This want of glory is what eventually leads to Victor's downfall.
Claudia Gamboa
ReplyDeleteIn the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, the main character,Victor, is a man who has created something unnatural. A reocurring theme in the novel is that "Sometimes in life we pay for disturbing the natural laws." Victor was the one who created his family's and his own destruction. When Victor decided to create something unatural he didn't realize what would be some of the consequences. Right after the creation, Victor became insane. "Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out if the room..." The quote shows that Victor has realized that he made a mistake. There is no way of going back besides killing the monster, and so we can foreshadow destruction in Victor's future. One of the first deaths caused by the monster was the death of William. Justine was wrongly accused of murdering William. Vicor knew who the real murder was and didnt't want to say anything because he knew that "[he] should have looked upon it as the ravings of insanity." As we keep reading we realize that William is not the only one that is going to pay for Victor's death. Since I don't want to spoil anything I will stop here.
I see the point you're trying to come across with Claudia, however I do believe the theme you were pushing for was, "Bad Choices lead to Bad Consequences." Another point I'd like to make concerning your response is that you are also leaning more towards the idea guilt, which would tie into more the theme I had provided. In your own words, "The quote shows that Victor has realized he made a mistake."
DeleteBlog #2 Geronimo Balvuena Jr.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the book, Frankenstein, Mary shellly, there's discrimination among appearances that tells the reader, society looks at appearances to tell them how a cero person is. Society was always based on appearance, that leads to many situations as in pushing people always or not wants them to be part of this world. When the author starts describing "the monster" he use negative words such as scarcely, black, and horrid. These word are often used in horror movies creating a darkness atmosphere, that makes the reader believe he's a monster. Furthermore, the monster is then even pushed away from his father/creator, that creator says he had created a horrific person where he leaves him on his own. Later on, the monster approaches a kid in danger in which he save but is not thanked because of his appearance. No matter how big his heart is or how many best human body parts he has, disgusted is still look back him
I concur with your argument that appearance matters in the story of Frankenstein and that due to discrimination, the monster was rejected by society despite his valiant efforts to prove himself human. I'd like to add on by highlighting how Elizabeth is described as a beautiful, light skinned, and tow-headed girl whom everyone adores, as compared to the monster who is described as dark, and horrid. As you can see, there is a connection between light and dark, beauty and ugly, good and evil, within the novel. This stereotype of appearance runs throughout society.
DeleteI Get what you are saying Geronimo but I do not think "discrimination" against appearance would be quite the word for the theme. Discrimination usually refers to a certain group of individuals whereas in the novel it is just the monster himself.
DeleteIn the novel, Frankenstein, the author Mary Shelley, takes the reader through the journey of a scientist, Victor Frankenstein, and his quest to create life from those who are dead. As Victor becomes successful in his attempt he is also horrified in the result as the creature turns out nothing like he thought it would. The monster is then left to his own devices forced to experience the world alone facing hardships that force resentment towards his creator. The topic of revenge comes up very often throughout the novel as it becomes the monster and Victor’s motive to destroy one another mentally and physically. When Victor denies the creature’s request for a companion, a request that the creature seems absolutely reasonable as he does not and will not have a friend in the world, he vows to make it so that Victor will “curse the hour of [his] birth” (Shelley, 173). And as the monster endeavors to fulfill this by killing Victor’s family and friends Victor retaliates by vowing to kill the monster on pages 250-251. These vows push the rest of the story as they are the main motivation for the characters to continue chasing one another around until death comes one way or another.
ReplyDeleteYou point out something quite interesting, though if I may add on to your subject we could also evaluate how the topic of revenge leads to their ultimate demise as after the death of Elizabeth by the hands of the creature only does at that moment Victor goes out looking for him, though to his dismay he dies due to sickness. To add on the creature himself after all his troubles comes to realize his mistakes and later kills himself.
Deletei personally agree with the toipc of revenge is very clear and specific your details are clears and very specific although the format could be written more coherently.
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