"Blasted as thou wert, my agony was still superior to thine..." (166).
Well well well, that was an interesting book. This line struck me though. The monster says that despite all that Victor went through he still had it worse than Victor. I see the monster's point though, he never had anyone in his life at all. Not only that, but he thought that Victor was going to create him a companion and in fact he didn't. This may not be the best time to say something like this but the effect of these words is strong. The ending seemed a little bit disappointing to me though. It seemed like there was a lot of conflict then all the sudden everybody just died and it was over.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Interesting. . .
"How all this will terminate, I know not; but I had rather die than return shamefully,--my purpose unfulfilled" -page 160
This was said, well, written by Walton in a letter to his sister. It seems that Walton's sense of determination is very similar to that of Victor's. Walton wanted to reach the arctic circle so badly that he was reluctant to turn back even in the most intense of conditions. Victor wouldn't rest until he sought his revenge on the monster. This is also very similar to when he created the monster. While he was in the process of creating him he neglected everything including his own health. I think that the parallels drawn between the two help point out the more important themes present in the novel.
This was said, well, written by Walton in a letter to his sister. It seems that Walton's sense of determination is very similar to that of Victor's. Walton wanted to reach the arctic circle so badly that he was reluctant to turn back even in the most intense of conditions. Victor wouldn't rest until he sought his revenge on the monster. This is also very similar to when he created the monster. While he was in the process of creating him he neglected everything including his own health. I think that the parallels drawn between the two help point out the more important themes present in the novel.
Dynamic character
"I will exert myself; and if it is in my power to seize the monster, be assured that he shall suffer punishment proportionate to his crimes." -page 148
During the whole story, well, after he creates the monster, Victor tries to avoid him. In fact, right after he makes him he tries to sleep then upon discovering the monster looming over him, leaves his house. This is the first time that the Victor says anything about seeking out the monster. It only makes sense that he is going to try to kill him. Victor just can't stand not knowing where or when the monster is coming or what he will do next. He realizes his responsibility now. It's about time though, he created the monster and let him do so much before he finally decided to do something about it.
During the whole story, well, after he creates the monster, Victor tries to avoid him. In fact, right after he makes him he tries to sleep then upon discovering the monster looming over him, leaves his house. This is the first time that the Victor says anything about seeking out the monster. It only makes sense that he is going to try to kill him. Victor just can't stand not knowing where or when the monster is coming or what he will do next. He realizes his responsibility now. It's about time though, he created the monster and let him do so much before he finally decided to do something about it.
Plot/Foreshadowing
"You must create a female for me, with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being. This alone you can do; and I demand it of you as a right which you must not refuse to concede." -page 104
This is quite a predicament for Victor. Should he create a female, yielding to the monster's request in an attempt to subside his murderous ways? Or should he not do it and then? Who knows what? We can only assume that the monster would continue to kill if not kill more. In addition he probably wouldn't be too fond of Victor if he denies his request. That would put his own safety in danger. I think this could also be considered a bit of foreshadowing. He says "he must not refuse to concede." That sounds like a threat to me!
This is quite a predicament for Victor. Should he create a female, yielding to the monster's request in an attempt to subside his murderous ways? Or should he not do it and then? Who knows what? We can only assume that the monster would continue to kill if not kill more. In addition he probably wouldn't be too fond of Victor if he denies his request. That would put his own safety in danger. I think this could also be considered a bit of foreshadowing. He says "he must not refuse to concede." That sounds like a threat to me!
Who's the Real Monster?
"William, Justine, and Henry--they all died by my hands." -page 136
So who really killed all of theses people? Literally, or maybe a better way to put that is directly, it was the monster. But wait, who exactly is the monster? Victor said this. However, I feel like, through his creation and neglect of the monster, Victor is responsible. It actually kind of makes sense that most people think that Frankenstein is the name of the monster because when you get down to it, he really is. It just really bothers me how Victor created the monster and then completely abandoned him. It was one thing to make the monster, to experiment and discover something that had never been done, but he has to have a sense of responsibility.
So who really killed all of theses people? Literally, or maybe a better way to put that is directly, it was the monster. But wait, who exactly is the monster? Victor said this. However, I feel like, through his creation and neglect of the monster, Victor is responsible. It actually kind of makes sense that most people think that Frankenstein is the name of the monster because when you get down to it, he really is. It just really bothers me how Victor created the monster and then completely abandoned him. It was one thing to make the monster, to experiment and discover something that had never been done, but he has to have a sense of responsibility.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Foreshadowing
"My children, my firmest hopes of future happiness were placed on the prospect of your union."
Yeah yeah. I know. We're not supposed to think it's weird but I still think it is. This is like an arranged marriage on steroids. I mean really, you adopt a daughter to marry your son? Weird. You want them to grow up together, in the same house, like brother/sister/cousins and not have problems? I mean it is inevitable, brothers and sisters fight. Its a fact of life and the idea of having two kids grow up like that then get married is just plain weird. Ok though, I got all the weird ranting out. Oh yeah and this could be foreshadowing because they might actually get married, who knows?
Yeah yeah. I know. We're not supposed to think it's weird but I still think it is. This is like an arranged marriage on steroids. I mean really, you adopt a daughter to marry your son? Weird. You want them to grow up together, in the same house, like brother/sister/cousins and not have problems? I mean it is inevitable, brothers and sisters fight. Its a fact of life and the idea of having two kids grow up like that then get married is just plain weird. Ok though, I got all the weird ranting out. Oh yeah and this could be foreshadowing because they might actually get married, who knows?
IRONY!
"Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art!"
Victor is calling the monster a fiend here. Sure it's a lame insult to start with but that's not the ironic part. The ironic part is that he is the one who created him and is now calling him "abhorred" that's ridiculous! it[s fault in the first place! Oh well, beyond that I do feel bad for the monster. I think everyone does. He really gets the short end of the stick. He didn't choose to come into the world and just because he's trying to learn how to live because Victor abandoned him doesn't mean he should suffer. I don't know, I have a feeling he'll be the one either saving Victor and Victor realizes he;s a nice monster or he'll kill Victor unknowingly.
Victor is calling the monster a fiend here. Sure it's a lame insult to start with but that's not the ironic part. The ironic part is that he is the one who created him and is now calling him "abhorred" that's ridiculous! it[s fault in the first place! Oh well, beyond that I do feel bad for the monster. I think everyone does. He really gets the short end of the stick. He didn't choose to come into the world and just because he's trying to learn how to live because Victor abandoned him doesn't mean he should suffer. I don't know, I have a feeling he'll be the one either saving Victor and Victor realizes he;s a nice monster or he'll kill Victor unknowingly.
Irony
"Learn from me...how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow." -page 31
This quote is very ironic. Who would think that knowledge leads to unhappiness? Although then again there is the old saying (although maybe not older than this book) that ignorance is bliss. This also advocates not knowing the true realm of the world. It instead promotes simply knowing your own town to be the world. Interesting. In this time period it would have been much easier to be like this though. Not knowing the whole world is tough in today's world. I feel like Americans shut out the rest of the wold better than everyone else. Well or worse than everyone else depending on which way you look at it. We tend to focus on affairs here at home and we are a fairly happy nation so maybe there is some truth to this idea.
This quote is very ironic. Who would think that knowledge leads to unhappiness? Although then again there is the old saying (although maybe not older than this book) that ignorance is bliss. This also advocates not knowing the true realm of the world. It instead promotes simply knowing your own town to be the world. Interesting. In this time period it would have been much easier to be like this though. Not knowing the whole world is tough in today's world. I feel like Americans shut out the rest of the wold better than everyone else. Well or worse than everyone else depending on which way you look at it. We tend to focus on affairs here at home and we are a fairly happy nation so maybe there is some truth to this idea.
Responsibility
Be calm! I intreat you to hear me, before you give vent to your hatred on my devoted head."
Ok I just want to reflect a little on whats happened and what I think is strange about it. Victor created the monster and doesn't seem to feel like he has any responsibility in keeping it under control. It seemed like he made it then just left his house and hoped it was gone when he got back. How can he do that? I think its amazing the thing survived. Obviously it wouldn't be a very good book if it hadn't but I just feel like there's something missing there. How did it survive if it was basically like a toddler at best when it was "born?"
Ok I just want to reflect a little on whats happened and what I think is strange about it. Victor created the monster and doesn't seem to feel like he has any responsibility in keeping it under control. It seemed like he made it then just left his house and hoped it was gone when he got back. How can he do that? I think its amazing the thing survived. Obviously it wouldn't be a very good book if it hadn't but I just feel like there's something missing there. How did it survive if it was basically like a toddler at best when it was "born?"
Letters
I really like the letters. I think it's an interesting way to start the story and it gives you the same perspective that Margaret Saville had when she read them (hypothetically speaking of course).
"What may not be expected in a country of eternal light?"
Ok I'll admit, I didn't exactly come up with this quote completely on my own. I was talking to my aunt, an English teacher, about this book and she told me to pay attention to when they mention light. I figured this is a perfect example of that and when I asked her what was so important about this quote she told me it has to do with theme and a commonality between Frankenstein and Walton. She wouldn't tell me anymore but I see what she means. They both thirst for knowledge and not just learn from others but to discover. Frankenstein creates a monster out of nothing and Walton is in search of what makes the needle point north. Interesting how they parallel each other and how this quote demonstrates Waltons search for answers using the metaphor of light.
"What may not be expected in a country of eternal light?"
Ok I'll admit, I didn't exactly come up with this quote completely on my own. I was talking to my aunt, an English teacher, about this book and she told me to pay attention to when they mention light. I figured this is a perfect example of that and when I asked her what was so important about this quote she told me it has to do with theme and a commonality between Frankenstein and Walton. She wouldn't tell me anymore but I see what she means. They both thirst for knowledge and not just learn from others but to discover. Frankenstein creates a monster out of nothing and Walton is in search of what makes the needle point north. Interesting how they parallel each other and how this quote demonstrates Waltons search for answers using the metaphor of light.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
100th Blog!
First off I want to recognize that this is my hundredth blog. I'm not really sure how to feel about that since I'm fairly certain that you (Mr. Costello) are the only one who even skims my blogs and now I've written a hundred of them, kind of depressing really.
Anyway, 1984, crazy book. I thought it was. . .interesting. The idea, especially in 1948 is crazy and perplexing. However, I don't think a world like this is possible in today's society. It seems like there is no way that with the internet it would ever be possible to control people in this extreme of a manner. I think that the revolts in Egypt show this very clearly on a smaller scale. The people were suffering from the governments overwhelming control and due to the ability to unite online they revolted and overturned the government.
I do think that the quote near the end is interesting "He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother." You can see just how brain washed he is. He thinks that loving big brother despite his previous feelings towards him is a victory and that is kind of sickening until you realize, oh yeah its a book. I did like the ending though, it was the only way it could really end legitimately in my opinion.
Anyway, 1984, crazy book. I thought it was. . .interesting. The idea, especially in 1948 is crazy and perplexing. However, I don't think a world like this is possible in today's society. It seems like there is no way that with the internet it would ever be possible to control people in this extreme of a manner. I think that the revolts in Egypt show this very clearly on a smaller scale. The people were suffering from the governments overwhelming control and due to the ability to unite online they revolted and overturned the government.
I do think that the quote near the end is interesting "He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother." You can see just how brain washed he is. He thinks that loving big brother despite his previous feelings towards him is a victory and that is kind of sickening until you realize, oh yeah its a book. I did like the ending though, it was the only way it could really end legitimately in my opinion.
Foreshadowing!
"'Are you guilty?' said Winston.
'Of course I'm guilty!' cried Parsons with a servile glance at the telescreen. 'You don't think the Party would arrest an innocent man, do you?'" -page 233
This quote shows us just a glance about what is to become of Winston. At the time both Winston and the reader (for the most part) is unaware that this man could very well be innocent and just brainwashed by the party. He thinks that it is simply ludicrous that anyone would question the rightness of the party even though we can only assume that is exactly what Parsons did to get caught in the first place. In fact, at the time Parsons probably knew full and well that the party didn't like whatever it was he was doing but in his own conscience saw nothing wrong with it. Woah! That's exactly like Winston! So basically I think this quick little chat between Parsons and Winston is a bit of a preview of what Winston is to become!
'Of course I'm guilty!' cried Parsons with a servile glance at the telescreen. 'You don't think the Party would arrest an innocent man, do you?'" -page 233
This quote shows us just a glance about what is to become of Winston. At the time both Winston and the reader (for the most part) is unaware that this man could very well be innocent and just brainwashed by the party. He thinks that it is simply ludicrous that anyone would question the rightness of the party even though we can only assume that is exactly what Parsons did to get caught in the first place. In fact, at the time Parsons probably knew full and well that the party didn't like whatever it was he was doing but in his own conscience saw nothing wrong with it. Woah! That's exactly like Winston! So basically I think this quick little chat between Parsons and Winston is a bit of a preview of what Winston is to become!
Characterization
"O'Brien's manner became less severe. He resettled his spectacles thoughtfully, and took a pace or two up and down. When he spoke, his voice was gentle and patient." page 245
This quote provides some characterization of O'Brien. Who I didn't feel like we really knew a whole lot before we learned he would be the one torturing Winston. This scene comes right after O'Brien questions Winston for the first time. Overall Winston seems like a pushover. Although who isn't? O'Brien even caves in the end and with all of the influence from Big Brother who can blame them? I do think that O'Brien must be pretty smart. He had Winston convinced they were friends and now, without so much as the twitch of an eyebrow he is torturing him! I mean this guy really keeps work at work!
This quote provides some characterization of O'Brien. Who I didn't feel like we really knew a whole lot before we learned he would be the one torturing Winston. This scene comes right after O'Brien questions Winston for the first time. Overall Winston seems like a pushover. Although who isn't? O'Brien even caves in the end and with all of the influence from Big Brother who can blame them? I do think that O'Brien must be pretty smart. He had Winston convinced they were friends and now, without so much as the twitch of an eyebrow he is torturing him! I mean this guy really keeps work at work!
Theme!
"Their real weapon was the merciless questioning that went on and on hour after hour, tripping him up, laying traps for him, twisting everything that he said, convicting him of every step of lies and self-contradiction, until he began weeping as much from shame as from nervous fatigue" (241)
One of the major themes of this book is not only the idea of getting people to obey the Big Brother but to actually think and believe everything that the party does. Before Winston was captured he outwardly expressed his consent to the party's every whim however he never in the slightest believed it. The whole idea of thought crime is Big Brother trying to get rid of all the people that are like Winston and are not all in with the party. This quote reveals this theme effectively and demonstrates the party's willingness to go far beyond mental ways of persuading people to follow them. I guess the torture is a pretty effective way of getting people to crack!
One of the major themes of this book is not only the idea of getting people to obey the Big Brother but to actually think and believe everything that the party does. Before Winston was captured he outwardly expressed his consent to the party's every whim however he never in the slightest believed it. The whole idea of thought crime is Big Brother trying to get rid of all the people that are like Winston and are not all in with the party. This quote reveals this theme effectively and demonstrates the party's willingness to go far beyond mental ways of persuading people to follow them. I guess the torture is a pretty effective way of getting people to crack!
Parallelism
"The pencil felt thick and awkward in his fingers. He began to write down the thoughts that came to his head. He wrote in large clumsy letters..." (277)
I thought this was a very obvious parallel between the first time Winston began writing and well, this time. Last time Winston wrote it said, "His pen slid voluptuously over the smooth paper, printing in large neat capitals -- DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER." That is literally the exact opposite of what Winston is doing now and I don't think for a second it was a mistake. Both of these occurrences are so drastically different because Winston is so drastically different. On page 277 Winston has given in to Big Brother. I also think that the fact that he can barely write now that he has given in to Big Brother shows just how much they have severely impacted Winston mentally. Also, this time instead of writing about his hatred for Big Brother and everything he represents he writes the 3 ideologies of the party.
I thought this was a very obvious parallel between the first time Winston began writing and well, this time. Last time Winston wrote it said, "His pen slid voluptuously over the smooth paper, printing in large neat capitals -- DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER." That is literally the exact opposite of what Winston is doing now and I don't think for a second it was a mistake. Both of these occurrences are so drastically different because Winston is so drastically different. On page 277 Winston has given in to Big Brother. I also think that the fact that he can barely write now that he has given in to Big Brother shows just how much they have severely impacted Winston mentally. Also, this time instead of writing about his hatred for Big Brother and everything he represents he writes the 3 ideologies of the party.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
