"It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him; and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same, and [Edgar's] is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire? (80).
I think this quote about sums up all of Catherine's feeling toward Heathcliff. Since the two grew up together, they formed an inseparable bond and the two became one of the same, according to Catherine. This quote really shows the complexity of their relationship. It's almost like the two are so similar that they are destined to be together, yet that prevents them from being together at the same time. Catherine even goes on to say that she is Heathcliff. She uses a simile to compare her love for Heathcliff as opposed to her love for Edgar--"My love for Linton is like foliage in the woods: time will change it, I'm well aware, as winter changes the trees. My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary" (82). Basically, her love for Heathcliff is true and everlasting whereas her love for Edgar is not rooted in anything stable like the eternal rocks.
My feelings for this book can be described as indifferent. It was slow to start off but it eventually somewhat picked up. The language was sometimes too descriptive and it was tiresome to read but overall, the book was decent. It was still really annoying how they called one character by about 5 different names: ie Catherine-aka Catherine Linton, Catherine Earnshaw, Catherine Heathcliff, Mrs. Linton, Mrs. Earnshaw. Super confusing. Definitely haven't read a book quite like this one.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wuthering Heights: Social Class
"Will you give up Heathcliff hereafter, or will you give up me? It is impossible for you to be my friend and his at the same time; and I absolutely require to know which you choose" (117).
A theme that is prevalent throughout the novel is social class and how it affects relationships. The Lintons are of higher social class than the Earnshaws. As a result, Catherine Earnshaw longed to be of superior ranking as opposed to her middle-class ordinary life. This motivated her to marry Edgar-because she wanted to be looked up to in higher regards. Heathcliff is obviously of lower social class and this is what causes him to be cast down upon and treated as an inferior. The difference of social class is what creates conflict between many of the characters. It creates conflict between Hindley and Heathcliff at the beginning of the novel, because Hindley doesn't favor having an orphan as his sibling. But mainly it causes conflict between Heathcliff/Isabella and Edgar/Catherine because they are marrying out of completely different social classes. Moral of the story: Don't marry for riches.
Also the setting of the two houses define the social class too. Wuthering Heights is characterized as gloomy, depressing, dark, and earthy which puts it under the category of lower to middle class. On the other hand, Thrushcross Grange is portrayed as cleaner with more servants and a more pleasant atmosphere and it gives off a higher class feel.
A theme that is prevalent throughout the novel is social class and how it affects relationships. The Lintons are of higher social class than the Earnshaws. As a result, Catherine Earnshaw longed to be of superior ranking as opposed to her middle-class ordinary life. This motivated her to marry Edgar-because she wanted to be looked up to in higher regards. Heathcliff is obviously of lower social class and this is what causes him to be cast down upon and treated as an inferior. The difference of social class is what creates conflict between many of the characters. It creates conflict between Hindley and Heathcliff at the beginning of the novel, because Hindley doesn't favor having an orphan as his sibling. But mainly it causes conflict between Heathcliff/Isabella and Edgar/Catherine because they are marrying out of completely different social classes. Moral of the story: Don't marry for riches.
Also the setting of the two houses define the social class too. Wuthering Heights is characterized as gloomy, depressing, dark, and earthy which puts it under the category of lower to middle class. On the other hand, Thrushcross Grange is portrayed as cleaner with more servants and a more pleasant atmosphere and it gives off a higher class feel.
Wuthering Heights: Downfalls
"He says he has married me on purpose to obtain power over him; said he sha'n't obtain it-I'll die first! I just hope, I pray, that he may forget his diabolical prudence and kill me! The single pleasure I can imagine is to die, or to see him dead!" (151).
An emerging theme seems to be madness. These people are all affected by the sudden relationships and Isabella is one of them. She marries Heathcliff, thinking he's a charming young man, (right..) but Heathcliff really only uses her as a tool of revenge. The above quote shows Heathcliff's effect on Isabella. Basically, Heathcliff has ruined Isabella's life and she admits that she would prefer death over life. However, Isabella is partly to blame because she was rather naive going into the marriage and she barely knew Heathcliff anyway. At this point, it is obvious that Heathcliff's hubris is his longing for revenge. He's one of those characters that will not rest until he has sought some means of vengeance. Just like Iago, he doesn't mind if he breaks a few hearts along the way. This characterizes Heathcliff is a rather negative way and it causes the reader to view him as cruel and unforgiving. However, we know that beneath all of that need for vengeance lies a good intention: to win back his love Catherine. Aww. If only he would show that side more often.
An emerging theme seems to be madness. These people are all affected by the sudden relationships and Isabella is one of them. She marries Heathcliff, thinking he's a charming young man, (right..) but Heathcliff really only uses her as a tool of revenge. The above quote shows Heathcliff's effect on Isabella. Basically, Heathcliff has ruined Isabella's life and she admits that she would prefer death over life. However, Isabella is partly to blame because she was rather naive going into the marriage and she barely knew Heathcliff anyway. At this point, it is obvious that Heathcliff's hubris is his longing for revenge. He's one of those characters that will not rest until he has sought some means of vengeance. Just like Iago, he doesn't mind if he breaks a few hearts along the way. This characterizes Heathcliff is a rather negative way and it causes the reader to view him as cruel and unforgiving. However, we know that beneath all of that need for vengeance lies a good intention: to win back his love Catherine. Aww. If only he would show that side more often.
Wuthering Heights: Heathcliff
"Is Mr. Heathcliff a man? If so, is he mad? And if not, is he a devil?" (135).
So last blog I mentioned that Catherine was a little crazy. This blog I will talk about how Heathcliff is also crazy. This just proves that the two are meant for each other. Anyway, Isabella is writing this letter to Nelly talking about how horrified she is living with Heathcliff at Wuthering Heights. Isabella is wondering what she has gotten herself into with her marriage with Heathcliff, considering she suspects that he is a devil. Basically, most of the characters in the novel regard Heathcliff negatively. There are many reasons for this. Number one, Heathcliff's upbringing caused him to be an extremely bitter person. He was always cast aside as the unwanted adopted sibling and he never was appreciated except by Catherine. Secondly, Heathcliff falls in love with Catherine only to have his heart broken by her when she chose Edgar over him. This causes Heathcliff to basically go insane and seek vengeance in whatever way to somehow win Catherine back or at least make her jealous. All of the situations that Heathcliff have been placed in have only further aggravated his temper and he acts rather irrationally most of the time, therefore not many people seem to be on his side.
Sometimes I feel sympathetic for Heathcliff because he says things like "Existence, after losing her, would be hell" (148). That is the nicest thing Heathcliff has said about Catherine in awhile. But then again Heathcliff reminds me of Iago in Othello and then I don't feel so sorry for him. This novel is a good example of how jealousy can be a source of motivation and something that drives the action. The saying, "love makes you do crazy things" applies pretty well to this novel.
So last blog I mentioned that Catherine was a little crazy. This blog I will talk about how Heathcliff is also crazy. This just proves that the two are meant for each other. Anyway, Isabella is writing this letter to Nelly talking about how horrified she is living with Heathcliff at Wuthering Heights. Isabella is wondering what she has gotten herself into with her marriage with Heathcliff, considering she suspects that he is a devil. Basically, most of the characters in the novel regard Heathcliff negatively. There are many reasons for this. Number one, Heathcliff's upbringing caused him to be an extremely bitter person. He was always cast aside as the unwanted adopted sibling and he never was appreciated except by Catherine. Secondly, Heathcliff falls in love with Catherine only to have his heart broken by her when she chose Edgar over him. This causes Heathcliff to basically go insane and seek vengeance in whatever way to somehow win Catherine back or at least make her jealous. All of the situations that Heathcliff have been placed in have only further aggravated his temper and he acts rather irrationally most of the time, therefore not many people seem to be on his side.
Sometimes I feel sympathetic for Heathcliff because he says things like "Existence, after losing her, would be hell" (148). That is the nicest thing Heathcliff has said about Catherine in awhile. But then again Heathcliff reminds me of Iago in Othello and then I don't feel so sorry for him. This novel is a good example of how jealousy can be a source of motivation and something that drives the action. The saying, "love makes you do crazy things" applies pretty well to this novel.
Wuthering Heights: Crazy Characters
"I'll inform you Catherine Linton is different now from your old friend Catherine Earnshaw, as that young lady is different from me. Her appearance is changed greatly, her character much more so; and the person who is compelled of necessity, to be her companion will only sustain his affection hereafter by the remembrance of what she once was, by common humanity, and a sense of duty!" pg. 147
At this point in the book, I've deemed Catherine as a dynamic character because of the way she changes throughout the novel. As a child she is curious, loving, and imaginative. As time wears on and she marries Edgar, she becomes mad and her character is more self-pitying and she complains about everything. The reason for Catherine's extreme shift if character is due to her being pulled in different directions. She marries Edgar even though she doesn't truly love him but she always seems to love Heathcliff even though she spends much of her time yelling at him. Heathcliff and Catherine are one of those people that have a love-hate relationship. It's kinda annoying how they love each other yet their relationship centers around making the other one jealous. Catherine marries Edgar--Heathcliff gets jealous--Heathcliff marries Isabella as payback. It's all a vicious cycle really. All of the characters in this book are crazy though, really. It's a bit ironic that it's a love story when half of the time the couples are fighting amongst themselves.
At this point in the book, I've deemed Catherine as a dynamic character because of the way she changes throughout the novel. As a child she is curious, loving, and imaginative. As time wears on and she marries Edgar, she becomes mad and her character is more self-pitying and she complains about everything. The reason for Catherine's extreme shift if character is due to her being pulled in different directions. She marries Edgar even though she doesn't truly love him but she always seems to love Heathcliff even though she spends much of her time yelling at him. Heathcliff and Catherine are one of those people that have a love-hate relationship. It's kinda annoying how they love each other yet their relationship centers around making the other one jealous. Catherine marries Edgar--Heathcliff gets jealous--Heathcliff marries Isabella as payback. It's all a vicious cycle really. All of the characters in this book are crazy though, really. It's a bit ironic that it's a love story when half of the time the couples are fighting amongst themselves.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Wuthering Heights: Heathcliff's Bad Luck
"Proud people breed sorrow for themselves" (56).
I feel like this quote is significant. Mrs. Dean says this in response to Heathcliff's sad state of depression that Catherine has developed an interest for Edgar. I think that Mrs. Dean is trying to tell Heathcliff that he should not pity himself and instead talk to Catherine again. She even says "A good heart will help you to a bonny face, my lad" (57). Mrs. Dean does give Heathcliff a lot of advice concerning their relationship. I do feel some sympathy toward Heathcliff because it wasn't his fault that he slipped away from Catherine. The two were going over to the Linton's to eavesdrop and have fun yet it ended up in Catherine being attacked by a dog. It was a little odd that she was at the Linton household so long for the injury and that caused her to start to like Edgar. So really Heathcliff just got landed in a bunch of bad luck. I mean at this point, he's hated by Hindley, his relationship with Catherine isn't the same, and Mrs. Dean is the only person he has that seems to tolerate him.
Also, it appears that Mrs. Dean has dominated practically all of the narration. Mr. Lockwood doesn't really have much comment throughout but he does urge her to continue the story because he is so interested. I can't quite understand why Mr. Lockwood would be so enthralled by the love story of two young people though, considering the story is rather slow and really descriptive without a lot of actual action.
Wuthering Heights: Characterization
"I only wish I knew the best way! Let me alone, and I'll plan it out: while I'm thinking of that I don't feel pain" (61).
Since Hindley had Heathcliff locked up and away from all the fun, Heathcliff wants to seek vengeance on Hindley. I feel like the novel is going to be a lot of Heathcliff and Hindley wanting revenge on one another. Hindley wants revenge because Heathcliff has invaded his life and Heathcliff wants revenge because of the way that Hindley shuns him from the rest of the family like he does not belong. This is one of those families where no one is ever actually happy and there's always some argument over something it seems like.
Anyway, Mrs. Dean seems to be the one that Heathcliff confides in much of the time. He initially told her about his jealousy of Edgar and now he is telling her about how he plans to seek vengeance on Hindley. Mrs. Dean serves as a person of advice but I can't help but feel like she contradicts herself. When Heathcliff tells her that he just wants to "pay Hindley back" Mrs. Dean immediately is appalled and tells him "It is for God to punish wicked people; we should learn to forgive" (60-61).
When Mrs. Dean was describing the first meeting of Heathcliff she even claimed that she hated him the same as Hindley did. Yet in this moment she is looking out for him and warning him against what he plans to do. If she hates him why does she care? These characters are all complicated to me at this point.
Since Hindley had Heathcliff locked up and away from all the fun, Heathcliff wants to seek vengeance on Hindley. I feel like the novel is going to be a lot of Heathcliff and Hindley wanting revenge on one another. Hindley wants revenge because Heathcliff has invaded his life and Heathcliff wants revenge because of the way that Hindley shuns him from the rest of the family like he does not belong. This is one of those families where no one is ever actually happy and there's always some argument over something it seems like.
Anyway, Mrs. Dean seems to be the one that Heathcliff confides in much of the time. He initially told her about his jealousy of Edgar and now he is telling her about how he plans to seek vengeance on Hindley. Mrs. Dean serves as a person of advice but I can't help but feel like she contradicts herself. When Heathcliff tells her that he just wants to "pay Hindley back" Mrs. Dean immediately is appalled and tells him "It is for God to punish wicked people; we should learn to forgive" (60-61).
When Mrs. Dean was describing the first meeting of Heathcliff she even claimed that she hated him the same as Hindley did. Yet in this moment she is looking out for him and warning him against what he plans to do. If she hates him why does she care? These characters are all complicated to me at this point.
Wuthering Heights: Love Story
"She was much too fond of Heathcliff. The greatest punishment we could invent for her was to keep her separate from him: yet she got chided more than any of us on his account" (42).
I'm starting to see why this book is classified as a love story. So while Hindley hates his new sibling Heathcliff, Catherine ends up falling in love with him. I find this creepy because technically Heathcliff is her adopted sibling and she's obsessed with him so it's a little bit weird. Nonetheless, Heathcliff also seems to feel the same way toward Catherine. However, once Catherine is held at Thrushcross Grange, she meets Edgar Linton, and she starts to like him as well. Heathcliff finds out about Edgar and he is jealous. He says to Mrs. Dean, "If I knocked him down twenty times, that wouldn't make him less handsome or me more so. I wish I had light hair and a fair skin, and was dressed and behaved as well and had a chance of being as rich as he will be!" (56) Edgar is rich and good-looking so naturally Heathcliff feels like he could never compare. And now that Catherine seems to like both Edgar and Heathcliff there will be conflict between these people as well. There seems to be a love triangle going on.
I'm starting to see why this book is classified as a love story. So while Hindley hates his new sibling Heathcliff, Catherine ends up falling in love with him. I find this creepy because technically Heathcliff is her adopted sibling and she's obsessed with him so it's a little bit weird. Nonetheless, Heathcliff also seems to feel the same way toward Catherine. However, once Catherine is held at Thrushcross Grange, she meets Edgar Linton, and she starts to like him as well. Heathcliff finds out about Edgar and he is jealous. He says to Mrs. Dean, "If I knocked him down twenty times, that wouldn't make him less handsome or me more so. I wish I had light hair and a fair skin, and was dressed and behaved as well and had a chance of being as rich as he will be!" (56) Edgar is rich and good-looking so naturally Heathcliff feels like he could never compare. And now that Catherine seems to like both Edgar and Heathcliff there will be conflict between these people as well. There seems to be a love triangle going on.
Wuthering Heights: Conflict
"Miss Cathy and he were now very thick; but Hindley hated him: and to say the truth I did the same; and we plauged and went on with him shamefully: for I wasn't reasonable enough to feel my unjustice, and the mistress never put in a word on his behalf when she saw him wronged" (38).
From the moment that Hindley meets his new adopted brother Heathcliff, he hates him. I think it's partially due to the fact that everyone turns their attention toward Heathcliff and forgets about Hindley. No one seems to take Hindley's side except for his mother and when she dies he is left to fend for himself. However, after the death of Mr. Earnshaw, Hindley seems to sort of regain power. When he returns from school with his wife, he still condemns Heathcliff and acts like he is an animal with no heart. At this point all I can think about is the Lion King because I'm pretty sure the relationship is similar to Scar and Mufasa. Basically, Hindley is like Scar because he is jealous of Heathcliff (Musfasa) and he wants to be the king/owner of the estate. I predict that Hindley will seek revenge on Heathcliff at some point in the novel. As for now, I think the two are foils of one another just like Mufasa and Scar. Except for at this point, I can't decide if I consider Heathcliff to be "the good guy."
From the moment that Hindley meets his new adopted brother Heathcliff, he hates him. I think it's partially due to the fact that everyone turns their attention toward Heathcliff and forgets about Hindley. No one seems to take Hindley's side except for his mother and when she dies he is left to fend for himself. However, after the death of Mr. Earnshaw, Hindley seems to sort of regain power. When he returns from school with his wife, he still condemns Heathcliff and acts like he is an animal with no heart. At this point all I can think about is the Lion King because I'm pretty sure the relationship is similar to Scar and Mufasa. Basically, Hindley is like Scar because he is jealous of Heathcliff (Musfasa) and he wants to be the king/owner of the estate. I predict that Hindley will seek revenge on Heathcliff at some point in the novel. As for now, I think the two are foils of one another just like Mufasa and Scar. Except for at this point, I can't decide if I consider Heathcliff to be "the good guy."
Wuthering Heights: Frame Story
"I desired Mrs. Dean, when she brought in supper, to sit down while I ate it; hoping sincerely she would prove a regular gossip, and either rouse me to animation or lull me to sleep by her talk" (33).
Just like Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights is a story within a story or a frame story. The story introduces Mr. Lockwood as the first narrator. He describes his first visit to Wuthering Heights and he develops an interest in the estate's past and asks Mrs. Dean of how the place has changed over the years. The narration then switches to Mrs. Dean's perspective and she begins to describe the history of the estate and all of the main characters are introduced. The switch in narration is helpful because it connects the past and the present. Mr. Lockwood is in the present trying to figure out what may have occurred in the past to make the current dwellers of Wuthering Heights to be so stubborn and depressed, so Mrs. Dean provides the past information that has caused the characters to be shaped in such a way. She goes into detail about all of the children and parents and there is a lot of names and it was hard to follow at some points, but the book mainly centers around Heathcliff and Catherine.
Just like Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights is a story within a story or a frame story. The story introduces Mr. Lockwood as the first narrator. He describes his first visit to Wuthering Heights and he develops an interest in the estate's past and asks Mrs. Dean of how the place has changed over the years. The narration then switches to Mrs. Dean's perspective and she begins to describe the history of the estate and all of the main characters are introduced. The switch in narration is helpful because it connects the past and the present. Mr. Lockwood is in the present trying to figure out what may have occurred in the past to make the current dwellers of Wuthering Heights to be so stubborn and depressed, so Mrs. Dean provides the past information that has caused the characters to be shaped in such a way. She goes into detail about all of the children and parents and there is a lot of names and it was hard to follow at some points, but the book mainly centers around Heathcliff and Catherine.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Foreshadowing
"but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night" (123).
The above quote provides some foreshadowing as to who the creature's next target is. Somehow the creature has discovered Victor's intentions of marrying Elizabeth and he therefore plans to kill Elizabeth. I felt sympathetic toward the creature earlier in the novel, but at this point I find it unnecessary for him to keep killing off all of Victor's friends. I feel like both Victor and the creature are at fault. Victor is responsible for the way that the creature acts because he simply failed to care for the creature and satisfy its needs-This led the creature to betray him and seek vengeance upon him. However, the creature is also at fault. He destroyed Victor's life basically. All that Victor once had- a loving father, wife, little brother, happiness, and sane thoughts, were ruined by the existence of the creature. The creature knows what it's like to feel rejected and sad, yet he feels the need to inflict such feelings on his own creator. It's a vicious cycle. Since the creature destroyed Victor's life he felt it necessary to warn Walton against the dangers of pursuing knowledge. He doesn't want any other human to go through what happened to him. The creature was unstoppable and this novel serves as a cautionary tale: Don't create life out of inanimate matter because it will do more harm than good.
The above quote provides some foreshadowing as to who the creature's next target is. Somehow the creature has discovered Victor's intentions of marrying Elizabeth and he therefore plans to kill Elizabeth. I felt sympathetic toward the creature earlier in the novel, but at this point I find it unnecessary for him to keep killing off all of Victor's friends. I feel like both Victor and the creature are at fault. Victor is responsible for the way that the creature acts because he simply failed to care for the creature and satisfy its needs-This led the creature to betray him and seek vengeance upon him. However, the creature is also at fault. He destroyed Victor's life basically. All that Victor once had- a loving father, wife, little brother, happiness, and sane thoughts, were ruined by the existence of the creature. The creature knows what it's like to feel rejected and sad, yet he feels the need to inflict such feelings on his own creator. It's a vicious cycle. Since the creature destroyed Victor's life he felt it necessary to warn Walton against the dangers of pursuing knowledge. He doesn't want any other human to go through what happened to him. The creature was unstoppable and this novel serves as a cautionary tale: Don't create life out of inanimate matter because it will do more harm than good.
Deja Vu
"I left the room, and, locking the door, made a solemn vow in my own heart never to resume my labours; and then, with trembling steps, I sought my own apartment. I was alone; none were near me to dissipate the gloom, and relieve me from the sickening oppression of the most terrible reveries" (121).
There are many times in Frankenstein where current events parallel past events. When Victor works to create another creature as a mate for the monster, he experiences deja vu. Upon realizing that creating yet another creature would only result in further destruction rather than it being beneficial, he destroys it. His reaction to the destruction mirrors the creation of the first creature. When he created the first creature, he had a horrified reaction and he ran away from it. Similarly, the second time around, he sought solitude and an overwhelming feeling of despair and regret came upon him.
Another example of the way past events seem to reoccur is when the creature reappears throughout the novel. Whenever the creature appears, there always seems to be a comment about his "gigantic stature" (163). The purpose of this is to emphasize the creature's horrific appearance, lest the audience forget. It also shows that his appearance is the cause of people's initial reaction. Whenever Victor sees the creature, he is angry and bitter. Whenever other humans view the creature, they feel threatened and they either run away or try to protect themselves.
The death scenes seem to parallel one another too because it always involves Victor examining the spot where the creature strangled the victim-"the murderous mark of the fiend's grasp was on her neck" (145). After each death, Victor becomes more enraged at the creature and he is moved to end his existence.
There are many times in Frankenstein where current events parallel past events. When Victor works to create another creature as a mate for the monster, he experiences deja vu. Upon realizing that creating yet another creature would only result in further destruction rather than it being beneficial, he destroys it. His reaction to the destruction mirrors the creation of the first creature. When he created the first creature, he had a horrified reaction and he ran away from it. Similarly, the second time around, he sought solitude and an overwhelming feeling of despair and regret came upon him.
Another example of the way past events seem to reoccur is when the creature reappears throughout the novel. Whenever the creature appears, there always seems to be a comment about his "gigantic stature" (163). The purpose of this is to emphasize the creature's horrific appearance, lest the audience forget. It also shows that his appearance is the cause of people's initial reaction. Whenever Victor sees the creature, he is angry and bitter. Whenever other humans view the creature, they feel threatened and they either run away or try to protect themselves.
The death scenes seem to parallel one another too because it always involves Victor examining the spot where the creature strangled the victim-"the murderous mark of the fiend's grasp was on her neck" (145). After each death, Victor becomes more enraged at the creature and he is moved to end his existence.
Creature's Actions
"The feelings of kindness and gentleness, which I had entertained but a few moments before, gave place to hellish rage and gnashing of teeth. Inflamed by pain, I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind" (101).
As I stated two blogs back, there is much evidence that the creature has real emotions (positive ones) regarding the human race. However, his view of humans is drastically altered due to a number of events. In the beginning, humans fascinated him and he longed to belong with them and have some kind of companion. He often felt whatever emotions the De Lacey family felt because he sensed a connection with them. Unfortunately, after being shunned and beat with a stick by humans, he regarded them differently. He lost hope for one day befriending them. Many situations contribute to his changed outlook toward humans. First example: The villagers run away at the sight of the creature. Next, the De Lacey family also judges him by his looks--Agatha faints, Safie runs away, and Felix beats the creature out of self defense. Finally, after being the outcast in all these situations, he is shot by a human for saving the life of the girl that fell into the stream. The creature, with intentions to save the girl's life, was mistaken as a threat to the girl. The creature's trust in humans quickly declined and therefore he decided to vow eternal hatred and vengeance to mankind. The prejudices against him explain why he murdered Victor's companions. (Also due to the fact that Victor refused to take time to nurture him properly) For example, his first murder, William, he even seemed to give mankind one last chance. William was a child and he thought he would be pure, innocent, and clean of prejudice. However, even the small child was afraid of the creature's appearance and he struggled and screamed at his grasp. Upon discovering he was Frankenstein's son, he made his first move of vengeance on mankind and killed the child. And as if his hatred for humans could not get worse, Victor destroys his only possible companion. His hatred grows and the creature kills of the rest of Victor's friends. No one gave the poor creature a chance.
As I stated two blogs back, there is much evidence that the creature has real emotions (positive ones) regarding the human race. However, his view of humans is drastically altered due to a number of events. In the beginning, humans fascinated him and he longed to belong with them and have some kind of companion. He often felt whatever emotions the De Lacey family felt because he sensed a connection with them. Unfortunately, after being shunned and beat with a stick by humans, he regarded them differently. He lost hope for one day befriending them. Many situations contribute to his changed outlook toward humans. First example: The villagers run away at the sight of the creature. Next, the De Lacey family also judges him by his looks--Agatha faints, Safie runs away, and Felix beats the creature out of self defense. Finally, after being the outcast in all these situations, he is shot by a human for saving the life of the girl that fell into the stream. The creature, with intentions to save the girl's life, was mistaken as a threat to the girl. The creature's trust in humans quickly declined and therefore he decided to vow eternal hatred and vengeance to mankind. The prejudices against him explain why he murdered Victor's companions. (Also due to the fact that Victor refused to take time to nurture him properly) For example, his first murder, William, he even seemed to give mankind one last chance. William was a child and he thought he would be pure, innocent, and clean of prejudice. However, even the small child was afraid of the creature's appearance and he struggled and screamed at his grasp. Upon discovering he was Frankenstein's son, he made his first move of vengeance on mankind and killed the child. And as if his hatred for humans could not get worse, Victor destroys his only possible companion. His hatred grows and the creature kills of the rest of Victor's friends. No one gave the poor creature a chance.
Motivations
"Revenge kept me alive; I dared not die, and leave my adversary in being" (149).
Victor's motivations regarding the creature shift throughout the course of the novel. At first, the creation of the creature was meant to find a means to cure sickness and disease. He was prompted to pursue the creation of the monster due to his mother's death. He was also motivated by one of his professors and he had a natural thirst for knowledge. Next, after Victor realized he had made a irreversible mistake by creating the monster, he was motivated by fear. He ran away and retreated and became rather depressed. Later, while visiting the site of William's murder, he ran into the creature. At this point, Victor knew that the monster was responsible for the murder. After hearing the monster's story and his proposal for a monster mate, Victor became motivated by a different means. He agreed to create another creature for the monster because it would mean that he would flee and be eradicated from Victor's life if he did so. Wanting to end the horrible ideal, Victor worked on the creature's mate. However, Victor could not bring himself to bring to life yet another monster. The creature had already brought so much misery and destruction to his life that he could not bear to endure anymore.
The creature was angry at Victor's destruction of his female mate. He threatened to kill off the rest of Victor's friends and he did just so. After the death of Elizabeth, all of Victor's close friends had been killed by his wretched creation. He was finally motivated to seek revenge on the creature. Although he was weary and it was difficult to follow the creature's path, he was motivated by revenge--Revenge for all of the ruin the creature wreaked on Victor's life. He would kill the creature once and for all--or die trying.
Victor's motivations regarding the creature shift throughout the course of the novel. At first, the creation of the creature was meant to find a means to cure sickness and disease. He was prompted to pursue the creation of the monster due to his mother's death. He was also motivated by one of his professors and he had a natural thirst for knowledge. Next, after Victor realized he had made a irreversible mistake by creating the monster, he was motivated by fear. He ran away and retreated and became rather depressed. Later, while visiting the site of William's murder, he ran into the creature. At this point, Victor knew that the monster was responsible for the murder. After hearing the monster's story and his proposal for a monster mate, Victor became motivated by a different means. He agreed to create another creature for the monster because it would mean that he would flee and be eradicated from Victor's life if he did so. Wanting to end the horrible ideal, Victor worked on the creature's mate. However, Victor could not bring himself to bring to life yet another monster. The creature had already brought so much misery and destruction to his life that he could not bear to endure anymore.
The creature was angry at Victor's destruction of his female mate. He threatened to kill off the rest of Victor's friends and he did just so. After the death of Elizabeth, all of Victor's close friends had been killed by his wretched creation. He was finally motivated to seek revenge on the creature. Although he was weary and it was difficult to follow the creature's path, he was motivated by revenge--Revenge for all of the ruin the creature wreaked on Victor's life. He would kill the creature once and for all--or die trying.
Monsters Have Feelings Too
"I tenderly love these friends; I have, unknown to them, been for many months in the habits of daily kindness towards them; but they believe that I wish to injure them, and it is that prejudice which I wish to overcome" (96).
Contrary to his gigantic stature and horrifying appearance, the creature has a gentle and thoughtful demeanor about him. There are many occasions that portray the creature as having deep emotions for humans, even though they usually end up running from him at the sight of his stature. One example of the creature's emotion is when he sympathizes with the Native Americans while reading Ruins of Empires. The creature "wept with Safie over the hapless fate of its original inhabitants" (84). In this situation, the creature related with the Native Americans were driven out of their native land though they had done nothing wrong. The creature knew how the natives must have felt, since he himself was constantly shunned by other people. The creature also feels envy at one point towards humans, especially Justine. Upon seeing her peacefully resting, he reflected on the fact that she would smile at others, yet if she saw him she would run away and scream. The creature is envious that he cannot be normal and he longs for companionship, so he takes out his anger on Justine and makes it appear as she is guilty of William's murder.
One of the most prominent scenes in which the monster displays emotion and feelings towards humans is in the case of the family that he watches over. He knows their names, he cares for them and protects them from afar, and he even learns much from them. He feels a deep connection with them and he wants to know them personally. The creature has good intentions to develop some kind of relationship with the family, so it is obvious that he is not completely evil. He had faith that he could connect with these people and he planned the meeting so that they might not react frightfully. Unfortunately for the creature, chaos ensued at his presence. As this occurred, the creature felt "bitter sickness" and he escaped from the cottage (97). Victor views his creation as purely evil because of the way in which it destroys his family. However, beneath the surface, the creature does possess real emotions.
Contrary to his gigantic stature and horrifying appearance, the creature has a gentle and thoughtful demeanor about him. There are many occasions that portray the creature as having deep emotions for humans, even though they usually end up running from him at the sight of his stature. One example of the creature's emotion is when he sympathizes with the Native Americans while reading Ruins of Empires. The creature "wept with Safie over the hapless fate of its original inhabitants" (84). In this situation, the creature related with the Native Americans were driven out of their native land though they had done nothing wrong. The creature knew how the natives must have felt, since he himself was constantly shunned by other people. The creature also feels envy at one point towards humans, especially Justine. Upon seeing her peacefully resting, he reflected on the fact that she would smile at others, yet if she saw him she would run away and scream. The creature is envious that he cannot be normal and he longs for companionship, so he takes out his anger on Justine and makes it appear as she is guilty of William's murder.
One of the most prominent scenes in which the monster displays emotion and feelings towards humans is in the case of the family that he watches over. He knows their names, he cares for them and protects them from afar, and he even learns much from them. He feels a deep connection with them and he wants to know them personally. The creature has good intentions to develop some kind of relationship with the family, so it is obvious that he is not completely evil. He had faith that he could connect with these people and he planned the meeting so that they might not react frightfully. Unfortunately for the creature, chaos ensued at his presence. As this occurred, the creature felt "bitter sickness" and he escaped from the cottage (97). Victor views his creation as purely evil because of the way in which it destroys his family. However, beneath the surface, the creature does possess real emotions.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Frankenstein vs Preconceived Ideas
"Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it" (68).
I have to say that now that we have reached the halfway point in the novel, the way that Frankenstein is portrayed in movies and such is way different from the novel. Having seen Young Frankenstein, I can see how deeply misleading this movie is now that I've read most of the novel. Though Young Frankenstein was mainly made to satirize the story of Frankenstein, it gave me many preconceived notions regarding the novel. First--I thought the creature's name was Frankenstein. Is that just me? I just always assumed that. Secondly--The creature itself is portrayed in a completely different manner. In the movie, the creature is rather unintelligent and it just grunts rather than actually speaking. The novel's creature is extremely intelligent with a wide vocabulary. I never expected the creature to be able to actually speak with Victor so easily with such ease. The only similarity between the two creatures in the book and movie is that they are both gigantic and horrifying to look at. Overall, the movie portrays the story much different from the book. I never expected that Frankenstein would be a frame story or that it would include background on Victor's family life. However, the most disappointing difference between the two is that Igor is not in the book. He would provide for some much needed comic relief if he was in the novel.
I have to say that now that we have reached the halfway point in the novel, the way that Frankenstein is portrayed in movies and such is way different from the novel. Having seen Young Frankenstein, I can see how deeply misleading this movie is now that I've read most of the novel. Though Young Frankenstein was mainly made to satirize the story of Frankenstein, it gave me many preconceived notions regarding the novel. First--I thought the creature's name was Frankenstein. Is that just me? I just always assumed that. Secondly--The creature itself is portrayed in a completely different manner. In the movie, the creature is rather unintelligent and it just grunts rather than actually speaking. The novel's creature is extremely intelligent with a wide vocabulary. I never expected the creature to be able to actually speak with Victor so easily with such ease. The only similarity between the two creatures in the book and movie is that they are both gigantic and horrifying to look at. Overall, the movie portrays the story much different from the book. I never expected that Frankenstein would be a frame story or that it would include background on Victor's family life. However, the most disappointing difference between the two is that Igor is not in the book. He would provide for some much needed comic relief if he was in the novel.
Destiny and Solitude
"What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?" (7)
I wanted to use this quote because I think it's significant in many ways. It can be used to describe both Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. Victor is destined to create the creature because of his determined heart and resolved will. Once the idea that creation of human life is possible was implanted within him, he pursued that idea until it became reality. Victor's destiny was reached due to the help of his professor Waldman. He told him to "apply to every branch of natural philosophy, including mathematics" (29). With Victor's combined knowledge of science, math, and philosophy, he was able to create the monster. Waldman ultimately led him to this destiny. However, though destiny is usually regarded more positively and as something that we seek, Victor's destiny is rather terrible for him. He spends years learning about human life only to have it come back to haunt him. Victor's destiny leads him to seek solitude so that he can be away from the disaster he created. At one point, he claims "solitude was my only consolation" (61). The creature wreaked havoc in Victor's life; the death of Justine and William seemed to occur due to the creature's existence. For this reason, Victor sought solitude to avoid confronting the truth about the unfortunate result of his destiny.
I wanted to use this quote because I think it's significant in many ways. It can be used to describe both Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. Victor is destined to create the creature because of his determined heart and resolved will. Once the idea that creation of human life is possible was implanted within him, he pursued that idea until it became reality. Victor's destiny was reached due to the help of his professor Waldman. He told him to "apply to every branch of natural philosophy, including mathematics" (29). With Victor's combined knowledge of science, math, and philosophy, he was able to create the monster. Waldman ultimately led him to this destiny. However, though destiny is usually regarded more positively and as something that we seek, Victor's destiny is rather terrible for him. He spends years learning about human life only to have it come back to haunt him. Victor's destiny leads him to seek solitude so that he can be away from the disaster he created. At one point, he claims "solitude was my only consolation" (61). The creature wreaked havoc in Victor's life; the death of Justine and William seemed to occur due to the creature's existence. For this reason, Victor sought solitude to avoid confronting the truth about the unfortunate result of his destiny.
Foreshadowing
"Alas! I did not yet entirely know the fatal effects of this miserable deformity" (80). Victor
"If you comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends" (68). Creature
These two quotes provide some foreshadowing as to what may happen later in the story. The creature demanded that Victor listen to his story; if Victor refused he threatened to kill his remaining friends. Creepy. To me, this line from page 68 is implying that the creature has already killed one of his friends. I think that this qualifies as evidence for his murder of William's brother. We talked about this in class and it does raise the question, 'How does the creature know who Victor's friends are?' The creature must have somehow been stalking Victor's life at some point to know this kind of information, unless it's just an empty threat. Victor also provides a look into what may occur later in the plot by saying there is more to come that the monster has done. Though we found reasons as to why the creature can be seen as good-natured and caring, this quote by Victor steers the audience to believe the creature is not innately good-natured. This means that more murdering and evil acts from the creature may soon occur.
"If you comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends" (68). Creature
These two quotes provide some foreshadowing as to what may happen later in the story. The creature demanded that Victor listen to his story; if Victor refused he threatened to kill his remaining friends. Creepy. To me, this line from page 68 is implying that the creature has already killed one of his friends. I think that this qualifies as evidence for his murder of William's brother. We talked about this in class and it does raise the question, 'How does the creature know who Victor's friends are?' The creature must have somehow been stalking Victor's life at some point to know this kind of information, unless it's just an empty threat. Victor also provides a look into what may occur later in the plot by saying there is more to come that the monster has done. Though we found reasons as to why the creature can be seen as good-natured and caring, this quote by Victor steers the audience to believe the creature is not innately good-natured. This means that more murdering and evil acts from the creature may soon occur.
Victor's Emotions
"These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation that I was capable of receiving" (66).
Victor's emotions are largely centered around the creature's whereabouts and appearances in his life. At the beginning, during the creation process, Victor "seemed to have lost all soul or sensations but for this one pursuit" (33). All of Victor's time was spent working on figuring out how to create life from a nonliving body. During this time, Victor was determined and driven to finish his creation. He was fascinated with the idea of creating human life, until the creature actually comes to life. When the creature lives, Victor is horrified and he says, "Disgust filled my heart" (35). His dream had become a living hell and he was utterly terrified of what he had created. He runs away from home with Clerval and eventually recovers from his shock and horror at what he had done. Almost two years had passed since Victor had seen the creature he created. When he visited the site of William's murder, Victor's misery was deepened by the sight of the creature in that area. Victor was already saddened by the death of his younger brother and upon seeing the creature he could only conclude one thing: The creature was the murderer of his brother. This thought alone wrecked Victor's emotions and he became once again drowned by despair and hopelessness. It seems that whenever the creature makes an appearance in Victor's life it causes Victor's recovery to be thrown out the window. The existence of the creature itself prevents Victor from being truly happy, because the thought always creeps into his mind. Mixed with the fact that the creature is a murderer, Victor carries a heavy burden knowing that he has created such an evil being.
Victor's emotions are largely centered around the creature's whereabouts and appearances in his life. At the beginning, during the creation process, Victor "seemed to have lost all soul or sensations but for this one pursuit" (33). All of Victor's time was spent working on figuring out how to create life from a nonliving body. During this time, Victor was determined and driven to finish his creation. He was fascinated with the idea of creating human life, until the creature actually comes to life. When the creature lives, Victor is horrified and he says, "Disgust filled my heart" (35). His dream had become a living hell and he was utterly terrified of what he had created. He runs away from home with Clerval and eventually recovers from his shock and horror at what he had done. Almost two years had passed since Victor had seen the creature he created. When he visited the site of William's murder, Victor's misery was deepened by the sight of the creature in that area. Victor was already saddened by the death of his younger brother and upon seeing the creature he could only conclude one thing: The creature was the murderer of his brother. This thought alone wrecked Victor's emotions and he became once again drowned by despair and hopelessness. It seems that whenever the creature makes an appearance in Victor's life it causes Victor's recovery to be thrown out the window. The existence of the creature itself prevents Victor from being truly happy, because the thought always creeps into his mind. Mixed with the fact that the creature is a murderer, Victor carries a heavy burden knowing that he has created such an evil being.
Frame Story
"but you are mistaken, my friend, if thus you will allow me to name you; nothing can alter my destiny; listen to my history, and you will perceive how irrevocably it is determined" (13).
Frankenstein is unique because it is set up as a frame story, so there are stories within the initial story. Shelley's purpose in this frame story is to highlight the similarities between Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. The fact that Victor is telling his story as a warning to Robert may display Victor's story as a warning to all of those who are obsessed with seeking knowledge concerning the unknown. Victor aims to show the horrors of taking new advances in scientific discoveries. (Brave New World?) Upon discovering that Robert was planning to journey to the North Pole, Victor felt compelled to tell him his tale so that he could possibly change his mind. The story then shifts into Victor's tale about his creation of the monster.
It also comes to a point where the narration shift once again- this time to the monster's point of view. The monster tells his story to Victor almost like how Victor is telling his story to Robert. The monster is telling Victor that he should not make so many assumptions about what he doesn't actually know. Victor is warning Robert against a thirst for knowledge; similarly the monster is attempting to give his creator another chance to do the right thing and alter his view toward his creation.
Frankenstein is unique because it is set up as a frame story, so there are stories within the initial story. Shelley's purpose in this frame story is to highlight the similarities between Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. The fact that Victor is telling his story as a warning to Robert may display Victor's story as a warning to all of those who are obsessed with seeking knowledge concerning the unknown. Victor aims to show the horrors of taking new advances in scientific discoveries. (Brave New World?) Upon discovering that Robert was planning to journey to the North Pole, Victor felt compelled to tell him his tale so that he could possibly change his mind. The story then shifts into Victor's tale about his creation of the monster.
It also comes to a point where the narration shift once again- this time to the monster's point of view. The monster tells his story to Victor almost like how Victor is telling his story to Robert. The monster is telling Victor that he should not make so many assumptions about what he doesn't actually know. Victor is warning Robert against a thirst for knowledge; similarly the monster is attempting to give his creator another chance to do the right thing and alter his view toward his creation.
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