"You have read this strange and terrific story now, Margaret; and do you not feel your blood congeal with horror, like that which even now curdles mine?" page 155
This is the first time since page 14 that Walton is the narrator. We're finally out of all of the frames in the story and back to where we started. Poor Walton's head is probably spinning after hearing all of that, and I bet his hand hurts after writing it all down. Personally, I kind of liked the frames. Especially with William's death, it was cool to see it from both Victor's point of view and his creation's. That's something that few stories provide. Having multiple points of view made me feel like I knew the story better. I felt slightly less judgmental toward all of the characters involved since I could see them in different ways. I still don't really see how the story is so horrific. I mean, Victor's creation kills everyone and then himself (maybe), but I just don't see the horror in it. It's scary, but "blood-curdling" might be going a bit far.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Frankenstein-Page 164
"And now it is ended; there is my last victim." page 164
I was definitely surprised to see Victor's creation show up when he died. First of all, how the heck did he know Victor had died? Was there some sort of creator-creation telepathy that I totally missed? While it's creepy that he seems just to know when Victor has died, it's...I don't want to use the word "sweet," but I can't think of a better word...that he came to pay his respects. This is the real resolution of the story. Finally, creator and creation can be at peace with one another. This would definitely be a good choice for the AP prompt from sometime in the '80s about stories having a clear ending in which all the loose ends are addressed. Did the creature die when he leapt from the boat, though? I couldn't really tell if he killed himself or not.
I was definitely surprised to see Victor's creation show up when he died. First of all, how the heck did he know Victor had died? Was there some sort of creator-creation telepathy that I totally missed? While it's creepy that he seems just to know when Victor has died, it's...I don't want to use the word "sweet," but I can't think of a better word...that he came to pay his respects. This is the real resolution of the story. Finally, creator and creation can be at peace with one another. This would definitely be a good choice for the AP prompt from sometime in the '80s about stories having a clear ending in which all the loose ends are addressed. Did the creature die when he leapt from the boat, though? I couldn't really tell if he killed himself or not.
Frankenstein-Dramatic Irony
"She left me, and I continued some time walking up and down the passages of the house, and inspecting every corner that might afford a retreat to my adversary. But I discovered no trace of him, and was beginning to conjecture that some fortunate chance had intervened to prevent the dreadful execution of his menaces; when suddenly I heard a shrill and dreadful scream." page 144
This scene is the classic (and probably original) "don't open the closet door" scene. It is dramatically ironic because the reader can fully expect that the creature would go after Elizabeth instead of Victor, and it seems obvious that when she retires, he has the perfect opportunity to get to her. Instead of protecting her, as has been his concern all along, Victor tries to protect himself which results in Elizabeth's death. The poor guy can't catch a break, but he almost brings it upon himself. I agree with his decision to get rid of the female's body and stop that project, but it wasn't smart to go about it the way he did. He could easily have found another way and saved the lives of both Henry and Elizabeth. I loved the suspense, though. I could picture a character in a movie relaxing slightly, slumping his shoulders a bit because he thinks he has nothing to worry about, and then hearing the scream and knowing exactly what's going on. I hate horror movies, but I liked this part. It's funny how obvious this one was.
This scene is the classic (and probably original) "don't open the closet door" scene. It is dramatically ironic because the reader can fully expect that the creature would go after Elizabeth instead of Victor, and it seems obvious that when she retires, he has the perfect opportunity to get to her. Instead of protecting her, as has been his concern all along, Victor tries to protect himself which results in Elizabeth's death. The poor guy can't catch a break, but he almost brings it upon himself. I agree with his decision to get rid of the female's body and stop that project, but it wasn't smart to go about it the way he did. He could easily have found another way and saved the lives of both Henry and Elizabeth. I loved the suspense, though. I could picture a character in a movie relaxing slightly, slumping his shoulders a bit because he thinks he has nothing to worry about, and then hearing the scream and knowing exactly what's going on. I hate horror movies, but I liked this part. It's funny how obvious this one was.
Frankenstein-Foreshadowing
"Alas! to me the idea of an immediate union with my Elizabeth was one of horror and dismay. I was bound by a solemn promise, which I had not yet fulfilled, and dared not to break; or, if I did, what manifold miseries might not impend over me and my devoted family!" page 110
This piece of Frankenstein's thoughts foreshadows Elizabeth's death. He basically says that he can't marry her because he's afraid that his creation will kill her and take away the strongest love he has. I find that to be incredibly ironic as well. If Frankenstein had given his creation love in the first place, he wouldn't have lost Elizabeth. All he had to do was accept his creation and love it, and he couldn't do something so small as that. His desire to protect Elizabeth is exactly what leads to her death. At this point, the monster wishes to destroy every ounce of love that Frankenstein has, and Victor's love for Elizabeth and desire to save her make her the easiest target. I don't understand how he could be so stupid as to think that he was the target when his creation went after only the people he loved before then. It seems obvious to me that Elizabeth would be the logical choice.
This piece of Frankenstein's thoughts foreshadows Elizabeth's death. He basically says that he can't marry her because he's afraid that his creation will kill her and take away the strongest love he has. I find that to be incredibly ironic as well. If Frankenstein had given his creation love in the first place, he wouldn't have lost Elizabeth. All he had to do was accept his creation and love it, and he couldn't do something so small as that. His desire to protect Elizabeth is exactly what leads to her death. At this point, the monster wishes to destroy every ounce of love that Frankenstein has, and Victor's love for Elizabeth and desire to save her make her the easiest target. I don't understand how he could be so stupid as to think that he was the target when his creation went after only the people he loved before then. It seems obvious to me that Elizabeth would be the logical choice.
Frankenstein-Climax
"For the first time, feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom, and I did not strive to control them; but, allowing myself to be borne away by the stream, I bent my mind toward injury and death." page 99
This is the first time during the creature's life that he admits to and accepts evil feelings. All of his previous rejection is like the rising action leading up to this climax in the story. Before this point, the creature seems entirely good, and it is difficult to understand why he has a terrible reputation. Once he admits this, though, it is easy to understand why he is depicted as a terrible monster because that's what he's become. Honestly, I think I would've lost it before he did. After being rejected by the man who created him and a family he thought could possibly accept him, he just can't take it anymore, and I understand that. That's a human reaction. People like to have companions. We've already seen that with both Walton and Frankenstein. The creature is no different. He's entitled to some love, and, like a human, he needs it.
This is the first time during the creature's life that he admits to and accepts evil feelings. All of his previous rejection is like the rising action leading up to this climax in the story. Before this point, the creature seems entirely good, and it is difficult to understand why he has a terrible reputation. Once he admits this, though, it is easy to understand why he is depicted as a terrible monster because that's what he's become. Honestly, I think I would've lost it before he did. After being rejected by the man who created him and a family he thought could possibly accept him, he just can't take it anymore, and I understand that. That's a human reaction. People like to have companions. We've already seen that with both Walton and Frankenstein. The creature is no different. He's entitled to some love, and, like a human, he needs it.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Frankenstein-Page 69
"'Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man! Yet I ask you not to spare me: listen to me; and then, if you can, and if you will, destroy the work of your hands." page 69
In this scene, Frankenstein is basically called a hypocrite by the monster he created. Firstly, I think it's hilarious that his own creation would say such a thing. It also gives the reader a new perspective, though. The monster clearly has feelings and is intelligent. No unintelligent creature could possibly recognize hypocrisy. And the monster seems to be reasoning with Frankenstein, another sign of intelligence. This passage portrays the monster almost as endearing. The reader really can sympathize with the monster when viewing events from its perspective.
In this scene, Frankenstein is basically called a hypocrite by the monster he created. Firstly, I think it's hilarious that his own creation would say such a thing. It also gives the reader a new perspective, though. The monster clearly has feelings and is intelligent. No unintelligent creature could possibly recognize hypocrisy. And the monster seems to be reasoning with Frankenstein, another sign of intelligence. This passage portrays the monster almost as endearing. The reader really can sympathize with the monster when viewing events from its perspective.
Frankenstein-Page 24
"'My children,' she said, 'my firmest hopes of future happiness were placed on the prospect of you union. This expectation will now be the consolation of your father.'" page 24
This passage has to be the strangest thing I've ever heard. it's one thing to walk into a home and ask a woman if her child could be adopted. That's already insane and unrealistic. But it's entirely different to adopt that little girl for the sole purpose of having a wife for her adoptive brother. I don't understand why parents would do that or take pride in it as Frankenstein's mother clearly does. Was that accepted at some point in time or something? I feel like that would be acknowledging a fault or flaw in her son that would prevent him from getting married otherwise. And I don't understand how Frankenstein and Elizabeth don't think of each other as brother and sister. As young as they were, I wouldn't expect them to recognize a different kind of love than the traditional family love.
This passage has to be the strangest thing I've ever heard. it's one thing to walk into a home and ask a woman if her child could be adopted. That's already insane and unrealistic. But it's entirely different to adopt that little girl for the sole purpose of having a wife for her adoptive brother. I don't understand why parents would do that or take pride in it as Frankenstein's mother clearly does. Was that accepted at some point in time or something? I feel like that would be acknowledging a fault or flaw in her son that would prevent him from getting married otherwise. And I don't understand how Frankenstein and Elizabeth don't think of each other as brother and sister. As young as they were, I wouldn't expect them to recognize a different kind of love than the traditional family love.
Frankenstein-Situational Irony
"Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room, and continued a long time traversing my bedchamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep." page 35
After creating the monster, Frankenstein flees to his room. i definitely didn't expect that. He doesn't even hang around to check out his creation. I would certainly have expected a scientist who worked so hard for his creation to want to examine his own work. This scene really shows how little Frankenstein thought about what he was doing. It's like he realizes immediately that he made a huge mistake. He clearly hadn't thought the whole experiment out. The completely unforeseen consequences seem so obvious to me, so I don't understand how or why he didn't see them before.
After creating the monster, Frankenstein flees to his room. i definitely didn't expect that. He doesn't even hang around to check out his creation. I would certainly have expected a scientist who worked so hard for his creation to want to examine his own work. This scene really shows how little Frankenstein thought about what he was doing. It's like he realizes immediately that he made a huge mistake. He clearly hadn't thought the whole experiment out. The completely unforeseen consequences seem so obvious to me, so I don't understand how or why he didn't see them before.
Frankenstein-Theme
"'I thank you,' he replied, 'for your sympathy, but it is useless; my fate is nearly fulfilled.'" page 13
One of the themes of Frankenstein is destiny. In the letters, the reader sees that both Walton and Frankenstein believe strongly in destiny. Both say that they had certain people and events alter their destiny, and for Walton, meeting Frankenstein is one of those events. I'm sure that Frankenstein probably changed Walton's view of science at least slightly. Also, both of their families have impacted their destiny. Walton's uncle's promise to his father postponed his journey. This resulted in the meeting between Walton and Frankenstein, a life-changing event. Even further, Frankenstein reading the books he did changed his destiny.
One of the themes of Frankenstein is destiny. In the letters, the reader sees that both Walton and Frankenstein believe strongly in destiny. Both say that they had certain people and events alter their destiny, and for Walton, meeting Frankenstein is one of those events. I'm sure that Frankenstein probably changed Walton's view of science at least slightly. Also, both of their families have impacted their destiny. Walton's uncle's promise to his father postponed his journey. This resulted in the meeting between Walton and Frankenstein, a life-changing event. Even further, Frankenstein reading the books he did changed his destiny.
Frankenstein-Exposition
"You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings." page 1
Shelley uses letters as the exposition for the novel. Through the letters, she introduces the reader to Walton and the story's theme. The exposition in this novel is sort of long. It lasts for 14 pages, and it honestly started to get a little boring and annoying. It does a good job of introducing Walton, though. I felt like I knew him and his story pretty well after the first 14 pages. The letters were a good way to introduce the reader to Frankenstein, too. He's not some character who appears randomly. he has a reason for being where he is which makes the story slightly more believable.
Shelley uses letters as the exposition for the novel. Through the letters, she introduces the reader to Walton and the story's theme. The exposition in this novel is sort of long. It lasts for 14 pages, and it honestly started to get a little boring and annoying. It does a good job of introducing Walton, though. I felt like I knew him and his story pretty well after the first 14 pages. The letters were a good way to introduce the reader to Frankenstein, too. He's not some character who appears randomly. he has a reason for being where he is which makes the story slightly more believable.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
1984-page 254
"All the confessions that are uttered here are true. We make them true. And, above all, we do not allow the dead to rise up against us." page 254
This statement by O'Brien was probably the most disturbing statement in the whole book. It truly encompasses the power of the Party. They can make things true because no one has the strength or the desire to question them. In fact, most people are not even phased by the Party's lies. What the Party says is true, not because that actually happened but because no one is allowed to remember anything differently. The whole book seemed scary to me because of the concept of never being alone, even in one's own mind. The scarier thing, though, is that the past is alterable. If no one remembers the past, who can know for sure what happened? That seems absolutely terrible to me, like a recipe for disaster.
This statement by O'Brien was probably the most disturbing statement in the whole book. It truly encompasses the power of the Party. They can make things true because no one has the strength or the desire to question them. In fact, most people are not even phased by the Party's lies. What the Party says is true, not because that actually happened but because no one is allowed to remember anything differently. The whole book seemed scary to me because of the concept of never being alone, even in one's own mind. The scarier thing, though, is that the past is alterable. If no one remembers the past, who can know for sure what happened? That seems absolutely terrible to me, like a recipe for disaster.
1984-page 217
"He had still, he reflected, not learned the ultimate secret. He understood how; he did not understand why." page 217
Winston thinks this to himself shortly after reading Goldstein's book. He realizes that everything that is presented to him in the book is something he already knew. There was no new information that he had not first thought in his own mind. The same question still exists after he reads the book. To me, this seemed like a red flag. I don't understand how he doesn't see anything fishy about that. That's when I started to suspect O'Brien. There's no way that the book could have been written exactly as Winston thought. It was meant to build his confidence, not to enlighten members of the Brotherhood.
Winston thinks this to himself shortly after reading Goldstein's book. He realizes that everything that is presented to him in the book is something he already knew. There was no new information that he had not first thought in his own mind. The same question still exists after he reads the book. To me, this seemed like a red flag. I don't understand how he doesn't see anything fishy about that. That's when I started to suspect O'Brien. There's no way that the book could have been written exactly as Winston thought. It was meant to build his confidence, not to enlighten members of the Brotherhood.
1984-Conflict
"You are unable to remember real events, and you persuade yourself that you remember other events which never happened." page 245 (I know I used another one from page 245, but both examples are really good in my opinion, so I hope it's okay.)
Throughout the novel, Winston has several conflicts which are both internal and external. His primary external conflict is with the Party and it's incredibly loyal members such as the guards who beat him and O'Brien. These conflicts, while important, are relatively minor. The internal conflicts, however, have a huge impact. The above quote is from O'Brien and depicts the "problems" with Winston's brain. Through questioning and statements like this, O'Brien is able to confuse Winston enough that he has an internal conflict. His resistance in believing the Party's lies is weaken by O'Brien's statements, and Winston's internal conflict becomes his weakness. It becomes O'Brien's route into Winston's mind.
Throughout the novel, Winston has several conflicts which are both internal and external. His primary external conflict is with the Party and it's incredibly loyal members such as the guards who beat him and O'Brien. These conflicts, while important, are relatively minor. The internal conflicts, however, have a huge impact. The above quote is from O'Brien and depicts the "problems" with Winston's brain. Through questioning and statements like this, O'Brien is able to confuse Winston enough that he has an internal conflict. His resistance in believing the Party's lies is weaken by O'Brien's statements, and Winston's internal conflict becomes his weakness. It becomes O'Brien's route into Winston's mind.
1984-Direct 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 scene occurs when O'Brien questions Winston for the first time, immediately following the first shock of pain that Winston feels. O'Brien seems to be playing the good-cop-bad-cop routine, except he's the only one playing. Throughout the novel, at least up to the point when Winston and Julia are caught, O'Brien seems to be on Winston's side. When Winston and Julia go to his home, O'Brien appears to be some sort of guardian. In the interrogation room, he switches between that O'Brien and the O'Brien who inflicts pain upon Winston and nearly exposes his face to hungry rats. Winston informs the reader directly of this and also of O'Brien's intelligence. Even without Winston's description of O'Brien's intelligence, though, the reader can see how truly smart he is. No dumb or moderately intelligent individual could switch so easily between appearing to be Winston's friend and inflicting pain upon him with machines.
This scene occurs when O'Brien questions Winston for the first time, immediately following the first shock of pain that Winston feels. O'Brien seems to be playing the good-cop-bad-cop routine, except he's the only one playing. Throughout the novel, at least up to the point when Winston and Julia are caught, O'Brien seems to be on Winston's side. When Winston and Julia go to his home, O'Brien appears to be some sort of guardian. In the interrogation room, he switches between that O'Brien and the O'Brien who inflicts pain upon Winston and nearly exposes his face to hungry rats. Winston informs the reader directly of this and also of O'Brien's intelligence. Even without Winston's description of O'Brien's intelligence, though, the reader can see how truly smart he is. No dumb or moderately intelligent individual could switch so easily between appearing to be Winston's friend and inflicting pain upon him with machines.
1984-Foreshadowing
"Of all the horrors in the world--a rat!" page 144
This quote is from a scene in the novel in which Julia and Winston are in Mr. Charrington's upper room. Julia sees a rat and shoos it away, triggering this response from Winston. This quote, along with Winston's narrated warning about rats eating babies, foreshadows Winston's torture involving hungry rats in the Ministry of Love. In fact, when O'Brien reveals the rats to Winston in the Ministry, he even explains the rats' nature to Winston almost exactly as Winston explains it to the reader. The rats are symbolic for Winston. They are his biggest fear, but they represent the last shred of sanity in his mind. When the door of the cage clicks shut, Winston has officially lost his mind to the Party. He is no longer able to think for himself because he is not himself.
This quote is from a scene in the novel in which Julia and Winston are in Mr. Charrington's upper room. Julia sees a rat and shoos it away, triggering this response from Winston. This quote, along with Winston's narrated warning about rats eating babies, foreshadows Winston's torture involving hungry rats in the Ministry of Love. In fact, when O'Brien reveals the rats to Winston in the Ministry, he even explains the rats' nature to Winston almost exactly as Winston explains it to the reader. The rats are symbolic for Winston. They are his biggest fear, but they represent the last shred of sanity in his mind. When the door of the cage clicks shut, Winston has officially lost his mind to the Party. He is no longer able to think for himself because he is not himself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)