"How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavored to form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful!" pg 35
I thought it was strange how Victor's opinion of the monster changes so drastically within a few short pages. In the previous chapter Victor expresses how excited he was to finally discover the secret to life. On page 32 he says, "No one can conceive the variety of feelings which bore me onwards, like a hurricane, in the first enthusiasm of success. Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world". To me, it seems as if Victor believes he will be credited with some great and wonderful discovery. He goes as far to say that he will be viewed as the creator of a new race in which people will thank him. Victor is so overwhelmed with his creation due to all of the hours of research in the graveyards and labs that he did looking at decaying bodies. He completely shuts out his family and best friend Clerval in order to fulfill his experiment. However, the minute he finally succeeds, he seems terrified of his creation. He rushes down the stairs and goes outside. He sleeps outside all night out of fear. I think Victor tells Walton this story to warn him that the consequences of the action are often forgot due to all of the excitement and work put into the experiment itself. Victor truly wants to help Walton avoid making the same mistake he did. Victor wanted so desperately to create the living creature that he didn't think about anything else. Partly, I don't think that he realized it could actually be done. Therefore he not only surprised himself, but he also scared himself with his creation.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Frankenstein: Family
"'When I mingled with other families, I distinctly discerned how peculiarly fortunate my lot was, and gratitude assisted the development of filial love.'" pg 19
"Two years passed in this manner during which I paid no visit to Geneva, but was engaged, heart and soul, in the pursuit of some discoveries which I hoped to make." pg 29
Both Walton and Victor have strong ties to at least one person in their family, specifically their sisters. Although not a great deal is mentioned about Walton's family life, it is easy to see that he has a close relationship to his sister. In his letters he writes things such as "my dear, excellent, Margaret" and "I love you tenderly" which implies that he has a loving relationship with his sister. Victor, on the other hand directly speaks about his close relationship with his sister, whom he calls "cousin". Throughout chapters 2 and 3 Victor spends a great deal of time describing the strong relationship he had with his family. However, in both the case of Victor and Walton it seems as if they both turned their backs on their families in order to pursue their journey. Walton writes to his sister still, but several months pass between each letter that he sends. Victor, while off at Ingolstadt. While there he completely turns away from his family in Geneva in order to focus on the human body in which he worked so diligently to assemble. I find it very interesting that both of these main characters mention the loneliness and sadness that they have endured when they were lacking a person to communicate with. However, both men made a conscious decision to turn their backs on their families in an effort to pursue their goals. I think this was especially hard for both of them because they both had such strong (and somewhat creepy) relationships with their sisters.
"Two years passed in this manner during which I paid no visit to Geneva, but was engaged, heart and soul, in the pursuit of some discoveries which I hoped to make." pg 29
Both Walton and Victor have strong ties to at least one person in their family, specifically their sisters. Although not a great deal is mentioned about Walton's family life, it is easy to see that he has a close relationship to his sister. In his letters he writes things such as "my dear, excellent, Margaret" and "I love you tenderly" which implies that he has a loving relationship with his sister. Victor, on the other hand directly speaks about his close relationship with his sister, whom he calls "cousin". Throughout chapters 2 and 3 Victor spends a great deal of time describing the strong relationship he had with his family. However, in both the case of Victor and Walton it seems as if they both turned their backs on their families in order to pursue their journey. Walton writes to his sister still, but several months pass between each letter that he sends. Victor, while off at Ingolstadt. While there he completely turns away from his family in Geneva in order to focus on the human body in which he worked so diligently to assemble. I find it very interesting that both of these main characters mention the loneliness and sadness that they have endured when they were lacking a person to communicate with. However, both men made a conscious decision to turn their backs on their families in an effort to pursue their goals. I think this was especially hard for both of them because they both had such strong (and somewhat creepy) relationships with their sisters.
Frankenstein: Guilt / Duty
"'I thank you,' he replied, 'for your sympathy, but it is useless; my fate is nearly fulfilled. I wait but for one event, and then I shall repose in peace. I understand your feeling,' continued he, perceiving that I wished to interrupt him: '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.'" pg 13
Thus far, I feel that Victor shows a great sense of guilt for his creation. When he explains to Walton exactly what it was that has caused his life to feel so lonely and depressing he expresses that it is the result of his own actions. In the quote above I believe that Victor feels that he has an obligation to find and kill the monster before any horrific events may occur. Not only does he want to take care of the monster in which he created, but I feel like he also feels a duty and necessity to share his story with Walton. thorough his mistakes he hopes to keep Walton, who like himself is very interested in science, from letting his goal turn to obsession. It was out of obsession and eagerness to do the impossible that Victor forgot about the consequences of his actions. Ultimately his creation led him to live in fear and guilt because he was unsure of what the monster was capable of. He then felt that it was his duty to not only find the monster and finish what he had started, but also to impress upon Walton the importance of not allowing your goals to consume you.
Thus far, I feel that Victor shows a great sense of guilt for his creation. When he explains to Walton exactly what it was that has caused his life to feel so lonely and depressing he expresses that it is the result of his own actions. In the quote above I believe that Victor feels that he has an obligation to find and kill the monster before any horrific events may occur. Not only does he want to take care of the monster in which he created, but I feel like he also feels a duty and necessity to share his story with Walton. thorough his mistakes he hopes to keep Walton, who like himself is very interested in science, from letting his goal turn to obsession. It was out of obsession and eagerness to do the impossible that Victor forgot about the consequences of his actions. Ultimately his creation led him to live in fear and guilt because he was unsure of what the monster was capable of. He then felt that it was his duty to not only find the monster and finish what he had started, but also to impress upon Walton the importance of not allowing your goals to consume you.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The End.
"I found myself on Gatsby's side, alone."
It seems like no matter what book it is, I am bound to hate it as long as it is a school assignment. I did not like this novel because I really don't like sad endings. Not one thing ends on a good note. Jordan and Nick break up. Gatsby dies. Myrtle dies. And who knows what the heck happened to Tom and Daisy. I think what upset me most about the entire story was the fact that no one attended Gatsby's funeral besides some crazy owl man and Nick, a man who hardly knew anything about him to begin with. It is so strange to think that people were so interested in his life that they attended his parties and passes along interesting gossip about him, but when it came down to it, no one really knew him or had any type of relationship with him besides Daisy. And even she did not know the full truth about his character. I think this has a lot to do with the theme of the novel. No one really knew or cared to know Gatsby. Those who made an attempt however were deterred by his ambiguity and lies. Gatsby was never able to have a relationship with another person because he never let anyone in. Another reason I did not like the end of this novel is because two people died. In a way though I feel as if they almost deserved it. Both Gatsby and Myrtle were tearing apart Tom and Daisy's relationship. Now that Gatsby and Myrtle are both dead, I believe the Buchanans will finally be able to be content with their marriage to won another.
It seems like no matter what book it is, I am bound to hate it as long as it is a school assignment. I did not like this novel because I really don't like sad endings. Not one thing ends on a good note. Jordan and Nick break up. Gatsby dies. Myrtle dies. And who knows what the heck happened to Tom and Daisy. I think what upset me most about the entire story was the fact that no one attended Gatsby's funeral besides some crazy owl man and Nick, a man who hardly knew anything about him to begin with. It is so strange to think that people were so interested in his life that they attended his parties and passes along interesting gossip about him, but when it came down to it, no one really knew him or had any type of relationship with him besides Daisy. And even she did not know the full truth about his character. I think this has a lot to do with the theme of the novel. No one really knew or cared to know Gatsby. Those who made an attempt however were deterred by his ambiguity and lies. Gatsby was never able to have a relationship with another person because he never let anyone in. Another reason I did not like the end of this novel is because two people died. In a way though I feel as if they almost deserved it. Both Gatsby and Myrtle were tearing apart Tom and Daisy's relationship. Now that Gatsby and Myrtle are both dead, I believe the Buchanans will finally be able to be content with their marriage to won another.
Local Color
Local Color - a term applied to fiction or poetry which tends to place special emphasis on a particular setting including its customs, clothing, dialect, and landscape.
"Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they'll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white." pg (130)
Although this quote is very opinionated, it give a great deal of insight. Not only does this quote reflect the personal lives of the main characters, but it also describes the "local color" or social customs of the times. The Great Gatsby takes place in America in the 1920's. Although I was not around for the 1920's, I feel that I have a bit of insight on the typical relationship during this time. Throughout the novel, there is not a single relationship described that does not have a lot of adultery or issues. It seems that life in these times was very laid back. People, such as Tom and Daisy, frequently moved from place to place. Money was often squandered on unimportant things such as fancy homes or grand parties. People lived more for the now. This is obvious in the marriages described within our story. Tom, Myrtle, and Daisy are all having affairs. None of these people worry about what will happen in the future. I think this has a major effect on the story as a whole. Many of the actions taken by the characters in the story are actions out of lust and desire with no regards no responsibility. Because Daisy chooses to be with Gatsby, she leaves the city with Gatsby in his car. Because Myrtle wants to be with Tom she attempts to flag down Gatsby's car. And finally, Because Gatsby felt his life was not worth living without Daisy, he was willing to take the blame for hitting Mrs. Wilson. Every outcome was the result of people acting out of forbidden love.
"Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they'll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white." pg (130)
Although this quote is very opinionated, it give a great deal of insight. Not only does this quote reflect the personal lives of the main characters, but it also describes the "local color" or social customs of the times. The Great Gatsby takes place in America in the 1920's. Although I was not around for the 1920's, I feel that I have a bit of insight on the typical relationship during this time. Throughout the novel, there is not a single relationship described that does not have a lot of adultery or issues. It seems that life in these times was very laid back. People, such as Tom and Daisy, frequently moved from place to place. Money was often squandered on unimportant things such as fancy homes or grand parties. People lived more for the now. This is obvious in the marriages described within our story. Tom, Myrtle, and Daisy are all having affairs. None of these people worry about what will happen in the future. I think this has a major effect on the story as a whole. Many of the actions taken by the characters in the story are actions out of lust and desire with no regards no responsibility. Because Daisy chooses to be with Gatsby, she leaves the city with Gatsby in his car. Because Myrtle wants to be with Tom she attempts to flag down Gatsby's car. And finally, Because Gatsby felt his life was not worth living without Daisy, he was willing to take the blame for hitting Mrs. Wilson. Every outcome was the result of people acting out of forbidden love.
Conflicts
Internal
"She wanted her life shaped now, immediately-and the decision must be made by force- of love, of money, of unquestionable practicality- that was close at hand." pg (151)
The internal conflict in this story lies withing the heart and mind of Daisy Buchanan. As a young girl, Daisy fell in love with a man named Jay Gatsby. However, they were separated for several years. During this period of time Daisy was overcome by greed and impulse and decided to get married to Tom Buchanan rather than to wait for her lover, Jay. The conflict did not end there however. Years after Daisy had made her mind, she was reunited with Gatsby and presented the same dilemma which she faced many years ago. Throughout the novel, Daisy must find it in herself to determine the man she truly loves. This internal conflict is what drives the external conflict between Gatsby and Tom.
EExternal
"'You're crazy!' He exploded. 'I can't speak about what happened five years ago because I didn't know Daisy then- and I'll be damned if I see how you got within a mile of her unless you brought the groceries to the back door. But all of the rest is a God damned lie. Daisy loved me when she married me and she loves me now.'" pg (131)
This scene takes place five years after Daisy makes her decision with regards to her own personal conflict. Daisy chooses to marry Tom. However, when she is reunited with T Gatsby she feels like she has been in love with him ever since the day they met. The inner conflict that Daisy made 5 years before stirred up an external conflict between Gatsby and Tom. Because of this fight, Daisy gets worked up on her way driving home and hits Myrtle. Because of Daisy's inner conflict there was an external conflict between Tom and Gatsby. Because of this external conflict, Myrtle and eventually Gatsby are killed.
"She wanted her life shaped now, immediately-and the decision must be made by force- of love, of money, of unquestionable practicality- that was close at hand." pg (151)
The internal conflict in this story lies withing the heart and mind of Daisy Buchanan. As a young girl, Daisy fell in love with a man named Jay Gatsby. However, they were separated for several years. During this period of time Daisy was overcome by greed and impulse and decided to get married to Tom Buchanan rather than to wait for her lover, Jay. The conflict did not end there however. Years after Daisy had made her mind, she was reunited with Gatsby and presented the same dilemma which she faced many years ago. Throughout the novel, Daisy must find it in herself to determine the man she truly loves. This internal conflict is what drives the external conflict between Gatsby and Tom.
EExternal
"'You're crazy!' He exploded. 'I can't speak about what happened five years ago because I didn't know Daisy then- and I'll be damned if I see how you got within a mile of her unless you brought the groceries to the back door. But all of the rest is a God damned lie. Daisy loved me when she married me and she loves me now.'" pg (131)
This scene takes place five years after Daisy makes her decision with regards to her own personal conflict. Daisy chooses to marry Tom. However, when she is reunited with T Gatsby she feels like she has been in love with him ever since the day they met. The inner conflict that Daisy made 5 years before stirred up an external conflict between Gatsby and Tom. Because of this fight, Daisy gets worked up on her way driving home and hits Myrtle. Because of Daisy's inner conflict there was an external conflict between Tom and Gatsby. Because of this external conflict, Myrtle and eventually Gatsby are killed.
Anecdote
"They had never been closer in their month of love, nor communicated more profoundly now with another, than when she brushed silent lips against his coat's shoulder or when he touched the end of her fingers, gently, as though she were asleep." (pg 150)
In chapter 8 Nick spends a great deal of time trying to understand the events that had unfolded previously. He mentions that he could not sleep and therefore had the urge to go speak with Gatsby. When Nick arrives at Gatsby's house he stays awhile smoking a cigarette and talking about Gatsby's past. It is here that Gatsby enlightens him on his love affair with Daisy (previously it was Jordan Baker who recounted their love affair). In this chapter the author provides a short anecdote in which Gatsby describes the first time he met Daisy and how his feelings for her grew with each passing day. Gatsby describes his longing to find her for so long. I think the inclusion of this anecdote is essential to the understanding of the story. Because the reader is provided with support for why Gatsby is so attached to Daisy, the audience feels more sympathetic towards him. The difference lies in Gatsby's explanation of the time he spent writing to Daisy, waiting for her, and searching for her.Although he was a home wrecker, this anecdote at the least provides the reader with a bit of justification.
In chapter 8 Nick spends a great deal of time trying to understand the events that had unfolded previously. He mentions that he could not sleep and therefore had the urge to go speak with Gatsby. When Nick arrives at Gatsby's house he stays awhile smoking a cigarette and talking about Gatsby's past. It is here that Gatsby enlightens him on his love affair with Daisy (previously it was Jordan Baker who recounted their love affair). In this chapter the author provides a short anecdote in which Gatsby describes the first time he met Daisy and how his feelings for her grew with each passing day. Gatsby describes his longing to find her for so long. I think the inclusion of this anecdote is essential to the understanding of the story. Because the reader is provided with support for why Gatsby is so attached to Daisy, the audience feels more sympathetic towards him. The difference lies in Gatsby's explanation of the time he spent writing to Daisy, waiting for her, and searching for her.Although he was a home wrecker, this anecdote at the least provides the reader with a bit of justification.
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