Category: Frankenstein

An Odyssey from Glory to Inhumanity: Frankenstein’s Pursuit of Knowledge

The Perilous Pursuit in “Frankenstein”

When divine lighting hits a tree, it never grows back the way it once was; It will always grow back rather anomalously and abnormally. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Doctor Victor Frankenstein epitomizes the struck tree. Frankenstein pursues the idea of knowledge, validation, and accomplishment but ultimately and inadvertently imposes pain and suffering on those around him. Through the resulting affliction, Shelley develops her truth that the pursuit of knowledge does not lead to glory but to inhumanity and torment.

Dashed Expectations and the Tragic Hero

When creating the Monster, Frankenstein is motivated, so much so that he is infatuated; it is evident that his seemingly revolutionary project incites a sort of excitement inside him, and it gives him some sort of worth. Nonetheless, when his creation is brought to life, he is completely appalled by his appearance, saying, “My heart palpitated in the sickness of fear.” With the abrupt transition of his ego, Shelley continues the idea of a tragic hero. The disdain that he shows for what came from his own mind shows that the pursuit of higher knowledge personifies the tragic vision of having such high expectations for himself, only to be let down.

Ripples of Desperation and Pain

During his pursuit of knowledge, Frankenstein and his creation also impose distress on others. The Monster murders William out of revenge, leaving his family to mourn the loss of their young relative. The destructive path left by Frankenstein’s Monster shows the incomprehensible pain that is brought upon others. The persistent quest for knowledge furthers Shelley’s concept of a tragic hero by allowing the actions of Frankensteins’ desperate quest for knowledge to spread, only emphasizing his contempt for himself over searching for validation and knowledge in the first place.

From Obsession to Desolation

After realizing the pain his Monster has caused, Victor goes hunting for his Monster to rid the world of the pain he has caused and to redeem himself. His obsessive hunt leaves the doctor sick and ultimately kills him. The failure of his hunt and his resulting death exemplify the inevitable pain that is brought upon by pursuing knowledge and eminence. Shelley proves through his tragic death that the quest for greatness results only in isolation and self-induced agony.

A tree that has been struck by “divine lighting” never grows back the way it once was.
Through death, pain, and discontent, Mary Shelley proves that otherwise selfish quest inevitably results for everyone involved, and with this, an overarching theme is created.

References:

1. Shelley, Mary. “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.” 1818. Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm

Understanding Morality and Sympathy in ‘Frankenstein’ Mary Shelley

Ethical Relativism and “Frankenstein”

Ethical or moral relativism is a theory that is used to describe the way of thinking that morality is relative to the norms of one’s culture, meaning that action is wrong or right depending on the moral norms of the society it is being practiced (Santa Clara University). Though this is a common belief, many disagree and say there should be no overlapping between right and wrong.

In Chapter 16 of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the monster murders his creator’s youngest brother as a result of prolonged rage, and many readers are conflicted with this situation, as some people sympathize with him and justify his actions. This tells us a lot about humanity’s moral intuitions. It is common that we tend to sympathize with others and mold our decisions in a way to satisfy both our feelings and morals, often placing our emotions above others. How does Frankenstein help us understand our perception of wrong and right? In this research paper, I will explore this topic adequately. To do this, I will navigate through Mary Shelley’s thought process in Frankenstein, as well as draw knowledge from other books and articles.

Intuitive Judgments and Their Implications

Intuitions are instinctive. We have our intuitions on everything almost immediately; say we hear a woman fatally injured a man and instinctively condemn her as a bad person in our head. If later we hear it was done in self-defense, we eventually deliberate on the case and ‘understand’ her situation better. So, intuitions are just quick judgments, in essence. Drawing from that, many people who have never read Frankenstein still know of this creature since it is one of the most famous monsters in literal history. However, many adaptations have contributed to the misinterpretation of the monster as a frightening being.

The Complexity of Frankenstein’s Monster

In the original novel, the monster is much more complex than you may think at first glance. I am not going to justify his actions but explain why I think it is understandable to sympathize with him. He is responsible for many violent actions throughout the novel, even going outside the chapters we discussed in class. At the same time, he goes through a lot of rejection and struggles with loneliness. He wants to be accepted but is alienated by basically everyone he meets. This explains his violent actions and makes him a sympathetic character in the novel.

Humanity Beyond Physical Appearance

When the monster is first introduced in the novel, he is described as something hard to look at, saying he had “flowing black hair and white teeth juxtaposed with his shriveled face and straight black lips” (Chapter 5, Shelley 1818). Victor was not the only one terrified of the monster on sight. When the monster encounters Felix, he beats him with a stick, Safie runs away, and Agatha faints. As you can tell, he did not have a good beginning with any other character in the novel. The characters, though, are not wrong for being scared of the monster; his size and grotesque nature are enough to throw anyone off. At the same time, when the monster narrates the story from perspective, the readers see a whole new side.

From the beginning of his life, he had no one to help him and was alone in the forest. While in the forest alone, the monster appreciates the beauty of nature and lives a rather humble life living off the fruits around him. In addition, he observed the De Lacey family and tried to learn from them and mirror their kind nature. When he realizes he was contributing to their poverty by shortening their ration of food unknowingly, he says, “I abstained [from taking their food] and satisfied myself with berries, nuts, and roots” and assisted their labor by “bringing brought home firing sufficient for the consumption of several days”. In addition to his natural kindness, he also is intellectually capable of learning their language and reading books.

Although the monster has a human side and is seemingly good, people cannot look at him past his physical nature. He is rejected by everyone he meets. The monster craves the love of other human beings as well as his creator, who betrays him by failing to create a female companion for him. All his negative emotions drive him to kill those closest to his creator just so Frankenstein can feel how he is feeling. The monster wanted Frankenstein to know what it’s like to be all alone in the world. Again, these killings cannot be defended, but his perspective allows us to know what led him to it.

References:

1. Santa Clara University. “Ethical Relativism.” Philosophy and Ethics.
2. Shelley, Mary. “Frankenstein.” 1818. Project Gutenberg.
3. Bicknell, Jeanette. “Moral Intuitions and Philosophical Ethics.” Oxford Scholarship Online.
4. Fischer, John Martin. “Frankenstein: 10 possible meanings.” The British Library.
5. Gubar, Susan. “The Monster’s Human Nature.” The New York Times.
6. Johnson, Ross. “The Misunderstood Monster | Alan Cumming & Ross Johnson | TEDxNatick.” TEDx Talks.

A Comparative Analysis of Frankenstein and Edward Scissorhands

Comparing Outcasts: Frankenstein and Edward Scissorhands

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, both characters have been put in a place where they both don’t fit in and are rejected in many ways. They’re different from everyone else and are scary and vulnerable. Edward Scissorhands was accepted before he was betrayed by a group of high school kids that were bullies. After Edward came out from his hiding place, everyone welcomed him. Sadly, Frankenstein, the Monster, didn’t get the same treatment. Instantly after being created, he was rejected first by the man who created him.

Unlike Frankenstein, Edward had a chance to fit into society and live a normal life. Frankenstein never was given a chance because nobody would take the risk of talking to him because he was big, scary, and ugly. Frankenstein and Edward both are betrayed after they put their trust in people to do the right thing, which doesn’t work out like they hoped and thought. Another similarity is the way that the two stories end with them both being sad and all alone. Both creations are discriminated against in the way that they look. These two were just looking for acceptance and someone that they could call a friend who wouldn’t judge them or mistreat them.

Childhood Impressions and Character Sympathies

It’s sad reading about these characters because they got so mistreated. Before I read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, I never imagined how dark it’d be. I’m always so used to reading the Kiddie version, which is brighter than the original. I also find it surprising how similar Frankenstein and Edward are. I remember being young and watching the movie Edward Scissorhands and crying because I got so sad that the kids left him behind, and he took the blame for breaking into the house. I don’t think he had a clue about what was going on.

Kim, the daughter of the woman that was hosting him, had feelings for him even when she had a boyfriend. On the night they left Edward behind, Kim was trying to save him. It made me mad that Kim’s boyfriend Jim had his group and Edward break into his own house and then lick him in a room he can’t get out of. To me, that’s so messed up because Edward didn’t know any better. He was just learning people skills.

Darkness of Frankenstein’s Tale

Frankenstein, on the other hand, was much darker than Edward Scissorhands. Victor felt bad for his creation, and he ended up started making his significant other. Then he stopped, and Frankenstein didn’t like that. so he decided to kill Victor’s wife so he could feel the same pain. This shows that Frankenstein doesn’t have the right people skills. He even kills victors’ little brother, William. I also feel like, therefore, Victor shouldn’t mess with life and death.

The Desire for Acceptance

At least Edward’s scissors hands never meant any harm to anybody and were always nice, even to people that didn’t deserve it. So, a difference between these two creations is that one has sympathy and empathy while the other was just so neglected and mistreated he didn’t know right from wrong and did what he wanted. In conclusion, Edward and Frankenstein have similarities when it comes to wanting to be accepted and looking for a friend and company.

References:

1. Shelley, Mary. “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.” Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm.
2. Burton, Tim, director. “Edward Scissorhands.” 20th Century Fox, 1990.

Exploring Literary Techniques and Symbolism in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Weather Imagery in “Frankenstein”

In chapter ten of Thomas Foster’s book, ‘How to Read Literature Like a Professor,’ Foster discusses that rain or weather conditions are never just about the weather condition itself; there is always another purpose behind the use of this technique. Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, uses this technique throughout her writing of this novel. For example, Victor says in chapter three, ‘It was a most beautiful season; never did the fields bestow a more plentiful harvest, or the vines yield a more luxuriant vintage: but my eyes were insensible to the charms of nature.’ This quote demonstrates the dissimilarity between what Victor is creating and nature itself.

Moreover, because Victor is creating something unnatural, he is becoming oblivious to the natural world around him. In other words, he is separating himself from reality. In addition, Shelley uses lightning to foreshadow upcoming events. For instance, Victor expresses, …vivid flashes of lightning dazzled my eyes, illuminating the lake, making it appear like a vast sheet of fire. This quote foreshadows the presence of the monster as evil and dark. Mary Shelley uses this technique to demonstrate foreshadowing, to emphasize emotions, biblical references, and more.

Symbols of Light and Revenge

Foster explains that most pieces of literature are going to contain symbols. As readers, we should always be on the lookout for symbols to better understand the story. In Mary Shelley’s novel, light and revenge is the most common symbol. Victor Frankenstein states, ‘Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world.’ Shelley emphasizes this symbol of light to demonstrate that Victor feels more powerful and that he believes that his creations will bring light into the already dark world but in the end, this will just cause more darkness.

Meanwhile, this quote, ‘You can blast my other passions, but revenge remains revenge, henceforth dearer than the light of food! I may die, but first, you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery, demonstrates that revenge is very important to the monster. Victor is no longer interested in this scientific creature. He is ready to sacrifice his life to have a normal one. There will always be symbols in literature, but sometimes they will not be right in front of you. We, as readers, have to pay attention.

The Significance of Geography in “Frankenstein”

Geography is used in literature to develop a character and helps to better understand plots and themes. In Frankenstein, geography is important in many aspects. Victor’s hometown, Geneva, Switzerland, is the beginning foundation of the plotline and development of Victor as a character. Victor grew up here and returned after college as well as where the murders of William and Justine took place.

Victor, as a young boy living in Geneva, was eager for knowledge, ‘I was capable of a more intense application and was more deeply smitten with the thirst for knowledge.’ Moreover, Victor states in Chapter 3, ‘I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.’ This quote relates to geography because it foreshadows the creation of the monster in Victor’s laboratory in Ingolstadt, Germany, where Victor attends college.

Geography symbolism allows readers to see things from a different perspective. The seasons in literature represent different things. Foster spoke about that in his book, ‘How to Read Literature Like A Professor.’ The author of Frankenstein uses this technique by using words that demonstrate one of the four seasons. For example, this quote, ‘… while the happiness I hoped for in my marriage wore a greater appearance of certainty, as the spoken of as an occurrence which no accident could possibly prevent’, represents summer. Summer is known to signify romance (marriage) and happiness (the hope for happiness).

Once a reader obtains the knowledge of what each season signifies, it will be easier to pull those ideas out of literature. Shelley also uses words to signify Autumn. For instance, this quote in chapter six, ‘Know that, one by one, my friends were snatched away; I was left desolate. My own strength is exhausted’. The words in this quote that signify Autumn are tiredness/exhaustion.

Tales of Creation: Greek Mythology in “Frankenstein”

Foster speaks about Greek Mythology and why it is referred to in literature. Mary Shelley uses Greek Mythology in a large aspect in Frankenstein. First, the full title of her novel is actually Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus. Prometheus was known for bringing mankind knowledge/power, and enlightenment. He created man and gave fire. This relates to Frankenstein because Victor creates the monster and seeks knowledge/power. For example, Victor says, a new species will bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.

Victor creates something that gives him power, but on the other hand, it takes knowledge to create. In addition, Frankenstein says, ‘The world was to me a secret, which I desired to divine. Curiosity, earnest research to learn the hidden laws of nature, and gladness akin to rapture as they were unfolded to me are among the earliest sensations I can remember. This quote shows a desire for learning as well. Victor has a strong passion, as Prometheus did as well. Foster said the myths are seen as untrue, but they are actually the shaping and sustaining power of a story and symbols, as shown in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

References:

1. Foster, Thomas C. “How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines.” Harper Perennial, 2014.
2. Shelley, Mary. “Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus.” Oxford University Press, 2008.