"I was a fascist when Mussolini was on top, and I am an anti-fascist now that he has been deposed. I was fanatically pro-German when the Germans were here to protect us against the Americans, and now that the Americans are here to protect us against the Germans I am fanatically pro-American. " pg. 245, Old Man
"You must never let them change your values. Ideals are good, but people are sometimes not so good. You must try to look up at the big picture." pg. 445
These two quotes show two sides to an arguement; is it best to give up your values for self-preservation, or should you always stick to your guns, no matter what the situation is? I think it is obvious what the answer should be; everyone should stick to their morals, backing them up no matter what. However, the selfish, sometimes more highly chosen side is to give up ideals in order to stay afloat. As awesome as it is to stand by morals, this book definately has things working out better for the Old Man who changes loyalties that for the Americans who stick by their ideals.
Nately says "Anything worth living for, is worth dying for"
The old man, however, says "Anything worth dying for, is worth living for."
They both have good points. Why die for something just because you care about it? I think the answer we want is that if we didn't care about things enough to die for them, where would we be? This brings to mind one of my favorite quotes from a source that I really don't remember right now:
"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything"
Monday, April 30, 2012
Catch 22- Greed
"When I look up, I see people cashing in. I don't see heaven or saints or angels. I see people cashing in on every decent impulse and every human tragedy." pg. 445
Yossarian, at this point, has given up on his country. He's "been fighting all along to save my country. Now I'm going to fight a little to save myself" pg 446. Really, he's completely justified in giving up. He keeps fighting for his country, and they keep betraying him with rules, and with upping the amount of missions it takes to go home. The men, even the ones he cares for, are greedy. The greatest example of this is Milo; his work in the black market causes the death of numerous men, namely, Yossarian's roommate. However, many many men still support him, because they are greedy. In my opinion, Yossarian is right to finally think about himself.
Yossarian, at this point, has given up on his country. He's "been fighting all along to save my country. Now I'm going to fight a little to save myself" pg 446. Really, he's completely justified in giving up. He keeps fighting for his country, and they keep betraying him with rules, and with upping the amount of missions it takes to go home. The men, even the ones he cares for, are greedy. The greatest example of this is Milo; his work in the black market causes the death of numerous men, namely, Yossarian's roommate. However, many many men still support him, because they are greedy. In my opinion, Yossarian is right to finally think about himself.
Catch 22- Nothing to Live For
"You know, someone who was killed in the war, like Clevinger, Orr, Dobbs, Kid Sampson or McWatt.... They've got all my pals, haven't they?"
pg. 435
Little by little, one by one, Yossarian loses all of his friends to the horrors of war. At this point, I think he'd be justified to go crazy. What does he have to live for? Why should he go home, when he will never be able to get these men out of his mind? He's been living with people who contradict themselves all the time for years. If I were him, I wouldn't be able to tell what was sensical and what was not anymore; it all seems to be jumbled together with one another. The only thing that would honestly make it better would be for the war to end; not just for him to be sent home, but for the war to end altogether.
pg. 435
Little by little, one by one, Yossarian loses all of his friends to the horrors of war. At this point, I think he'd be justified to go crazy. What does he have to live for? Why should he go home, when he will never be able to get these men out of his mind? He's been living with people who contradict themselves all the time for years. If I were him, I wouldn't be able to tell what was sensical and what was not anymore; it all seems to be jumbled together with one another. The only thing that would honestly make it better would be for the war to end; not just for him to be sent home, but for the war to end altogether.
Catch 22- Have a Little Respect
"He loved Nurse Duckett's serene, flattered response,t eh sense of attachment to him she displayed proudly." pg. 335
Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me!!? I know this book is completely backwards, completely contradictory, and completely nonsensical. But does this woman have no self respect??!! Did she forget about this little instance?
""She wiggled free finally and retreated frantically into the aisle with an ashen, trembling face. She backed away too far, and Dunbar, who had watched from the beginning, sprang forward on his bed without warning and flung both arms around her bosom from behind." pg. 293
The two men basically tried to rape her, and now here she is, making love to Yosarrian all the time? I don't understand, but I could say that about many things about this book. The women and men all sleep with one another like it is nothing; yet, like in any real "relationship", there is still a jealousy factor, despite the apparent free-heartedness of the situation. It reminds me of "Friends With Benefits" and "No Strings Attached". It just doesn't work, ladies and gentlemen. Have some self-respect.
Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me!!? I know this book is completely backwards, completely contradictory, and completely nonsensical. But does this woman have no self respect??!! Did she forget about this little instance?
""She wiggled free finally and retreated frantically into the aisle with an ashen, trembling face. She backed away too far, and Dunbar, who had watched from the beginning, sprang forward on his bed without warning and flung both arms around her bosom from behind." pg. 293
The two men basically tried to rape her, and now here she is, making love to Yosarrian all the time? I don't understand, but I could say that about many things about this book. The women and men all sleep with one another like it is nothing; yet, like in any real "relationship", there is still a jealousy factor, despite the apparent free-heartedness of the situation. It reminds me of "Friends With Benefits" and "No Strings Attached". It just doesn't work, ladies and gentlemen. Have some self-respect.
Catch 22- Religion Theme
"By the lifelong trust he had placed in the wisdom and justice of the immortal, omnipotent, omniscienct, humane, universal, anthropomorphic, English-speaking, Anglo-Saxon, pro-American God, which had begun to waver."
pg. 285
There are so many things that can be said about this quote. First off, it contradicts itself; the God in the Chaplain's mind is universal, Anglo-Saxon, and pro-American. It seems that by being the latter two things, the God in his mind is no longer universal. I think the author is pointing out something that many humans think; God is universal, but the God they picture is on their side, always. Even if that somehow means he is against someone else. However, I think it is logical for people to picture God as one of their own race, because then we identify with him better.
Secondly, this quote captures a reoccuring theme in Catch 22; God isn't present in war. There are many quotes to back this theme;
"And don't tell me God works in mysterious ways... there's nothing so mysterious about it. He's not working at all."
"Tell Him it ain't right for people to die when they're young." pg. 185
Whether the author actually believes that God isn't present in war (or at all, even) or whether he is pointing out that many soldiers lose their faith because of war, I'm not sure. Really, I think this theme just plays into the larger one, that war is stupid.
pg. 285
There are so many things that can be said about this quote. First off, it contradicts itself; the God in the Chaplain's mind is universal, Anglo-Saxon, and pro-American. It seems that by being the latter two things, the God in his mind is no longer universal. I think the author is pointing out something that many humans think; God is universal, but the God they picture is on their side, always. Even if that somehow means he is against someone else. However, I think it is logical for people to picture God as one of their own race, because then we identify with him better.
Secondly, this quote captures a reoccuring theme in Catch 22; God isn't present in war. There are many quotes to back this theme;
"And don't tell me God works in mysterious ways... there's nothing so mysterious about it. He's not working at all."
"Tell Him it ain't right for people to die when they're young." pg. 185
Whether the author actually believes that God isn't present in war (or at all, even) or whether he is pointing out that many soldiers lose their faith because of war, I'm not sure. Really, I think this theme just plays into the larger one, that war is stupid.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Catch 22- If I Die Young
"Tell Him it ain't right for people to die when they're young. I mean it. Tell Him if they got to die at all, they got to die when they're old. I want you to tell Him that. I don't think He knows it ain't right, because He's supposed to be good and it's been going on for a long, long time."
pg. 186
Hmm. Simple, and true. The father's words to Yossarian (who he is halfway convinced is his dying son?) are part of a mystery that none of us will ever understand. I think it is also the author speaking out against the war in some way. He is speaking out against the death of young men. Yossarian cries because even though he is generally healthy, he thinks he will die as well someday soon, due to the war. It is so pointless, his work in the army. Obviously, he doesn't feel patriotism or duty. He feels scared, and he feels targeted. The only way for his sadness to end is for him to go home, if the silly major would stop extending his duty.
pg. 186
Hmm. Simple, and true. The father's words to Yossarian (who he is halfway convinced is his dying son?) are part of a mystery that none of us will ever understand. I think it is also the author speaking out against the war in some way. He is speaking out against the death of young men. Yossarian cries because even though he is generally healthy, he thinks he will die as well someday soon, due to the war. It is so pointless, his work in the army. Obviously, he doesn't feel patriotism or duty. He feels scared, and he feels targeted. The only way for his sadness to end is for him to go home, if the silly major would stop extending his duty.
Catch 22- Time, Life, and Death
"You're inches away from death every time you go on a misssion. How much older can you be at your age...."
"Maybe a long life does have to be filled with many unpleasant cocnditions if it's to seem long. But in that event, who wants one?"
"I do," Dunbar told him.
"Why?" clevinger asked.
"What else is there?"
pg. 39
The top quote on this page was part of a paragraph that kind of blew my mind. As in, having just finished Inception kind of mind-blowing. Dunbar makes an excellent point- we are oldest when we are nearest danger. What if we measured life in terms of how close we were to dying. If I were to know I was going to die in the next couple hours, I would be one of the oldest people on earth. However, being close to death doesn't magically give you wisdom, or experience, or anything else that comes with old age, so it's really not the same.
The later quote from this page reminded me immensely of one of my favorite book quotes ever, from "A Princess Bride". It says "life isn't fair; it's just fairer than death, that's all." It's so true. Life may not be awesome. There may be bad things. But the bad things make the good all the better, and really, there's not much else to do, except die. Since the idea of death freaks most of us out quite a bit, I think it's safe to say that continuing living is the best choice.
"Maybe a long life does have to be filled with many unpleasant cocnditions if it's to seem long. But in that event, who wants one?"
"I do," Dunbar told him.
"Why?" clevinger asked.
"What else is there?"
pg. 39
The top quote on this page was part of a paragraph that kind of blew my mind. As in, having just finished Inception kind of mind-blowing. Dunbar makes an excellent point- we are oldest when we are nearest danger. What if we measured life in terms of how close we were to dying. If I were to know I was going to die in the next couple hours, I would be one of the oldest people on earth. However, being close to death doesn't magically give you wisdom, or experience, or anything else that comes with old age, so it's really not the same.
The later quote from this page reminded me immensely of one of my favorite book quotes ever, from "A Princess Bride". It says "life isn't fair; it's just fairer than death, that's all." It's so true. Life may not be awesome. There may be bad things. But the bad things make the good all the better, and really, there's not much else to do, except die. Since the idea of death freaks most of us out quite a bit, I think it's safe to say that continuing living is the best choice.
Catch 22- Because I said so
"Colonel Cathcart is our commanding officer and we must obey him. Why don't you fly the foyr more missions and see what happens?"
pg. 102
This situation in which the commander continues to extend the number of missions required to be discharged is obviously corrupt. It reminds me of childhood- when you invented a game, it meant you could change the rules anytime you wanted, if the game wasn't going your way. However, there was normally someone who would call this unfair, who would call the gamemaker out on their unfair scheme to win the game. I keep waiting for that soldier in this book- the one who is ready to call out the commanders for being unfair. In this passage,Yossarian starts to do this. He is adamant about not wanting to continue performing missions, but Major Major shuts down his requests to leave. Perhaps, as Catch-22 states, Yossarian is sane. Despite all his ramblings about how he believes the war is personally against him, he might make the most sense of all.
pg. 102
This situation in which the commander continues to extend the number of missions required to be discharged is obviously corrupt. It reminds me of childhood- when you invented a game, it meant you could change the rules anytime you wanted, if the game wasn't going your way. However, there was normally someone who would call this unfair, who would call the gamemaker out on their unfair scheme to win the game. I keep waiting for that soldier in this book- the one who is ready to call out the commanders for being unfair. In this passage,Yossarian starts to do this. He is adamant about not wanting to continue performing missions, but Major Major shuts down his requests to leave. Perhaps, as Catch-22 states, Yossarian is sane. Despite all his ramblings about how he believes the war is personally against him, he might make the most sense of all.
Catch 22- The Allusion
""That's some catch, that Catch-22," he observed.
"It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.
Yossarian saw it clearly in all its spinning reasonableness."
pg. 46
Now, I understand much more what people mean when they allude to a "Catch-22" situation. It is not just a lose-lose situation; it is something thats solution causes a problem in itself. The rule seems to be a foolproof way for the commanders to trap the soldiers in the line of duty. However, it just doesn't make any sense. Nothing in this book seems to make sense, in fact. Why does Yossarian simply listen to everything his commanders say, without question? I suppose the book does say that because his commander had never lied to him before, he trusts him. However, this isn't really a lie. The rule is a real one- but the reasoning behind it is very flawed, and the flyers should realize this and rebel!
"It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.
Yossarian saw it clearly in all its spinning reasonableness."
pg. 46
Now, I understand much more what people mean when they allude to a "Catch-22" situation. It is not just a lose-lose situation; it is something thats solution causes a problem in itself. The rule seems to be a foolproof way for the commanders to trap the soldiers in the line of duty. However, it just doesn't make any sense. Nothing in this book seems to make sense, in fact. Why does Yossarian simply listen to everything his commanders say, without question? I suppose the book does say that because his commander had never lied to him before, he trusts him. However, this isn't really a lie. The rule is a real one- but the reasoning behind it is very flawed, and the flyers should realize this and rebel!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
She loves me!
"I confess to you, my friend, that I love you, and that in my airy dreams of futurity you have been my constant friend and companion. But it is your happiness I desire as well as my own, when I declare to you that our marriage would render my eternally miserable, unless it were the dictate of your own free choice."
pg. 138
Elizabeth seems to be such a kind, compassionate person throughout this book. She may be slightly one dimensional in this aspect, but it doesn't stop the audience from connecting with her any more. It is no wonder Victor's father considers her his "more than daughter". She truly loves Victor, and is willing to give up her own happiness for his. I don't know if Victor could say the same. Yes, he says that if he had known what the monster was planning, he would have never consented to such a marriage. However, even if he himself expected to die on the wedding night, I believe it was selfish to still try to marry her. Obviously, the death of a husband would hurt Elizabeth more than the death of a close friend/brother. Why would he promise to tell Elizabeth a secret, yet plan to die and never actually reveal the truth? Obviously she would wonder about the truth for her entire life, wondering what the secret was that her dead husband was supposed to tell her. I think that Victor wasn't necessarily meanhearted at any point in the book, but his illogical thinking caused him to make decisions that resulted in the harm of his family and friends.
pg. 138
Elizabeth seems to be such a kind, compassionate person throughout this book. She may be slightly one dimensional in this aspect, but it doesn't stop the audience from connecting with her any more. It is no wonder Victor's father considers her his "more than daughter". She truly loves Victor, and is willing to give up her own happiness for his. I don't know if Victor could say the same. Yes, he says that if he had known what the monster was planning, he would have never consented to such a marriage. However, even if he himself expected to die on the wedding night, I believe it was selfish to still try to marry her. Obviously, the death of a husband would hurt Elizabeth more than the death of a close friend/brother. Why would he promise to tell Elizabeth a secret, yet plan to die and never actually reveal the truth? Obviously she would wonder about the truth for her entire life, wondering what the secret was that her dead husband was supposed to tell her. I think that Victor wasn't necessarily meanhearted at any point in the book, but his illogical thinking caused him to make decisions that resulted in the harm of his family and friends.
What a Selfish Man
"Are you so easily turned from you design? Did you not call this a glorious expedition?"
pg 159
I'm noticing something about Victor in this scene- he's becoming quite selfish. Earlier in the story, he is telling Walton that he doesn't want him to make too many scientific discoveries, advising him to proceed with caution. He warns Walton of the danger of science. But now, when his own interests are on the line, Victor is in complete support of the expedition. He wants them to continue, and even resorts to making the seamen feel like cowards in order to convince them to stay with their mission. The part that I find most silly in this is that Victor is near the edge of death at this point- he cannot possibly think he will have the strength to kill the monster. Honestly, the fact that he is on the verge of death may be why he is saying these selfish words- he may be out of his mind. It wouldn't be the first time that he has blabbered nonsensically because of his grief.
pg 159
I'm noticing something about Victor in this scene- he's becoming quite selfish. Earlier in the story, he is telling Walton that he doesn't want him to make too many scientific discoveries, advising him to proceed with caution. He warns Walton of the danger of science. But now, when his own interests are on the line, Victor is in complete support of the expedition. He wants them to continue, and even resorts to making the seamen feel like cowards in order to convince them to stay with their mission. The part that I find most silly in this is that Victor is near the edge of death at this point- he cannot possibly think he will have the strength to kill the monster. Honestly, the fact that he is on the verge of death may be why he is saying these selfish words- he may be out of his mind. It wouldn't be the first time that he has blabbered nonsensically because of his grief.
Punishable by Law
"He heard my story with that half kind of belief that is given to a tale of spirits and supernatural events; but when he was called upon to act officially in consequence, the whole tide of his incredulity returned."
pg. 148
Everyone is willing to support a cause, until then are called to actually take action for the cause. In the recent world, there are millions out there who are ready to "STOP KONY". However, when individuals are asked to make a difference, the number dwindles down to thousands. This Shelley points out in the book, a fundamental part of huma nature- we are all fine with supporting a good cause, until it requires us to actually do something. The officer Frankenstein "wants to" support Frankenstein in finding the creature, but as soon as Victor asks for real help, the officer makes excuses for why he cannot help. He also shows returned doubt as to whether the story is true or not. Either way, it causes Victor to have to search on his own. Yes, the officer's reasoning may not be all wrong, but Victor's story is true, and the creature, because of his crimes, should be punished by the law.
pg. 148
Everyone is willing to support a cause, until then are called to actually take action for the cause. In the recent world, there are millions out there who are ready to "STOP KONY". However, when individuals are asked to make a difference, the number dwindles down to thousands. This Shelley points out in the book, a fundamental part of huma nature- we are all fine with supporting a good cause, until it requires us to actually do something. The officer Frankenstein "wants to" support Frankenstein in finding the creature, but as soon as Victor asks for real help, the officer makes excuses for why he cannot help. He also shows returned doubt as to whether the story is true or not. Either way, it causes Victor to have to search on his own. Yes, the officer's reasoning may not be all wrong, but Victor's story is true, and the creature, because of his crimes, should be punished by the law.
A Man of Conscience
"I was now about to form another being, of whose dispositions I was alike ignorant; she might become ten thousand times more malignant than her mate, and delight, for its own sake, in murder and wretchedness."
pg. 120
Did Victor make the right decision in deciding not to make a female creature? It's a hard call to make, because no one truly knows what the female creature would be like. From what I know of the original creature, though, the being is not inherently evil, despite what Victor believes. Therefore, I believe she may have taken to Victor quite well, and they could have gone off together, making each other content, living in the rainforest, with everyone living happily ever after. Like a fairy tale. The end. However, I don't think I can blame Victor for not making the creature. His worries were valid- that the female would be even worse, that they would breed, that the female would not like the male, that the male would hate himself more because of the female. Who knows, really? Victor did what he thought was best for humans, and that's really all that matters.
pg. 120
Did Victor make the right decision in deciding not to make a female creature? It's a hard call to make, because no one truly knows what the female creature would be like. From what I know of the original creature, though, the being is not inherently evil, despite what Victor believes. Therefore, I believe she may have taken to Victor quite well, and they could have gone off together, making each other content, living in the rainforest, with everyone living happily ever after. Like a fairy tale. The end. However, I don't think I can blame Victor for not making the creature. His worries were valid- that the female would be even worse, that they would breed, that the female would not like the male, that the male would hate himself more because of the female. Who knows, really? Victor did what he thought was best for humans, and that's really all that matters.
Feel the Love
"Many time I considered Satan as the fitter emblem of my condition; for often, like him, when I viewed the bliss of my protectors, the bitter gall of envy rose within me."
pg. 92
The creature has now learned to sympathize with emotions- and though he is the first of his species, like Adam, he sympathizes more with the devil. The media's interpretation of Frankenstein would cause people to believe that the creature sympathizes with the devil because he is evil; this, however, is not the case. The creature can feel the same as the devil because he, too is an outcast. He, too, feels envy for the joy that others get to feel. If the creature had been loved and accepted from the moment he was created, what could he have instead turned into? He may have been kind and generous. Perhaps, his speed and strength could have done good in the world. Because he learns to speak, and feel, and read in such a short time, I think he has a superior brain that the average human, as well. If only Victor had treated the creature with respect, he may have had the perfect assistant, who could have done work to save the world, not make it more gruesome. Perhaps the devil could have been the same way? Had he only been included, perhaps he would have not been so awful, either? That may be stretching things. But I at least believe that the creature could have been different had he felt the love.
pg. 92
The creature has now learned to sympathize with emotions- and though he is the first of his species, like Adam, he sympathizes more with the devil. The media's interpretation of Frankenstein would cause people to believe that the creature sympathizes with the devil because he is evil; this, however, is not the case. The creature can feel the same as the devil because he, too is an outcast. He, too, feels envy for the joy that others get to feel. If the creature had been loved and accepted from the moment he was created, what could he have instead turned into? He may have been kind and generous. Perhaps, his speed and strength could have done good in the world. Because he learns to speak, and feel, and read in such a short time, I think he has a superior brain that the average human, as well. If only Victor had treated the creature with respect, he may have had the perfect assistant, who could have done work to save the world, not make it more gruesome. Perhaps the devil could have been the same way? Had he only been included, perhaps he would have not been so awful, either? That may be stretching things. But I at least believe that the creature could have been different had he felt the love.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Whodunit?
"I did confess; but I confessed a lie. I confessed, that I might obtain absolution; but now that falsehood lies heavier at my heart than all my other sins."
Frankenstein, pg. 58
Honestly, I'm not completely convinced that Justine is innocent. Victor never questions it, and she seems like a very nice girl. However, her story doesn't really fit, and the evidence is stacked against her. The biggest piece, of course, is the picture that was supposed to be around William's neck, that was found on Justine. But her confession is the piece that just doesn't make sense; what logical person would confess to a crime that they didn't do. I guess, if you're thinking that Justine is innocent, the answer is that she wasn't thinking logically. Therefore, if we assume that Justine is innocent, we are left with another unanswered question; what caused her to become so confused? Hopefully, now that we are hearing the creature's story, we will be able to find out. I'm sure he had at least SOMETHING to do with it!
Frankenstein, pg. 58
Honestly, I'm not completely convinced that Justine is innocent. Victor never questions it, and she seems like a very nice girl. However, her story doesn't really fit, and the evidence is stacked against her. The biggest piece, of course, is the picture that was supposed to be around William's neck, that was found on Justine. But her confession is the piece that just doesn't make sense; what logical person would confess to a crime that they didn't do. I guess, if you're thinking that Justine is innocent, the answer is that she wasn't thinking logically. Therefore, if we assume that Justine is innocent, we are left with another unanswered question; what caused her to become so confused? Hopefully, now that we are hearing the creature's story, we will be able to find out. I'm sure he had at least SOMETHING to do with it!
Ooppps!
"I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart."
Frankenstein, pg. 35
Have you ever thought something would be a really good idea, and worked so hard to make it happen, and then as soon as it does, realized it was probably the stupidest thing you have ever done, or that you really just don't want it that badly anymore? Yeah, me neither. Just kidding- I think we've all done that a time or two. Our mistakes probably don't have as terrible of consequences as Victor's, though. For so long, he had focused on one thing, thinking it was right and beautiful. However, as soon as he accomplished it, he knew it was a mistake. It was definately a turning point in the story for Victor. I don't really understand what caused him to believe that so vehemently, though. Yes, the creature was ugly. However, I don't think that means he is inherently bad, or should be feared, like how Victor believes. Give the guy a chance, already!
Frankenstein, pg. 35
Have you ever thought something would be a really good idea, and worked so hard to make it happen, and then as soon as it does, realized it was probably the stupidest thing you have ever done, or that you really just don't want it that badly anymore? Yeah, me neither. Just kidding- I think we've all done that a time or two. Our mistakes probably don't have as terrible of consequences as Victor's, though. For so long, he had focused on one thing, thinking it was right and beautiful. However, as soon as he accomplished it, he knew it was a mistake. It was definately a turning point in the story for Victor. I don't really understand what caused him to believe that so vehemently, though. Yes, the creature was ugly. However, I don't think that means he is inherently bad, or should be feared, like how Victor believes. Give the guy a chance, already!
Give a Guy a Break!
"The gentle manners and beauty of the cottagers greatly endeared them to me: when they were unhappy, I felt depressed; when they rejoiced, I sympathised in their joys."
Frankenstein, pg. 79
This particular passage reveals the good and humanity that is obviously present in the creature, at least at the beginning of his life. He made a comment earlier that leads me to believe that he may not still be truly good, but that not being good is because of what he has been through. It is obvious, however, that when he was created, he was sweet and kind and thoughtful. He related to humans, and cared about them. He didn't want to make them unhappy, and went out of his way to avoid doing so. I believe that the family in the cottage could be compared to parents of a child- the child loves them without knowing them, and learns everything about early life from the parents. All of these emotions that the "creature" expresses makes me want to give the creature a name. He acts like a human, so he should be given the privilege of a human name. I think a name would help him find his identity, and not make him feel like such an outsider. That's just my thought though!
Frankenstein, pg. 79
This particular passage reveals the good and humanity that is obviously present in the creature, at least at the beginning of his life. He made a comment earlier that leads me to believe that he may not still be truly good, but that not being good is because of what he has been through. It is obvious, however, that when he was created, he was sweet and kind and thoughtful. He related to humans, and cared about them. He didn't want to make them unhappy, and went out of his way to avoid doing so. I believe that the family in the cottage could be compared to parents of a child- the child loves them without knowing them, and learns everything about early life from the parents. All of these emotions that the "creature" expresses makes me want to give the creature a name. He acts like a human, so he should be given the privilege of a human name. I think a name would help him find his identity, and not make him feel like such an outsider. That's just my thought though!
Just Hear Me Out
"Listen to my tale; when you have heard that, abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me."
Frankenstein, pg. 69
Here comes yet another frame story! At this point, we have three. Robert is telling the story that Victor tells that the creature is telling. I kind of hope we get a fourth teller, it could be interesting. It makes you wonder, have any of the facts been skewed? It's like a game of telephone. If this were real life, I would assume the facts have been skewed. However, I don't think Mary Shelley had any desire for her readers to believe the stories weren't reliable, so I'll take all the facts as truth. It is an interesting way of telling the story, of revealing how different characters talk and think. The creative way that Shelley gets characters to explain things reminds me of the creative way that the makers of the Hunger Games movie got Katniss's thoughts spoken. Things that were explained in Katniss' mind in the book were explained by the hosts of the game on the TV. While the two situations aren't similiar at first glance, they are both an example of creative ways of revealing information.
Frankenstein, pg. 69
Here comes yet another frame story! At this point, we have three. Robert is telling the story that Victor tells that the creature is telling. I kind of hope we get a fourth teller, it could be interesting. It makes you wonder, have any of the facts been skewed? It's like a game of telephone. If this were real life, I would assume the facts have been skewed. However, I don't think Mary Shelley had any desire for her readers to believe the stories weren't reliable, so I'll take all the facts as truth. It is an interesting way of telling the story, of revealing how different characters talk and think. The creative way that Shelley gets characters to explain things reminds me of the creative way that the makers of the Hunger Games movie got Katniss's thoughts spoken. Things that were explained in Katniss' mind in the book were explained by the hosts of the game on the TV. While the two situations aren't similiar at first glance, they are both an example of creative ways of revealing information.
Foreshadowing What We All Think We Know
"You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that teh gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. I do not know that the relation of my disasters will be useful to you; yet, whien I reflect atht you are pursuing the same course, exposing yourself to the same dangers which have rendered me what I am, I imagine that you may deduce an apt moral from my tale."
Frankenstein, pg. 13
This passage is an excellent example of foreshadowing. Combined with the quick view of the "creature" earlier in the story, we all know that something is up. Although most of us AP Litters have preconceived notions of what happens in the story of Frankenstein, we can also start to discover what is going to happen based on what Victor says in this passage. We know that whatever he does, he regrets. We know that it has gone horribly wrong, and that it was a science experiment that caused his anguish. Victor also feels a connection with Robert because of their common love of discovery. When Victor almost refuses to enter the boat before he knows where it is going, we can also infer that he doesn't have a desire to live. It definately causes the reader to be curious about what could cause him so much pain and regret.
Frankenstein, pg. 13
This passage is an excellent example of foreshadowing. Combined with the quick view of the "creature" earlier in the story, we all know that something is up. Although most of us AP Litters have preconceived notions of what happens in the story of Frankenstein, we can also start to discover what is going to happen based on what Victor says in this passage. We know that whatever he does, he regrets. We know that it has gone horribly wrong, and that it was a science experiment that caused his anguish. Victor also feels a connection with Robert because of their common love of discovery. When Victor almost refuses to enter the boat before he knows where it is going, we can also infer that he doesn't have a desire to live. It definately causes the reader to be curious about what could cause him so much pain and regret.
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