The End... And The End again? Frankenstein part 2- blog 5

In this final section of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein the end is near two times. The first end is the end of  Victor's story; he had chased the creature through the ice on a sledge. He had become worn down, sick, he had lost some of his dogs, and that is when Walton's ship finds him. Therefore, we see the end of Victor's frame story. It was a long journey of creation, destruction, murder, and many lessons learned. Then we are redirected to Walton's letters to his sister. Like Frankenstein, Walton found himself in a huge predicament regarding a dangerous voyage due to his love of a challenge. What he found was the his trip to the North Pole would be practically impossible, and this changed the minds of many of his shipmates. "They insisted, therefore, that I should engage with a solemn promise, that if the vessel should be freed I would instantly direct my course southward," (Shelley 159). Once the ship is clear of ice, he does as they request. Then, with a heavy heart due to the death of Victor and the encounter with the creature, he returns home to England to his sister and to his family. With this, the final theme, I would suggest would be not to bite off more than one can chew because one cannot know for certain what such dangerous desires will do!

Changes coming fast!!! Frankenstein Part 2- blog 4

The last three chapters of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein wraps things up fairly quickly. It is very confusing to readers that Victor still believe that the monster is going after him on his wedding night. From the history of the monster and his threats to Victor previously, it is obvious that his love, Elizabeth, will be the victim. This is exactly what took place. Victor left her so that he could face the demon alone, but that left Elizabeth helpless when the creature came for her. Using his same technique as the other victims, he choked her to death easily. While I believe there have been a number of events leading up to the rising action, the murder of Elizabeth is most likely the turning point. It sets in motion the rest of the events of the falling action. Upon Victor's return to Geneva, his father soon dies, leaving Victor lonely and vengeful. "The deep grief which this scene had at first excited quickly gave way to rage and despair," (Shelley 150). I am very curious to find out what will occur next. Does the creature still seek to bring suffering to Victor? Will Victor be able to suppress his feelings enough to find and stop his creation once and for all? Hopefully as I near the end, all of my concerns will be addressed.

You are not God... Frankenstein Part 2- Blog 3

    A new theme seems to have arisen in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein- or rather, I just noticed it recently. There have been various references to the Bible throughout the novel, but they were not on accident, they had a clear purpose all along. Victor Frankenstein is realizing and learning very quickly the consequences of playing God. He created a living creature out of dead human body parts- something that is an ability that humans should not have. God is the Creator, not just of the world, but also of all people; Victor Frankenstein became a partaker in the creation of life. Then, In case he did not learn the lesson from his first creature and all of it's after-effects, things were about to get even uglier as he began his second similar creation. He was very aware the second time of what he was in the process of doing. "As I sat, a train of reflection occurred to me, which led me to consider the effects of what I was now doing,"(Shelley 120). Thankfully, he realized his error and thought of the consequences of creating another being, and he quitted the project before it was too late. How much longer will the madness continue of the ramifications of such an act? As we near the end of the book, we are sure to find out!

Suspense is a Powerful Thing! Frankenstein Part 2- Blog 2

    What causes a reader to not only keep interest but keep reading and reading clinging to every new piece of information? That would be suspense. Mary Shelley does a most excellent job in incorporating this tool into Frankenstein, keeping readers on their toes and begging for more. While this is utilized in the first part of the novel, it is much more prevalent in the second part. "Sometimes I thought that the fiend followed me, and might expedite my remissness by murdering my companions," (Shelley 118). Victor is constantly worried that the creature sees everything and that he might strike again; his history would suggest that as a possibility. Victor is living in constant fear of the next attack, especially after he decides to destroy the new creature he had been working on. After the murder of Henry and the trial, readers learn of Victor's nightmares and illusions. In these nightmares he could feel, "the fiend's grasp in my neck, and could not free myself from it..." (Shelley 135). As Victor is struggling with all of this emotional distress, readers cannot stop reading, knowing that the end is near- the desire to figure everything out continues to increase.

Characterizzzzation!- Frankenstein Part 2- Blog 1

    The De Lacey's were significant in the first part of the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley because they were given the title of the creature's "protectors" which gives them importance to him. However, in the later section of the book, we learn more about there history and where they came from. The De Lacey's were an affluent French family, but in helping an innocent Turkish merchant escape from prison, things get complicated. Exiled from their hometown, they seek refuge elsewhere, which is how they ended up in the cottage that the creature found. Later on, the daughter of the merchant, who had fallen in love with Felix earlier on, joined the De Lacey's in their humble abode. This history had a huge impact on the creature. He learned of their history, learned the language, learned to read, and learned about the family and their personalities. He saw them as understanding, sympathetic, and the kind of people who accept and assist strangers the best they can. "I required kindness and sympathy,; but I did not believe myself unworthy of it," (Shelley 94). All of this, along with finally understanding the language, allowed the creature to finally gain enough confidence to encounter the old blind man one day. When the old man understands the creature, hope is given. But just as quickly as it came, it went. The family went crazy once the returned home and saw him. This rejection really hurt the creature and caused him to become the true monster that he is.

A New Mood- Frankenstein 5

      The mood changes significantly as we change points of view from Victor to the creature. Victor was angry and desired to kill the "monster" he had created. He was full of guilt, contempt, and hate which were all visible as he narrated the story. He wanted to kill off his creation once and for all, so that no more harm could be done. However, when the creature begins speaking with compassion and knowledge, the mood changes to one of good feelings and sympathy for the creature. For two years the creature was on its own and picked up on small parts to everyday living. Learning about humans and how they differ from him to their language. He observes it all, especially while watching the family in the hut. He feels sorry for taking their food and making them unhappy, so he constantly gets them wood for their fires. Emotionally, he also develops as well as he watches this family. "He raised her, and smiled with such kindness and affection that I felt sensations of a peculiar and overpowering nature: they were a mixture of pain and pleasure, such as I had never before experienced, either from hunger or cold, warmth or food; and I withdrew from the window, unable to bear these emotions." Now starting to understand humans, the audience begins to feel sympathy for him instead of Victor.

Themes- Frankenstein 4

     One theme that shows up in chapters 6-8 is what fear can do to person. Following Victor's brother's murder and return to Geneva, he believes he knows who really committed the murder. Spotting him on the outskirts of Geneva, he is instantly convinced that the creature he created two years ago must be the culprit. However, he does not stand up for Justine as she is on trial for the murder of William. Even though he knows she will be put to death for the crime, he chooses to keep the secret for fear of being called crazy. Once she pleads guilty, all hope is lost. Now, because of the secrets he chose to keep to himself from being called crazy, he now has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He believes he has caused the death of two members of his family, and that guilt will continue to haunt him now. "I had before experienced sensations of horror; and I have endeavored to bestow upon them adequate expressions, but words cannot convey an idea of the heart-sickening despair that I've been endured." He feared being called crazy, and he fears the creature now as well. Fear will probably cause many other actions to take place as well as the story goes on- we will have to find out as the plot thickens!