Saturday, July 31, 2010
Frankenstein Question #2
Put yourself in the place of the creature for a second. What would you have done if you were abandoned and had to figure everything out on your own? Would you try to learn the ways of the culture and adapt to it or would you just crawl up into a ball and hide from the world?
Frankenstein Question #1
Has obsession ever controlled your life? Have you ever been as obsessed with a single goal as Frankenstein was with his creation? Have you been obsessed where one goal consumes all of your time and you forget about things that were important to you? Did this obsession have any negative outcomes and did it cause you to regret becoming completely obsessed with that goal?
Frankenstein #5
Towards the end of the novel, Robert Walton finds the monster mourning over the the body of Victor Frankenstein. This created mixed emotions for the reader. The reader would like to feel pity and remorse for the creature but his actions throughout the book make it tough for the creature to deserve these feelings. The creature was devastated and felt some of the blame for Victor's death as he made him completely isolated from others.
At this point, I felt pity for the creature as all he wanted was a friend and Frankenstein was never able to give him this. All the creature needed was one friend, it could have been anybody, even Frankenstein himself. This friendship never occured because Frankenstein felt ashamed of what he created. In the end, Victor is the reason I felt pity for the creature. He never gave the creature a chance. He abandoned it upon creation and was the result for how the creature acted. He ended up hurting others only because he wanted to hurt Victor. He wanted Victor to feel the pain that he had gone through. He wanted Victor to be alone in the world as he was. Overall, he just wanted Victor to feel remorse for leaving him all alone in a world he was unfamiliar with.
Throughout the whole novel, the monster suffered. He had no friends and was killing people of importance to Victor. He felt guilty for this only because he wanted revenge on his creator. Despite killing all of these people, the creature is not a villain. He is more of a product of poor parenting and never had the guidance in his life to teach him right from wrong. A tragedy is a more appropriate word for this situation. The creature never wanted any of this to happen. He felt extreme remorse for his actions and now feels even worse because the only shot of a companion he ever had, is now dead. If he was not abandoned by Victor, no one would have died and the creature could have developed his own sense of right and wrong and may have been able to fit into society.
At this point, I felt pity for the creature as all he wanted was a friend and Frankenstein was never able to give him this. All the creature needed was one friend, it could have been anybody, even Frankenstein himself. This friendship never occured because Frankenstein felt ashamed of what he created. In the end, Victor is the reason I felt pity for the creature. He never gave the creature a chance. He abandoned it upon creation and was the result for how the creature acted. He ended up hurting others only because he wanted to hurt Victor. He wanted Victor to feel the pain that he had gone through. He wanted Victor to be alone in the world as he was. Overall, he just wanted Victor to feel remorse for leaving him all alone in a world he was unfamiliar with.
Throughout the whole novel, the monster suffered. He had no friends and was killing people of importance to Victor. He felt guilty for this only because he wanted revenge on his creator. Despite killing all of these people, the creature is not a villain. He is more of a product of poor parenting and never had the guidance in his life to teach him right from wrong. A tragedy is a more appropriate word for this situation. The creature never wanted any of this to happen. He felt extreme remorse for his actions and now feels even worse because the only shot of a companion he ever had, is now dead. If he was not abandoned by Victor, no one would have died and the creature could have developed his own sense of right and wrong and may have been able to fit into society.
Frankenstein #4
No one is born good or bad. A person's whole persona is the result of their surrounding environment. They are the result of how their elders influence them and their conscience can be the result of bad parenting or lack of parenting. Despite the monster not being born, it still needed to develop it's sense of right and wrong but it didn't receive it. Right after birth, Victor abandoned the monster and left it on its own. The result of Victor's departure left the monster being alone in the world. It had to experience new things and make decisions on its own because it did not have an elder influence to show him the ropes. This is the product of bad parenting as the parent (Victor) was not around to discipline the monster and show him the flow of life.
With this lack of parental support, the monster was forced to live in the wild by himself because people didn't know how to react to something that was so far different from themselves. While in the wild, he found a cottage and began to study the people that lived in the cottage to help him fully understand how people live. He felt comfortable enough with them to introduce himself but once introduced, the people couldn't get over his appearance and they forced themselves to move away. This particular episode developed the monsters first hate for human but more in general his hate for Victor for just leaving him alone in the world.
Once the monster finally met up with Victor again, all he asked for was a female companion so he was not alone in the world. He vowed that they would stay away from civilization and not harm anyone but Victor blew off the demand. This just furthers the idea that Victor was a bad parent. One is supposed to want what is best for their child but he just threw the monster to the side and didn't show any interest in his feelings.
The monster became what he was because of Victor. If Victor chose to stay with the monster, than the whole situation could have became different. The monster could have fit in with society instead of being an outcast. Victor could have had a positive impact on his life that caused him not to hate humans but he chose to neglect him which resulted in the hatred.
With this lack of parental support, the monster was forced to live in the wild by himself because people didn't know how to react to something that was so far different from themselves. While in the wild, he found a cottage and began to study the people that lived in the cottage to help him fully understand how people live. He felt comfortable enough with them to introduce himself but once introduced, the people couldn't get over his appearance and they forced themselves to move away. This particular episode developed the monsters first hate for human but more in general his hate for Victor for just leaving him alone in the world.
Once the monster finally met up with Victor again, all he asked for was a female companion so he was not alone in the world. He vowed that they would stay away from civilization and not harm anyone but Victor blew off the demand. This just furthers the idea that Victor was a bad parent. One is supposed to want what is best for their child but he just threw the monster to the side and didn't show any interest in his feelings.
The monster became what he was because of Victor. If Victor chose to stay with the monster, than the whole situation could have became different. The monster could have fit in with society instead of being an outcast. Victor could have had a positive impact on his life that caused him not to hate humans but he chose to neglect him which resulted in the hatred.
Frankenstein #3
Victor Frankenstein is morally blind. Victor believes that he had done nothing wrong by creating this monster. He blames the monster for the deaths of his friends and family when in reality he should be the one to take the blame. If the monster had not been created, than his friends and family would not have died. Since he created the monster, he should take blame instead of hiding from the truth.
Victor doesn't think that he is responsible for the death of his brother William. When Justine is put on trial, Victor has the chance to speak up and admit the truth to what really happened but he chooses not to. By not speaking up to admit the real killer, the monster, it shows that Victor should be held partially responsible for Justine being sentenced to death. In my opinion, Victor doesn't not really feel remorseful for an innocent girl being sentenced to death. Sure he goes away for a little bit but I think that it is all an act. If he was truly remorseful, he would have spoken up at trial but he chose not to.
Later in the novel, the monster and Victor meet again. The monster tells Victor his desire for a female companion. He tells Victor that no one will be harmed if his demand is met but if it is not, than he shall be expecting a visit from the monster on his wedding night and Elizabeth will be killed. Victor decides not to meet the monsters demand and on the wedding night, Victor inexcusably leaves Elizabeth alone and she is murdered by the monster. There was no reason to leave her alone. The only reason I can think of why he left her was because he felt like if anything happened it wasn't his fault, it was the monsters fault.
I do think that deep down Victor desired for Elizabeth to be killed. He could have prevented the death but decided to do nothing to stop it. I think that Victor and the monster are in fact doubles of one another. They both have the same feelings but only the monster is able to accomplish their goals. The monster can stand for Victor's "heart of darkness." It can be this because Victor lacks the will to do anything himself but he knows that the monster will and he takes advantage of this.
Victor doesn't think that he is responsible for the death of his brother William. When Justine is put on trial, Victor has the chance to speak up and admit the truth to what really happened but he chooses not to. By not speaking up to admit the real killer, the monster, it shows that Victor should be held partially responsible for Justine being sentenced to death. In my opinion, Victor doesn't not really feel remorseful for an innocent girl being sentenced to death. Sure he goes away for a little bit but I think that it is all an act. If he was truly remorseful, he would have spoken up at trial but he chose not to.
Later in the novel, the monster and Victor meet again. The monster tells Victor his desire for a female companion. He tells Victor that no one will be harmed if his demand is met but if it is not, than he shall be expecting a visit from the monster on his wedding night and Elizabeth will be killed. Victor decides not to meet the monsters demand and on the wedding night, Victor inexcusably leaves Elizabeth alone and she is murdered by the monster. There was no reason to leave her alone. The only reason I can think of why he left her was because he felt like if anything happened it wasn't his fault, it was the monsters fault.
I do think that deep down Victor desired for Elizabeth to be killed. He could have prevented the death but decided to do nothing to stop it. I think that Victor and the monster are in fact doubles of one another. They both have the same feelings but only the monster is able to accomplish their goals. The monster can stand for Victor's "heart of darkness." It can be this because Victor lacks the will to do anything himself but he knows that the monster will and he takes advantage of this.
Frankenstein #2
1. In Greek mythology, Prometheus was known for being extremely intelligent. Prometheus had the intellect to steal fire from Zeus and give it to humans. His punishment for stealing from Zeus was that he was chained to a rock and an eagle would eat his liver neach day. Everyday his liver would grow back and the eagle would eat it again. It is said that Prometheus can be credited with the existence of mankind as mankind would not have been able to function without the existences of fire.
One can make many similarities between Prometheus and Frankenstein. Frankenstien can be made out to be a Promethean character. Both Prometheus and Frankenstein had a very strong intrigue in human life. Prometheus wanted to give humans fire to humans to keep them alive while Frankenstein wanted to make a human come to life. Both of them became totally obsessed to the point where Prometheus stole from a God and Frankenstein would use human body parts to restore life.
Their obsession of humans eventually led to each's downfall. Prometheus was chained to rock and had his liver eaten out and lived a very painful life while Frankenstein, had to endure alot more mental punishment rather than physical punishment. He had to live with the fact that he had created a monster and he was unsure what this monster had the capability to do.
2. Dr. Faustus was a character that also had an obsession: an obsession to know more. He made a deal with the devil. He was able to gain knowledge and power but at the same time, he had to sell his soul to the devil. His new knowledge was enough to completely captivate his life as he stopped caring about many things and this led to him becoming very unhappy and eventually to his downfall.
Dr. Faustus and Frankenstein are almost the exact same person. Both Faustus and Frankenstein become completely obsessed with the will to know more, that they both lose interest in the little things that make life worth living for. Frankenstein obsesses about his creation and loses touch with his family and is eventually a hermit because he is so isolated. Both Faustus and Frankenstein become miserable because of the amount of time they spent of work. All-consuming ambition can be postitive as one can really be dedicated to a goal they are trying to acheive but at the same time, it can physically and mentally drain a person and lead to that particular person's downfall.
One can make many similarities between Prometheus and Frankenstein. Frankenstien can be made out to be a Promethean character. Both Prometheus and Frankenstein had a very strong intrigue in human life. Prometheus wanted to give humans fire to humans to keep them alive while Frankenstein wanted to make a human come to life. Both of them became totally obsessed to the point where Prometheus stole from a God and Frankenstein would use human body parts to restore life.
Their obsession of humans eventually led to each's downfall. Prometheus was chained to rock and had his liver eaten out and lived a very painful life while Frankenstein, had to endure alot more mental punishment rather than physical punishment. He had to live with the fact that he had created a monster and he was unsure what this monster had the capability to do.
2. Dr. Faustus was a character that also had an obsession: an obsession to know more. He made a deal with the devil. He was able to gain knowledge and power but at the same time, he had to sell his soul to the devil. His new knowledge was enough to completely captivate his life as he stopped caring about many things and this led to him becoming very unhappy and eventually to his downfall.
Dr. Faustus and Frankenstein are almost the exact same person. Both Faustus and Frankenstein become completely obsessed with the will to know more, that they both lose interest in the little things that make life worth living for. Frankenstein obsesses about his creation and loses touch with his family and is eventually a hermit because he is so isolated. Both Faustus and Frankenstein become miserable because of the amount of time they spent of work. All-consuming ambition can be postitive as one can really be dedicated to a goal they are trying to acheive but at the same time, it can physically and mentally drain a person and lead to that particular person's downfall.
Frankenstein #1
Advancements in science and knowledge can be very beneficial to the human race. Man shouldn't be afraid to try to push their horizon and discover new things. At the same time, man must be careful as to what they are creating and must approach with caution, as it could have a negative impact. My belief is that despite being able to create things with human like properties, scientists shouldn't be allowed to create something that is close to a human.
Erastus Darwin, Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus were all similar in the fact that they each studied fields that were highly controversial at the time. Darwin studied galvanism while Agrippa, Magnus, and Paracelus all studied the occult arts. These scientists were able to influence others. One of these influences was on Mary Shelley as she created the character Victor Frankenstein.
Every new scientific discovery always brings the question of morality into the equation. One always must keep in the back of their mind that if they should continue with this advancement, could something with a negative outcome take place. Today, many people are arguing the morality of new advancements such as nanotechnology and embryonic stem cell research.
Nanotechnology has became the latest target of controversy. It is beneficial to the point where it can be used in medical fields for energy production. The controversy is that the toxicity has yet to be determined as scientists do not fully know the effect it may have on the environment.
Another huge controvery is the issue of stem cell research. Everyone knows that the benefits from stem cells are plentiful but at the same time, it destroys unborn embryos. Stem cell researh can be used to help the disabled and ultimately find cures for diseases but people are not satisfied because it is taking away an unborn child.
Like the Frankenstien discovery, both nanotechnology and stem cell research are extremely controverisal. They could help the world with certain porblems but at the same time, the risk of harming the world is just as great. Victor didnt take time to weigh the pros and cons and his creation of a monster was unnecessary.
Erastus Darwin, Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus were all similar in the fact that they each studied fields that were highly controversial at the time. Darwin studied galvanism while Agrippa, Magnus, and Paracelus all studied the occult arts. These scientists were able to influence others. One of these influences was on Mary Shelley as she created the character Victor Frankenstein.
Every new scientific discovery always brings the question of morality into the equation. One always must keep in the back of their mind that if they should continue with this advancement, could something with a negative outcome take place. Today, many people are arguing the morality of new advancements such as nanotechnology and embryonic stem cell research.
Nanotechnology has became the latest target of controversy. It is beneficial to the point where it can be used in medical fields for energy production. The controversy is that the toxicity has yet to be determined as scientists do not fully know the effect it may have on the environment.
Another huge controvery is the issue of stem cell research. Everyone knows that the benefits from stem cells are plentiful but at the same time, it destroys unborn embryos. Stem cell researh can be used to help the disabled and ultimately find cures for diseases but people are not satisfied because it is taking away an unborn child.
Like the Frankenstien discovery, both nanotechnology and stem cell research are extremely controverisal. They could help the world with certain porblems but at the same time, the risk of harming the world is just as great. Victor didnt take time to weigh the pros and cons and his creation of a monster was unnecessary.
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