Oh, NOW you like him! GREAT TIMING

So, the monster let me down. I knew that he would eventually kill Elizabeth, so this did not suprise me. But when Frankenstein finishes his story and then soon after dies, what a letdown! I was really pulling for an epic fight between Frankenstein and the monster, or even Frankenstein and the shipmates and the monster. I had envisioned Frankenstein dying at the hands of his creation, and the monster finally getting the revenge he deserved. Alas, no such thing happened, no epic battle to end this tale. The thing that really caught my eye though was that the monster was actually sad that his creator had died. He even said that he was ok with dying now, since Frankenstein was dead. Why does the monster still care? How many times does he have to be pushed away before he understands that Frankenstein didn't want him? And, if he really cared about him like a father son relationship, then why did he kill all the ones he loved? So many questions, and not enough answers...

A New Eve...? Then Where's Eden?

In the monster's readings, he learns of the first creation story. He sees himself similar to Adam in that he was created as the only of his kind. However, the monster's creator does not talk to him as the creator of Adam, and the monster's creator made him ugly and wretched, while Adam was made beautiful because his creator made in Adam in his image. The monster questions who he is, and doesn't understand why there are none others like him. So, when he finishes his story, he impores Frankenstein to make him a female companion so he may not be so lonely. Frankenstein eventually agrees, but when he starts he begins to think about unleashing another monster into the world and the potential consequences that could come with it, like the two monsters procreating. He stops his progress and disposes of it in a lake, and when he returns to shore he finds that the monster has killed his friend, Henry Clavel. He remembers the threat that the monster made, and shudders to think when his death will come. However horrible the acts the monster commits, I still feel sympathy for him. He was abandoned, left alone, with no knowledge of the world. He is not responsble for his actions.

Wow, that's convienent...

There's one big thing that I've notcied while reading about Mary Shelly's writing style: she leaves many things vague and to the reader's imagination. For some, this is frustrating, and usually I would agree. But, growing up (as I've said before) my dad would tell me scary stories all the time. And while his Frankenstein's monster was different from this one, since I was told many 'ghost stories', I have no trouble imagining the monster that Shelly describes with so few words. I can also understand why Shelly does not focus much on descriptions, because while there is an external conflict between the monster and Frankenstein, there are more important conflicts internally in both characters. Shelly tries to reflect the importance of these conflicts in having so little description of the appearance of the characters, and focus more on their personality, thoughts, and feelings. It's a stray from the norm, and I like it.

Not another pity party...

Alright, so this book is a pretty good book, not gonna lie. I have actually enjoyed reading it, except for the 4529034592 pity parties that Frankenstein and the monster have. Yes, we know that you both are sad and depressed and mad at each other. But do you have to talk about it all the time? This is my only compliant though, and there have been many other books with much bigger problems, like weak plots or flaky characters. As far as books go, Frankenstein is now one of my favorites. I would definitely read it again, even if I did read it first in english class.

I Wish I Could Just Go On A Nature Walk And Have All My Problems Disappear...

For someone who was so disgusted by his own creation, it seems ironic, to me anyway, that Frankenstein always feels better whenever he takes a nature walk and admires all of God's creation. These nature walks and never ending monologues of how bad he feels and his constant feelings of guilt were the most annoying part of the book for me. I can understand, in a way, how Frankenstein can feel bad about what he has done, but it's not all his fault. He didn't train the monster to go and kill people, yet he didn't do anything to make him a gentle creature either. If anyone has a right to feel sorry for themselves and wallow, it's the monster, not Frankenstein. The monster has no one because no one will ever accept him. He did not choose to be brought into this world, yet he is now apart of it and must learn how to cope. The monster is the one who has real problems, but all of Frankenstein's were brought upon himself.

Lies, Lies, Lies, Nothing I Hear But Lies

Lies and secrecy are more prevelent themes in this novel. Victor receives another letter when he and Henry return to the university from his father telling him his younger brother had been murdered. Victor rushes home, but when he gets there is not able to get in, so he goes for a walk to visit the place where his brother was murdered. He sees his monster there, and fears that it was the one that killed his brother. However, there is evidence that seems to indicate that Justine is really the guilty one, though she claims to be innocent. Victor tries to convince everyone that it was not Justine, but fears that if he tells the real story everyone will think him insane. So, he does nothing to help Justine, and she ends up being executed. I imagine that there will be reoccuring events where Victor lies to prevent from telling anyone about his monster, but we will see.

Foil or Toil?

Henry Clerval, Victor Frankenstein's friend, is Victor's foil. Henry is not from the world of science the Victor is from, and is rather easy going in comparison. Henry wears his heart on his sleeve if you will, while Victor is all about secrecy, mostly about the monster he created. Henry nurses Victor back to health, and serves as a line of communication to his family that Victor seems to have lost by giving him the letter from Elizabeth. Henry allows Victor to see all the world he had been missing in those two years he was hard at work. He, and the horrible truth of the monster Victor has created, gives Victor a new outlook on things.

It's alive...?

I've really liked the book up until this point. However, I feel like I was let down a bit by the whole "It's Alive!" scene. To me, it seemed to come one really quick. I know there was that long period when he was gathering parts and putting them together, btu when he brought the monster to life, he was scared, not proud. But, honestly, what did he expect? He talked about how ugly the monster was, but what else did he think it would look like? It was a dead person's head! Of course it would be shriveled and gross! But, I guess my expectations may have been different since I've seen the movie, even though I knew that the book and movie were different. Eh, what are you going to do?

Alrighty then...

As stated before, a big theme in this book is adventure or discorvery. Young Frankenstein is obsessed with learning all about science. Although he is unaware that all he is eagerly absorbing is outdated according to the world he lives in, he finds the dreams of the ancient philosophers to be captivating. This is mirrored in the captain's desire to explore the north pole. Both were eager to do something that no one had been able to do up until that point. Both were hungery for adventure. The reader, however, gets the feeling early in Frankenstein's story that his dreams of success might not have ended up so well by the tone with which he speaks.

Enjoy!

Frankenstein and the Wolfman versus Dracula and the Creature from the Black Lagoon

When I think about the word "Frankenstein" the only thing I can picture is what my dad told me when I was little. He said that Frankenstein was green, really big, mean, and scary, and that he ate little girls with blonde hair and blue eyes for dinner. So, as a six year old with blonde hair and blue eyes, I had nightmares for a month. And, because my dad felt it necessary to tell me about all the different monsters out there (because he didn't want to discriminate against anyone) he used to tell me that Frankenstein and the Wolfman were best buds, and that they would go out and fight Dracula and The Creature from the Black Lagoon on weekends. Needless to say, my dad was obsessed with monsters and scary stories.

But enough rambling, let's talk about the book!

As has been stated many times in class before, the letters at the beginning are an important part of the book and therefore cannot be skipped over. Frankstein is a frame story and the letters are the first part of that frame. They set up the character of Frankstein (the real one, the one who makes the monster) and led into the story he tells about how he got to where he is today. The letters show Frankenstein as a very torubled, haunted man. His character seems confused most of the time, and he has trouble in some spots controlling his emotions. The letters themselves also set up a theme in the book: the desire to discover something new, or go on an adventure. So, even though they may not be under the heading of a chapter, it is important for the readers to read the letters and not just start at chapter 1.

YAY HAPPY ENDINGS!!!

I am a big fan of happy endings (but not the wierd ones) and so I loved the end of this book. Miss Bingley is probably the only character I have hated so much that when reading one of her many snide remarks, I literally threw the book across the room. So, naturally, I was thrilled to read of her being mad that Darcy married Elizabeth and not herself, which everyone knew is what she wanted to happen. I can imagine some people I know who are like Miss Bingley (but I will not be naming anynames...) so it made me feel triuphant and Elizabeth's conquest. It took her a while to sort out what she really wanted, but once she knew, she knew for sure. It was just a great book for me, and I certainly don't regret reading it (even if it was keeping me up late...eh, what are you going to do, right?).

And so, I bide all, Adieu.

P.S. As you may, or may not know, I am a HUGE Butler fan, and so obviously I couldn't not put something one here about them and their magnificant season (even though they lost to Duke, who mysteriously seems to get all the calls...but we won't get into that on here as I may say something reprehensible...) so, cheers to Butler. "The Game Honors Toughness" GO DAWGS!!! >

"I AM A DOG. Not an underdog. A dog. A mean dog. A junkyard dog. A dog that belongs behind a big fence with a big sign that reads BEWARE in big letters. And yes, my bark is as bad as my bite. Forget about my size. Worry about the fact that I just ate a T-bone steak and I'm still hungry. Worry about a beast that doesn't know when to quit, no matter what seed you put me at. And if your ball lands in my yard, consider it gone. I am not an underdag. I am the top dog. And you'll be seeing me around your neighborhood from now on."

I'm running out of topics...

...so let's talk about what I'm doing for my research paper! It will be akin to a before and after piece: Darcy's character before and after!!!

Darcy starts out in the book on the wrong foot with everybody (minus the people he already knows). At first, all that people see is his money. But, when they discover how disaggreable his manners are, they start to talk of him as the most prideful man ever to walk the planet. His feeling for Elizabeth begin to change, just as he had convinced everyone that there was nothing of use in her. He begins to think of others before himself, and his outlook on all things in general changes. He becomes more approachable, and by this I mean he becomes easier to talk to and his not such a snob all the time. He also learns to forgive/make amends. What I mean by this is he fixes the relationship between Bingley and Jane, for it was his fault for their separation, and while he will probably never come out and forgive Wickham for all he has done to him, he does help him and Lydia (well, mostly Lydia for Elizabeth's sake, but still!!!). Overall, Darcy goes though a complete tranformation which becomes complete when he goes against all things sensible and marries Elizabeth.

And The Winner Is...

I was a little apprehensive when I picked this book to read for class. I mean, yes, I already knew the general plot line and characters, but who was to say that when I read the book (as apposed to watching the movie) I would still enjoy it as much? As I have already addressed, I think that neither the book or the movie ruin each other, but I would now like to take it a step further - I LOVE THE BOOK MORE [= Yes, while reading the book I was using the characters faces from the movie, but I just felt like while reading the book, it brought me closer to all the action and to what the characters were actually feeling. I have always loved reading, so I think it is appropriate that I feel that the book does more justice to the story than the movie. This is only right, seeing as the book was there first anyway.

Insert Clever Title Here

So, in my last post, I talk about what Pemeberley symbolized in the book. Well, now, I have also decided that Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley and her love of the beauty of it foreshadows her eventual discovery of her love of it's owner, Darcy. She loves the beauty and serenity of it all and is stuck by its openness and lack of decorations everywhere to prove the owners wealth (unlike at Rosings). She runs into Darcy here, and is also stuck by his openness and civility. Pemberley, just like Darcy, opens so many her eyes to the things she was ignorant of before. One of them being her true feelings for Darcy, which at one point startles her so much that she has to remind herself that she does not regret turning down his offer of marriage. Ahh, young love...

WHAT A JERKFACE!!!

Ok, so to start out with, I would like to say that I have figured out why my previous links have not been working, and can proudly say that although technology is usually much smarter than I am, I have, for the first time, outwitted technology. [=

Ok, enough exciting stuff. Let's move on to the boring literature analysis...]=

Alright, so thankfully Jane Austen seemed to hate symbols as much as I do, because the only one that I can really see in this book is Rosings and Pemberley. At Rosings, Elizabeth is happy to be with her friend, but I would doubt that she would call her time spent there as enjoyable. Austen's description of Rosings implies that it is the definition of its owner, Lady Catherine. It is pompous looking and is built in such a way as to emphasize the wealth and status of its residents. It is also where Darcy's pride makes it's last stand if you will, as his mood and behavior seem to change considerable after leaving the residence. While, in quite a stark contrast, Pemberley is elegant and fine, not gaudy like Rosings. Also, Pemberley is where Elizabeth sees Darcy for the first time since giving her the letter that fully addresses all the 'offenses' she laid against him when he asked for her hand. She believes he will be prideful and conceited as always, but really his mood is open and light. Pemberley seems to signify Darcy's change in personality, while Rosings represents how he was before he asked Elizabeth to marry him. Her refusal stirred him to change.

Quick Question...

So, right now, if you haven't figured out yet, I am loving this book. The characters, the setting, the beautiful way that Austen writes a novel: it's all rainbow and butterflies so far. But, I was just wondering, and it's not like life or death deal but, why does Austen seperate the book into chapters AND three volumes? What's the point? I love the short chapters because it gives me a sense of accomplishment after I get through a chapter (I think that's why Heart of Darkness was so hard for me to read...three chapters??? And then some paragraphs went on for PAGES!!!) But, enough complaining. Other than knowing how it's all going to end, I would say that this book is perfect.
"You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever."

Pride and Prejudice

Ok, in this post, I'm going to reveal the two most important themes in this book, and I bet you'll never guess...it's pride and prejudice! BAM! I know, blows your mind, right?

But in all seriousness, these themes can both be applied to the two main characters, Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth is prejudice against Darcy because of his wealth and attitude, and Darcy is prejudice against her because of her social standing. Darcy is full of pride about his friends, his family, his money, and Elizabeth is prideful from their first meeting when Darcy wounds it by calling her only "barely tolerable". Both pride and prejudice drive these two away from each other. SPOILER ALERT!!! Since I've seen the movie, I think it is also safe for me to assume that in the end of the book (as well as the movie), they will abandon their follies and embrace each other for who they are.

Class and Rank, You Sure Do Stank

Class and social status are a big deal in this book, because it was a big deal in the times the book is set. In order to be considered part of the 'high society', one followed all the proper etiquette that was required. There were certain procedures that had to be followed for a number of things. Example: the man of the family must make an aquaintance before the rest of the family was allowed to speak with said person. Otherwise, they would be considered impertainent and scandulous. This is why when Mr. Collins attempts to introduce himself to Darcy without any true formal introduction, Elizabeth strongly urges him not to approach the man. Not only would it make him look stupid, but she knows that Darcy is always looking for reasons to riducule her family, and this would give him the perfect opportunity to really do some damage.
Boy, am I procratinating...

What is Love?

What IS Love? Well, it is a main theme in Pride and Prejudice, duh! But seriously, love has been, and always will be, a universal theme in society. Jane and Mr. Bingley are in love (only having known each other for a short time) and after having conviced himself that Elizbeth is ugly and far beneath him in social status, Darcy begins to captivated by Elizabeth's "bright eyes". Love seems to be in the air through the book up until this point. But, perhaps more prominately on Mrs. Bennet's mind, the subject of marriage more than love. She represents the view of most of society in this time period: being married is more important and practical than being in love. The reader can almost see the dollar signs in Mrs. Bennet's eyes whenever Jane and Bingley are around each other. Just as in the movie, Mrs. Bennet annoys me just as much, if not more, in the book.
Now, please enjoy Harry Potter Puppet Pals [=

Book Versus Movie (Do Do Do Do Do Do Do)

"It is universally acknowledged , that a single man in possesion of a good fortune, must be in want of a good wife."

Usually, when a person sees a movie about a book and then reads the book, or vice versa, they tend to be dissappointed with one or the other. And, usually, I would tend to agree (and so would many Harry Potter fans, like this awkward kid). However, in this case, I believe that both the movie of Pride and Prejudice (the recent one with Keira Knightly, not the one with Colin Firth because I don't have the time to watch a 300 minute long movie) and Jane Austen's original masterpiece are, so far, brilliant in their own ways. I saw the movie first, and I think that instead of impeding my progress of the book or stirring criticisms of the movie, reading the book now has given me a deeper understanding of the movie and has allowed me to already have a set cast of characters and the world they live in visualized in my mind. Which, to me at least, is helpful because I usually have trouble seeing the characters and their surroundings in my mind if the author is not super-duper descriptive (which, other than saying Jane and Elizabeth are beautiful and Bingley and Darcy are attractive, Austen does not help the reader much on this subject). Austen, instead, focuses more on describing her characters personalities and thoughts, mostly Elizabeth's. This I think shows that Austen's characters themselves, while they acknowledge physical beauty, are more conscious of intellectual qualities (well, except Mrs. Bennet...). So far, I am in love with this book [=