"Rumfoord was thinking in a military manner: that an inconvenient person, one whose death he wished for very much, for practical reasons, was suffering from a repulsive disease." (p. 192)
Convenience. One word that makes all Americans jump for joy. In our society, we have endless amounts of convenience stores - for example, Walgreens, CVS, Target, McDonalds, Chick-fil-a, Marathon, etc, etc. The United States encourages laziness and apathy within society. We no longer have to work for what we need.
In Slaughterhouse-Five, Vonnegut not only criticizes the war, but the American mindset as well. Some Americans are so self-centered that they want others to die in order for more convenience in their own lives. War encourages this American mindset - murder as a convenience. During war, the number one goal is to defeat the enemy. This comes at the cost of millions of lives. The more people murdered, the more successful the war. Killing is convenient during war because it causes war to end faster. But this convenience comes at a price - a price that no one thinks about during war - a loss of family.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five: Advertising
"'It's like advertising. You have to tell the truth in advertising, or you get into trouble.'" (p. 171)
In this part of the novel, Trout tricks a woman into believing that everything he writes about actually happens. This is ironic because Trout is a science-fiction author. Obviously, his stories about aliens and time travel are not actually true. However, the lady believes him and intelligently states the quote above.
American ads are full of lies and dirty tricks. Almost everyday, I am the LUCKY winner on at least one website. Is it too good to be true? Of course. In our modern world, advertising is never truthful. Businesses constantly push ads into our face hoping to catch at least one person off guard to make a quick buck. Why do Americans allow this to happen? Once again, it all comes down to money. Deceiving ads encourage people to spend more money causing a boost in the economy. Modern American thinking says: "If it's good for most Americans, it's great for everyone!" Sure, the United States was established to protect the common good, but you must be smart/lucky enough to avoid falling into the minority. Interesting...
In this part of the novel, Trout tricks a woman into believing that everything he writes about actually happens. This is ironic because Trout is a science-fiction author. Obviously, his stories about aliens and time travel are not actually true. However, the lady believes him and intelligently states the quote above.
American ads are full of lies and dirty tricks. Almost everyday, I am the LUCKY winner on at least one website. Is it too good to be true? Of course. In our modern world, advertising is never truthful. Businesses constantly push ads into our face hoping to catch at least one person off guard to make a quick buck. Why do Americans allow this to happen? Once again, it all comes down to money. Deceiving ads encourage people to spend more money causing a boost in the economy. Modern American thinking says: "If it's good for most Americans, it's great for everyone!" Sure, the United States was established to protect the common good, but you must be smart/lucky enough to avoid falling into the minority. Interesting...
Slaughterhouse-Five: The Money Tree
"Trout, incidentally, had written a book about a money tree. It had twenty-dollar bills for leaves. Its flowers were government bonds. Its fruit was diamonds. It attracted human beings who killed each other around the roots and made very good fertilizer. So it goes." (p. 167)
When thinking about war, what is the main cause? Many times we think about disagreements or territorial issues as the cause of war; however, the main root to all wars is money. Money motivates people to make horrible, impulsive decisions. War is one of those not well thought out decisions.
The image of a money tree is the perfect symbol for this novel. In our modern society, people basically worship money as if it provides us with oxygen. But really, money is not what keeps the world ticking. It actually causes more destruction then it prevents. I like how the "fruit" of this money tree is the diamonds. Fruit is considered the most valuable and useful part of the tree. Just as fruit, humans consider diamonds to be essential to a successful life. Vonnegut emphasizes money as the cause of war in the last sentence of the excerpt. Again, humans are dehumanized by the author stating that humans make good fertilizer. During war, ethical principles are thrown out the window. Only positive effects are emphasized while the negatives remain hidden.
When thinking about war, what is the main cause? Many times we think about disagreements or territorial issues as the cause of war; however, the main root to all wars is money. Money motivates people to make horrible, impulsive decisions. War is one of those not well thought out decisions.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five: Machine
"Tralfamadorians, of course, say that every creature and plant in the Universe is a machine. It amuses them that so many Earthlings are offended by the idea of being machines." (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 154)
This quote connects to the theme of dehumanization. Vonnegut repeatedly dehumanizes his fellow humans, but most especially through the Tralfamaodrians, Billy's alien friends. The aliens view humans almost as if they are in a glass cage for inspection. Kind of creepy, but so it goes.
During war, what characterizes humans as machines? To begin, all soldiers wear the same exact clothing making them appear to be the exact same on the surface. When in formation, all personality is lost - soldiers are one unit, one team. They march in the exact same way, mimicking machines in a factory repeatedly doing the same motion. Finally, soldiers follow order without question. Machines do the same - humans press a button, a machine does the job. During a war, a commander says a command, the soldiers follow.
Does war really make humans into machines? No. But from the outside, Earthlings probably do appear to be machines. Vonnegut is pointing out how unnatural war is to the human race. War changes humans into something they are not meant to be.
This quote connects to the theme of dehumanization. Vonnegut repeatedly dehumanizes his fellow humans, but most especially through the Tralfamaodrians, Billy's alien friends. The aliens view humans almost as if they are in a glass cage for inspection. Kind of creepy, but so it goes.
During war, what characterizes humans as machines? To begin, all soldiers wear the same exact clothing making them appear to be the exact same on the surface. When in formation, all personality is lost - soldiers are one unit, one team. They march in the exact same way, mimicking machines in a factory repeatedly doing the same motion. Finally, soldiers follow order without question. Machines do the same - humans press a button, a machine does the job. During a war, a commander says a command, the soldiers follow.
Does war really make humans into machines? No. But from the outside, Earthlings probably do appear to be machines. Vonnegut is pointing out how unnatural war is to the human race. War changes humans into something they are not meant to be.
Slaughterhouse-Five: Children!
"The United States of America has been Balkanized, has been divided into twenty petty nations so that it will never again be a threat to world peace." (Slaugtherhouse-Five p. 142)
When my brother and I were little, we always had the same toys. But one Christmas, my mom decided to buy my brother a stuffed puppy. Instead of getting me the same one, my mom bought a stuffed cat (I know, a cat). I cried and cried because I wanted the puppy, not the stupid cat. My mom even tried to buy me a "similar" dog, but it just wasn't the same.
This same situation can be applied to modern war. Scary, isn't it? During World War I, the Central Powers divided Europe into little pieces. In turn, they took part of Germany away. Later, the piece we told Hitler he could not have, he still wanted for himself. Obviously, this led to a second war due to a conflict of interest.
In the quote above, Vonnegut is trying to prove that dividing nations does not, and never will, cause world peace. Ironically, dividing peoples only creates more bitterness and hatred. With twenty nations, there are twenty leaders and governments who all believe they are right. This creates turmoil which leads to war. The Central Powers never truly solved anything - they created a bigger problem.
When my brother and I were little, we always had the same toys. But one Christmas, my mom decided to buy my brother a stuffed puppy. Instead of getting me the same one, my mom bought a stuffed cat (I know, a cat). I cried and cried because I wanted the puppy, not the stupid cat. My mom even tried to buy me a "similar" dog, but it just wasn't the same.
This same situation can be applied to modern war. Scary, isn't it? During World War I, the Central Powers divided Europe into little pieces. In turn, they took part of Germany away. Later, the piece we told Hitler he could not have, he still wanted for himself. Obviously, this led to a second war due to a conflict of interest.
In the quote above, Vonnegut is trying to prove that dividing nations does not, and never will, cause world peace. Ironically, dividing peoples only creates more bitterness and hatred. With twenty nations, there are twenty leaders and governments who all believe they are right. This creates turmoil which leads to war. The Central Powers never truly solved anything - they created a bigger problem.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five: Cinderelly
"The Blue Fairy Godmother was embarrassed, and angry, too. "If I'd known was fighting a chicken," he said, "I wouldn't have fought so hard." (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 127)
Contrasting imagery adds to the irony of this novel. In the excerpt above, an Englishman feels bad for beating up a malnourished American. Later, he justifies his actions by calling Americans weak, dirty, and thieving. For the time being, the Englishman feels remorse.
A "Blue Fairy Godmother" contrasts greatly with the tough Englishman. This defines the foreign soldiers as complex characters. Although they are there to keep the camp running, they also have a soft side. For example, this particular Englishman starred in the soldier's rendition of Cinderella as the fairy godmother. This shows that war does not change the nature of humans; it only changes surface emotions and thinking. Naturally, humans are not meant to be pitted against one another; however, war can change thinking.
Contrasting imagery adds to the irony of this novel. In the excerpt above, an Englishman feels bad for beating up a malnourished American. Later, he justifies his actions by calling Americans weak, dirty, and thieving. For the time being, the Englishman feels remorse.
A "Blue Fairy Godmother" contrasts greatly with the tough Englishman. This defines the foreign soldiers as complex characters. Although they are there to keep the camp running, they also have a soft side. For example, this particular Englishman starred in the soldier's rendition of Cinderella as the fairy godmother. This shows that war does not change the nature of humans; it only changes surface emotions and thinking. Naturally, humans are not meant to be pitted against one another; however, war can change thinking.
Slaughterhouse-Five: Connections
"From this moment on, He will punish horribly anybody who torments a bum who has no connections!" (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 110)
This novel is written as an antiwar novel; however, it also contains other criticisms dealing with hypocrisy. Religion is the most prominent example of human hypocrisy. Christians everywhere claim to be "servants to the community," but how many people actually follow through with this commitment? In the novel, the aliens tell the story of Jesus' crucifixion from their eyes. To them, Jesus is killed because he does not have connections. Connections could relate to many things, but I believe this is referring to a connection with authority. Since Jesus did not associate with the Sanhedrin, the people condemned him to death. Not one person stood up for what they believed in to save him. In the modern world, connections with authority always help to create materialistic success; therefore, if the president and monetary leaders believe war is best for the world, everyone else goes along with it. Not one person dares to stray from the norm in order to fit in with society. Humans are too passive when dealing with the issues. Instead of relying on connections, people should try to be an individual.
Although the Tralfamadorians do not experience Earth, the are still able to make truthful generalizations about the human population. Pretty sad...
Although the Tralfamadorians do not experience Earth, the are still able to make truthful generalizations about the human population. Pretty sad...
Slaughterhouse-Five: Deja Vu
Vonnegut creates many similarities between Billy's life as a prisoner of war and his experiences on Tralfamadore. For example, in the excerpt above, Billy is told to take off his clothes by the Germans running the POW camp. When Billy first arrives at Tralfamadore, he is also told to take off his clothes. In both instances, Billy is thoroughly examined as if he is a wild, unknown creature. Billy's experience in the war is different than his experience with the aliens because the aliens were only examining him for discovery of different creatures. In the war, all the men were HUMAN. There was no reason for the Germans men (who were also human, believe it or not) to be examining the POW's like wild animals.
In both situations, men are dehumanized; however, the dehumanization of humans by other humans only takes place because of war. Again, the author points out the error of war. Without war, humans are relatively civilized with concrete values and morals. War causes all dignity to be thrown out the window. As seen before, human beings are treated as animals by other human beings. With violence, the human connection is lost.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five: Dehumanization
"When food came in, the human beings were quiet and trusting and beautiful. They shared." (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 70)
In this part of the novel, Billy and Weary are being transferred to a German camp for prisoners of war. Billy lets us know that the war is almost over, and the Germans are running out of space for their prisoners. While the prisoners are kept in trains, they are fed through ventilators. The ventilators are a symbol of life and health - through these openings in the train cars, Billy can see the outside world, eat, drink, and deposit waste.
This type of prison dehumanizes the passengers just as Nazi war camps. The passage above mimics this dehumanization by stating that the prisoners were "human beings," not Americans or prisoners. This suggests that the author believes war turns all humans involved into animals. Moral rules and instincts no longer apply to the winning team - only the "losers" or prisoners display admirable qualities. This is shown when he says "they shared," which is a basic value of humanity. In the real world, prisoners are less civilized than the rest of population. The author points out this irony to criticize the changing of mindset in war.
In this part of the novel, Billy and Weary are being transferred to a German camp for prisoners of war. Billy lets us know that the war is almost over, and the Germans are running out of space for their prisoners. While the prisoners are kept in trains, they are fed through ventilators. The ventilators are a symbol of life and health - through these openings in the train cars, Billy can see the outside world, eat, drink, and deposit waste.
This type of prison dehumanizes the passengers just as Nazi war camps. The passage above mimics this dehumanization by stating that the prisoners were "human beings," not Americans or prisoners. This suggests that the author believes war turns all humans involved into animals. Moral rules and instincts no longer apply to the winning team - only the "losers" or prisoners display admirable qualities. This is shown when he says "they shared," which is a basic value of humanity. In the real world, prisoners are less civilized than the rest of population. The author points out this irony to criticize the changing of mindset in war.
Slaughterhouse-Five: Hypocrisy
"People aren't supposed to look back. I'm certainly not going to do it anymore." (Slaughterhouse-Five p. 22)
Since this novel is written to be satirical, Vonnegut packs Slaughterhouse-Five with irony. For example, in the quote above, Billy states that he is never again going to look back; however, the whole plot is based upon an event that happened in the past - the firebombing of Dresden. Billy even claims that he still travels through the past with the assistance of his alien friends from Tralfamadore. So basically, the entire novel is based on hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy is a central theme in Slaughterhouse-Five. During the Vietnam War, many people claimed to be "anti-war" supporters, but they never really did anything to actually prevent or stop the war. People always cling to the most popular cause at the time to be considered "hip." In my opinion, many people supported the "Stop Kony 2012" campaign because it was the cool thing to do. The nationwide attention was good for the cause; however, where have all those supporters gone now? And plus, where were they before? The Invisible Children organization has been around for a long time. Supporting a cause can be good, but only for the right reasons and with real action.
Since this novel is written to be satirical, Vonnegut packs Slaughterhouse-Five with irony. For example, in the quote above, Billy states that he is never again going to look back; however, the whole plot is based upon an event that happened in the past - the firebombing of Dresden. Billy even claims that he still travels through the past with the assistance of his alien friends from Tralfamadore. So basically, the entire novel is based on hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy is a central theme in Slaughterhouse-Five. During the Vietnam War, many people claimed to be "anti-war" supporters, but they never really did anything to actually prevent or stop the war. People always cling to the most popular cause at the time to be considered "hip." In my opinion, many people supported the "Stop Kony 2012" campaign because it was the cool thing to do. The nationwide attention was good for the cause; however, where have all those supporters gone now? And plus, where were they before? The Invisible Children organization has been around for a long time. Supporting a cause can be good, but only for the right reasons and with real action.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Pointing Fingers
"During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor do I find it blameable." (Frankenstein p. 161)
When reflecting on his life, Victor reflects on who is to blame for all the misfortunes in his life. Now, I will decide who really is to blame because I can.
1. Creation of the creature: Victor
- Victor blames his creation his own madness; however, where does madness come from? I believe madness can only come from your own mind; therefore, Victor is at fault. Without his (later regretted) perseverance and intelligence, the creature would have never been created.
2. Murder of William: Victor
o Victor caused the creature to be lonely by abandoning him on the day of creation. He could have welcomed him into his home and taught him the ways of society. But instead, Victor abandons the creature causing him to be continuously rejected.
3. Death of Justine: Victor
o Victor never stood up for Justine even though he knew that she was innocent.
4. Murder of Henry: Creature
o The creature was angry about Victor refusing to create a second creature; however, I believe killing Henry was a little over the top. Victor had no idea what this right decision would lead to.
5. 5. Murder of Elizabeth: Creature/Victor
o Okay really, Victor should have seen this coming. Victor should have been protecting his wife the entire time. Again, the creature may have been good by nature, but this murder was really just too much. Sure, the creature suffered, but how is making Victor suffer helping the creature in any way?
Overall, I think Victor held much more blame than he claims. But hey, everyone deserves to die with a happy conscience.
Dreams
"My life, as it passed thus, was indeed hateful to me, and it was during sleep alone that I could taste joy. O blessed sleep! often, when most miserable I sank to repose, and my dreams lulled me even to rapture." (Frankenstein p. 151)
In the novel, sleep is an important symbol. Whenever Victor is feeling most miserable, he sleeps to escape reality. On p. 135, Victor even mentions developing an addiction to sleeping pills. When Victor is most troubled, he has nightmares about the creature. I believe these nightmares represent the guilt Victor feels for creating this monster. Later in the novel, Victor enjoys his dreams because they allow him to escape from his hellish-nightmare of a life. After all, his mother, father, sister/wife, friend, and brother are dead. Since Victor's dreams consist of the images of his loved ones, he begins to cherish the times he is asleep over the times he is awake.
Images of sleeping contribute to the theme of solitude in the novel. Victor seeks this solitude to escape from his own reality of life. Early in the novel, solitude in nature causes Victor to heal his scarred mind, but later, he can only reach a sense of peace through drugs and sleeping. I think this kind of solitude in sleep relates to death. Since he has lost everything good in his life, he welcomes death with open arms. Sleep is just a way to feel that high of death without actually dying.
In the novel, sleep is an important symbol. Whenever Victor is feeling most miserable, he sleeps to escape reality. On p. 135, Victor even mentions developing an addiction to sleeping pills. When Victor is most troubled, he has nightmares about the creature. I believe these nightmares represent the guilt Victor feels for creating this monster. Later in the novel, Victor enjoys his dreams because they allow him to escape from his hellish-nightmare of a life. After all, his mother, father, sister/wife, friend, and brother are dead. Since Victor's dreams consist of the images of his loved ones, he begins to cherish the times he is asleep over the times he is awake.
Images of sleeping contribute to the theme of solitude in the novel. Victor seeks this solitude to escape from his own reality of life. Early in the novel, solitude in nature causes Victor to heal his scarred mind, but later, he can only reach a sense of peace through drugs and sleeping. I think this kind of solitude in sleep relates to death. Since he has lost everything good in his life, he welcomes death with open arms. Sleep is just a way to feel that high of death without actually dying.
Adam and Eve
"I read and re-read the letter, and some softened feelings stole into my heart, and dared to whisper paradisiacal dreams of love and joy, but the apple was already eaten, and the angel's arm bared to drive me from all hope." (Frankenstein p. 139)
After Victor receives a letter from Elizabeth, he feels conflicting emotions. On one hand, Elizabeth is his best friend whom he loves. He wishes to marry her and live a long and prosperous life with her; however, Victor knows deep in his heart that this can never be so. In the excerpt, Shelly uses an allusion referring to the Bible to describe Victor's fate. Victor says that "the apple was already eaten," meaning that his dream of living with Elizabeth was ruined by the creature's threat of destroying his life. This image refers to the creation of Adam and Eve, and Eve eating from the forbidden tree. This action sealed the fate of humanity, just as Victor's creation sealed his own fate of misery and despair. Victor believes that the creature is going to kill him on his wedding night; however, the creature has other plans of murdering his wife. Instead of focusing on protecting his wife, Victor prepares to defend himself. Ultimately, this egotistic attitude leads to Victor's downfall. Victor isn't necessarily totally self-centered; he does feel despair when thinking about Elizabeth's reaction to her newly-made husband's death. But in reality, if Victor hadn't gone into solitude after creating the creature, he probably could have prevented the death of his entire body of loved ones.
After Victor receives a letter from Elizabeth, he feels conflicting emotions. On one hand, Elizabeth is his best friend whom he loves. He wishes to marry her and live a long and prosperous life with her; however, Victor knows deep in his heart that this can never be so. In the excerpt, Shelly uses an allusion referring to the Bible to describe Victor's fate. Victor says that "the apple was already eaten," meaning that his dream of living with Elizabeth was ruined by the creature's threat of destroying his life. This image refers to the creation of Adam and Eve, and Eve eating from the forbidden tree. This action sealed the fate of humanity, just as Victor's creation sealed his own fate of misery and despair. Victor believes that the creature is going to kill him on his wedding night; however, the creature has other plans of murdering his wife. Instead of focusing on protecting his wife, Victor prepares to defend himself. Ultimately, this egotistic attitude leads to Victor's downfall. Victor isn't necessarily totally self-centered; he does feel despair when thinking about Elizabeth's reaction to her newly-made husband's death. But in reality, if Victor hadn't gone into solitude after creating the creature, he probably could have prevented the death of his entire body of loved ones.
Darkness
"The cup of life was poisoned for ever; and although the sun shone upon me, as upon the happy and gay of heart, I saw around me nothing but a dense and frightful darkness, penetrated by no light but the glimmer of two eyes that glared upon me." (Frankenstein p. 134)
After discovering the death of his friend Henry Clerval and being convicted for the murder, Victor welcomes prison and even death. Henry was his best friend; the creature took this friend away due to Victor's lack of completing the creature's companion.
To describe the intensity of his grief, Shelly uses an antithesis of images. A bright description of the weather is soon clouded by the dark thoughts of Victor. The same sentence structure is used in both sentences to emphasize the difference between appearance and reality. This is the point where Victor realizes that he no longer has control of his life; since Victor did not complete the female creature, the creature now has the will to ruin every aspect of his life. Killing Henry and sending Victor to jail was just the first of his actions to ruin the scientist's life. Not only does Victor fear the future, he also is haunted by the images of the murders the creature had commited - William, Justine, Henry, and eventually his own wife.
After discovering the death of his friend Henry Clerval and being convicted for the murder, Victor welcomes prison and even death. Henry was his best friend; the creature took this friend away due to Victor's lack of completing the creature's companion.
To describe the intensity of his grief, Shelly uses an antithesis of images. A bright description of the weather is soon clouded by the dark thoughts of Victor. The same sentence structure is used in both sentences to emphasize the difference between appearance and reality. This is the point where Victor realizes that he no longer has control of his life; since Victor did not complete the female creature, the creature now has the will to ruin every aspect of his life. Killing Henry and sending Victor to jail was just the first of his actions to ruin the scientist's life. Not only does Victor fear the future, he also is haunted by the images of the murders the creature had commited - William, Justine, Henry, and eventually his own wife.
Nature vs. Nurture
"Thanks to the lessons of Felix and the sanguinary laws of man, I had learned how to work mischief." (Frankenstein p. 103)
One thing that has stuck throughout this book is that not one character blames himself for anything. Granted, a lot of things are not in the character's control, but still, you would think someone would own up to their mistakes. Not even Victor blames himself at the end of the novel because he says, "During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor do I find it blameable" (161). Sooo, building a creature who is a murderer... no big deal...
This quote is another example of the theme nature vs. nurture. In the scene, the creature places the necklace from William's neck in Justine's pocket to frame her for the murder. This is no accident; the creature fully realizes that she will suffer for the crime. But, oh no, this is not the poor creature's fault because he was good by nature. Felix was the one who taught him evil/clever things. The creature's lonesome upbringing caused him to do evil things, not his nature.
In my opinion, the creature does these evil acts out of bitterness towards the world. Yes, everyone rejects him because of his appearance, but many people experience this because they are different from society. Not all people who are rejected by the world become mastermind serial killers. If everyone who was ever rejected became a murderer, we would all be dead.
One thing that has stuck throughout this book is that not one character blames himself for anything. Granted, a lot of things are not in the character's control, but still, you would think someone would own up to their mistakes. Not even Victor blames himself at the end of the novel because he says, "During these last days I have been occupied in examining my past conduct; nor do I find it blameable" (161). Sooo, building a creature who is a murderer... no big deal...
This quote is another example of the theme nature vs. nurture. In the scene, the creature places the necklace from William's neck in Justine's pocket to frame her for the murder. This is no accident; the creature fully realizes that she will suffer for the crime. But, oh no, this is not the poor creature's fault because he was good by nature. Felix was the one who taught him evil/clever things. The creature's lonesome upbringing caused him to do evil things, not his nature.
In my opinion, the creature does these evil acts out of bitterness towards the world. Yes, everyone rejects him because of his appearance, but many people experience this because they are different from society. Not all people who are rejected by the world become mastermind serial killers. If everyone who was ever rejected became a murderer, we would all be dead.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Mother of the Year? Maybe not.
"I imagined that they would be disgusted, until, by my gentle demeanor and conciliating words, I should first win their favour, and afterwards, their love." (Frankenstein p. 81)Here are 7 reasons why the creature is good-natured:
- Attempts to sing with the birds, or "the little winged animals" (71)
- Does not react with violence when he is attacked by the villagers
- Experiences emotions of "pain and pleasure" while observing the family (75)
- Stops stealing food out of the family's pantry after discovering that they are poor
- Chops fire wood to relieve part of the family's daily labours
- Grows emotionally attached to the family even though he never actually meets them
- Learns the language of the family "to win their favour" (81)
Creation
"The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defense before they are condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man!" (Frankenstein p. 69)
In the novel Brave New World, technology allows humans the power to create life. Because of this power, humans attempt to make the perfect society; however, this society leads to the downfall of many characters. For example, John is an outcast in both the New World and the Reservation causing him to eventually commit suicide.
In both Brave New World and Frankenstein, creation is the central cause of disaster. Victor, the narrator of the story, continuously alludes to his eminent downfall. I believe this downfall will have to do with the creature he created. The creature has also experienced misery and loneliness due to the fact that he is different than all other humans. Victor is at fault for the creature's pain because of his power of creation.
The excerpt above points to the irony of Victor's denial of the creature. Victor wants to kill the creature for the creature's assumed murder of William. But in reality, does killing as a punishment for "murder" really solve anything? Victor needs to own up to his actions because the past can never be erased.
In the novel Brave New World, technology allows humans the power to create life. Because of this power, humans attempt to make the perfect society; however, this society leads to the downfall of many characters. For example, John is an outcast in both the New World and the Reservation causing him to eventually commit suicide.
In both Brave New World and Frankenstein, creation is the central cause of disaster. Victor, the narrator of the story, continuously alludes to his eminent downfall. I believe this downfall will have to do with the creature he created. The creature has also experienced misery and loneliness due to the fact that he is different than all other humans. Victor is at fault for the creature's pain because of his power of creation.
The excerpt above points to the irony of Victor's denial of the creature. Victor wants to kill the creature for the creature's assumed murder of William. But in reality, does killing as a punishment for "murder" really solve anything? Victor needs to own up to his actions because the past can never be erased.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Family
"She told me that that same evening William had teased her to let him wear a very valuable miniature that she possessed of your mother. This picture is gone, and was doubtless the temptation which urged the murderer to the deed." (Frankenstein p. 47)
Family plays a very powerful role in Victor's life. A letter from Elizabeth snaps Victor back into reality after his sickness. William's murder motivates Victor to return to his homeland. Victor's loyalty to Elizabeth and his father prevent him from committing suicide. In the novel, Justine is basically an adopted motherly figure to the family; therefore, Victor can never bring himself to believe that Justine is the true murderer.
In the excerpt above, Victor's father explains the motive for the murder in a letter to his son. Justine is deemed the murderer because the same locket placed around William's neck was found in Justine's pocket the next day. Victor refuses to believe the accusations made about Justine because he is completely set that the creature is the murderer. To me, this seems impossible - how could the creature know exactly where Victor's family lived and where they were going to be? It may be a coincidence (after all, Victor did see the creature at the site of the murder), but I believe the creature is innocent. The case made for Justine is more sound than Victor's assumptions about the creature. In the end, Victor and Elizabeth rely on family loyalty and connections to deny accusations.
For some reason, the accusations and death of Justine remind me of the Pretty Little Liars theme song. This is a pretty loose connection, but at least the song mentions a locket and secrets.
Family plays a very powerful role in Victor's life. A letter from Elizabeth snaps Victor back into reality after his sickness. William's murder motivates Victor to return to his homeland. Victor's loyalty to Elizabeth and his father prevent him from committing suicide. In the novel, Justine is basically an adopted motherly figure to the family; therefore, Victor can never bring himself to believe that Justine is the true murderer.
In the excerpt above, Victor's father explains the motive for the murder in a letter to his son. Justine is deemed the murderer because the same locket placed around William's neck was found in Justine's pocket the next day. Victor refuses to believe the accusations made about Justine because he is completely set that the creature is the murderer. To me, this seems impossible - how could the creature know exactly where Victor's family lived and where they were going to be? It may be a coincidence (after all, Victor did see the creature at the site of the murder), but I believe the creature is innocent. The case made for Justine is more sound than Victor's assumptions about the creature. In the end, Victor and Elizabeth rely on family loyalty and connections to deny accusations.
For some reason, the accusations and death of Justine remind me of the Pretty Little Liars theme song. This is a pretty loose connection, but at least the song mentions a locket and secrets.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Trapped
"I had often, when at home, thought it hard to remain during my youth cooped up in one place, and had longed to enter the world, and take my station among other human beings." (Frankenstein p. 25)
Victor was a typical teenager at one time. Even though his mother destined him to marry Elizabeth, Victor desires to discover the world beyond his home. After the death of his mother, Victor hits the road to study in Ingolstadt to reach his dream of scientific success. The passage above is ironic because Victor travels to Ingolstadt to discover the world and meet new people with different perspectives, but instead, he finds himself trapped in a lab for two years slaving over one project. At the university, Victor totally closes himself off from the world and basically causes himself to go insane. He accomplishes the opposite of what he originally planned.
The excerpt above also serves as foreshadowing for the creation of Frankenstein. Since Victor mentions being "cooped up in one place," the reader is led to believe being trapped somehow leads to the character's repeatedly mentioned downfall. The creation of Frankenstein traps Victor both physically and mentally - as soon as he creates the creature, he can no longer trust himself. Victor realizes that the human brain is capable of things that should be out of our control.
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| Ingolstadt |
Victor was a typical teenager at one time. Even though his mother destined him to marry Elizabeth, Victor desires to discover the world beyond his home. After the death of his mother, Victor hits the road to study in Ingolstadt to reach his dream of scientific success. The passage above is ironic because Victor travels to Ingolstadt to discover the world and meet new people with different perspectives, but instead, he finds himself trapped in a lab for two years slaving over one project. At the university, Victor totally closes himself off from the world and basically causes himself to go insane. He accomplishes the opposite of what he originally planned.
The excerpt above also serves as foreshadowing for the creation of Frankenstein. Since Victor mentions being "cooped up in one place," the reader is led to believe being trapped somehow leads to the character's repeatedly mentioned downfall. The creation of Frankenstein traps Victor both physically and mentally - as soon as he creates the creature, he can no longer trust himself. Victor realizes that the human brain is capable of things that should be out of our control.
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