...Different, Yet so Alike In Marry Shelly’s novel Frankenstein she develops two different characters, Victor Frankenstein and the Creature also know as Dr. Frankenstein’s creation. Even though these two characters are not related nor do they look alike in any way, they have very distinct characteristics that make them so similar. Looking at just the surface it’s hard to see how it would be even possible to call them alike. However, after digging a little deeper it becomes easier to draw distinct parallels between the two characters. As these similarities connect them in a few ways the Creature begins to seem less like the actual monster. They are similar because of; their desire to learn, a love for nature, and a longing for revenge against their enemies; all these begin to blur the lines on who the actual Monster is, as Dr. Frankenstein begins to seem more evil. From the very start, both Dr. Frankenstein and his creation had a similar desire to learn. When Dr. Frankenstein was a young child he had an abnormal desire to learn. Surely, what ultimately led to his downfall. Beginning as just a child he was obsessed with reading books on alchemy, astrology, and pseudo-sciences. He came across a volume of Cornelius Agrippa’s books, which is what completely shaped his thinking of the world around him and his love for natural philosophy. This thirst for knowledge inspired him to go to a university to study science. During his studies he gained a lot of knowledge from his mentors and...
Words: 1404 - Pages: 6
...Honors English 10 1 December 2015 Frankenstein Essay Revenge follows abandonment. When one creates something, it is theirs; they are the “mother/father” of this creation. They are supposed to take care of it like it is theirs. Cherish it. Love it. But, what happens when one does not do those things? The creation takes revenge on them because they never gave it the time of day; never tried to help it. Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein explores the act of revenge driven by a sense of abandonment and neglect. Shelly shows, in the novel Frankenstein, that when one is abandoned or neglected, he/she will resort to revenge to find piece within him/her self. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelly shows that when one abandons something, it will come back and take revenge on them. Shelly had an interesting way of showing this throughout the chapter; she played on characters emotions, killing their close ones. She created acts of violence that we see in our daily lives, driven by the anger from abandonment or neglect. An example of this is when Victor receives a letter from his father stating that his brother, William, has been murdered. So, Victor goes to Geneva where his family is located, but its too late and the gates are closed. He spends the night plodding around and comes across the spot where his brother was killed. Victor sees the monster hiding behind trees and this brings Dr. Frankenstin to the conclusion that the Monster showed no clemency to William. The audience, know that the monster...
Words: 899 - Pages: 4
...Khizer Awan AP LIT Frankenstein Literary Analysis I Must Know More Frankenstein written by Mary Shelley is a romantic era novel based on the theme of knowledge. The word “knowledge” reoccurred many times throughout Frankenstein and forced the reader to understand the definition of it. According to Webster’s Dictionary, knowledge is defined as “Knowledge: n. Understanding gained by actual experience; range of information; clear perception of truth; something learned and kept in the mind.” The word knowledge is very simple, but has different meanings to all of us. Knowledge is the tool we use in making proper judgement. Knowledge is an extremely powerful thing and it must be used wisely and properly. Carelessly using knowledge can cause terrible consequences. The novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is a novel that has many comparisons of powers in life. It pertains to many themes in society today. Frankenstein contrasts science, technology, life and death, and most importantly knowledge and ignorance. It shows the consequences of knowledge in both negative and positive ways. In Frankenstein, three characters searched for one thing - knowledge. Unfortunately the results of their search differed from what they had anticipated. Walton, blinded by ambition, believed that search for knowledge on the route to the North Pole would bring fame to his name, but he quickly learned that he ended up only with the danger to the lives of his crew. Frankenstein, driven by passion...
Words: 2183 - Pages: 9
...Nine English AEP Frankenstein/Science Fiction Essay (Reading and Writing Task) Topic: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is the Science Fiction text that allowed all other examples of the sub-genre to follow. Discuss this proposition with specific reference to the Drama Script and Film versions of the novel, along with any other relevant Science Fiction texts you have read or viewed. * Your essay should especially consider Shelley’s context and that of other writers you refer to, as well as your own context as a reader. * You should make specific reference to the texts you are discussing via both direct (quotations) and indirect (explanations) evidence. * Be sure to plan your response so that each paragraph has its own unified idea. A sample paragraph structure might look like the following: 1. Introduction – Thesis: e.g.: “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is the first text which uses scientific experimentation as the basis of its plot. In doing this, it paved the way for all Science Fiction which followed…” 2. Body P1 – Author context + sub-genre features – what changes have occurred over time as a result of context? Consider Mary Shelley, H.G. Wells, Ray Bradbury 3. Body P2 – Discussion of Frankenstein 4. Body P3 – Discussion of other text e.g.: War of the Worlds (make some reference to Frankenstein as well) 5. Body P4 - Discussion of other text e.g.: There Will Come Soft Rains (make some reference to Frankenstein as well) 6. Body...
Words: 1268 - Pages: 6
...In Mary Shelly’s novel Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus, Shelley alludes to many other pieces of work such as Rime of the Ancient Mariner and biblical stories such as Paradise Lost constantly throughout the book. All of these allusions carry a compelling meaning between Frankenstein and the other literary work. Shelley’s reasoning for using various pieces of literature in her novel was to compare the characters in her novel to the other characters in the other works. The main characters in Shelley’s novel all portray other characters form the literary works in a way due to their actions and thinking. Frankenstein alludes to the literary works of Prometheus, Paradise Lost, and Rime of the Ancient Mariner to emphasize the certain actions that occur in the novel and how they are similar to the alluded works. All of these allusions provide insight to the actions of the characters and the characters in general. Many of the literary pieces alluded to in the novel are referenced by the protagonists in the story. In fact, the monster is taught how to speak by reading Paradise Lost, after stealing it and through this; he learns the concept of good and evil. The characters are aware of these works and realize that their actions are similar to those of the characters in the other literary works. All of the literary works deal with great tragedy but the protagonists in Frankenstein don’t seem to realize that even though they are acting a lot like the other characters in the literary...
Words: 1650 - Pages: 7
...Growth Through Ambition Ambition is often viewed as a key to success a driving force as to which the human experience becomes lackluster without this idea is exemplified by the way that we act throughout life, from the lessons that we teach our children to our lifelong journey for excellence the idea of setting a goal and striving for it is central to the human experience because no matter what we want to succeed and this is where ambition is key the precognition to pursue what we want is an idea that is taught to us at a young age and defines our future. In Mary Shelly’s “Frankenstein” ambition is what leads one of our characters and the first facet of this frame story one Robert Walton to endeavor to make a harrowing journey to the north pole in the hopes of being inducted into the annals of history as a great adventurer this ambition is exhibited in his quote “Do you understand this feeling? This breeze, which has traveled from the regions towards which I am advancing, gives me a foretaste of those icy climes. Inspirited by this wind of promise, my daydreams become more fervent and vivid.(L1,9)” this quote shows that he has settled on this undertaking being his greatest ambition and while it can be argued that it is foolish but if he does not do it who will?, this is why ambitions are...
Words: 715 - Pages: 3
...Mary Shelley’s ideas regarding the importance of companionship to mankind have not changed much from when her novel, Frankenstein, was written with Victor having it all and being stripped of it, and his creation wanting companionship and being denied it. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, Victor starts off with having companionship and throwing it away. This happens when he goes to...
Words: 873 - Pages: 4
...engagement of argument and desire for power over others are common themes in “Frankenstein”. One character that desired power throughout the novel was the monster. The monster first came into the world when Victor Frankenstein became obsessed with chemistry and anatomy and seeked to build a creature out of old body parts. He started working and ended the project with his ultimate goal: a self-made creature. This, however, seemed to be Victor’s most significant mistake of his life, as the action led to untimely consequences. From the time of his creation to the death of him, the monster made sure to draw attention in an effort to gain power. He also frees himself...
Words: 906 - Pages: 4
...knowledge is a main theme in the novel Frankenstein. This theme is most evident in the main character Victor Frankenstein. He suffers because of his pursuit of knowledge and his creation ultimately destroys his life. As the novel progresses the creature begins to change as he gains knowledge. The creature at the start is innocent and means no harm. As he gains knowledge, however, he begins to learn that he does not fit in and becomes angry. We will take a closer look at how knowledge hurts these characters throughout the novel. The knowledge that Victor is pursuing and the knowledge the creature is pursuing have fundamental differences. Victor is working to try to figure out how to cheat death. This knowledge pushes the limit of what is accepted by society. This project is an unknown realm of science and the possible consequences of success are a mystery. Victor becomes so involved with the idea, however, that he fails to consider possible consequences. Creating a menace to society had not crossed his mind. His creature is at a different intellectual level. The creature does not understand the language of humans or how human society is structured. He observes and studies human behaviors and interactions. He learns the language and more about how humans work. He is surprised about what he learns and is angered by it. The creature is not accepted in human society, and his knowledge of this changes his personality into an angry outcast seeking revenge. Mary Shelly writes Victor’s story...
Words: 1498 - Pages: 6
...Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley and ‘Bladerunner’, directed by Ridley Scott both present similar perspectives to humanities use of technology, despite being set more than 150 years apart. The contexts are different, yet the values and issues remain the same. Both Shelley and Scott explore what seemed possible at the time. The idea of creating life seemed possible at the time where science was beginning to explore new fields. This is also similar in Bladerunner, where Scott takes new technology from the 1980s and extrapolates these ideas into the future. Frankenstein was published in 1818 at a time of the emerging Romantic Movement which highlighted the need for more open self expression. Imagination was seen as a powerful force which ‘went beyond the ordinary’ as to interpret and see the world afresh. It was also a period which focused on the importance of nature, the sublime, and focused on its awareness of the individual, which for Shelley, Victor Frankenstein as her example. Shelley showed her admiration of the wild and natural world by directly referencing it in her work. Rugged and untamed landscapes and settings are evident in Frankenstein as Shelley uses descriptive language and imagery to represent to the reader of the sweeping landscapes which are stark, barren and majestic, “river raging among the rocks, and the dashing of waterfalls around, spoke of a power mighty as omnipotence.” These harsh and cold landscapes also mirror the cold and ruthless personalities each...
Words: 1158 - Pages: 5
...Tawsif Alam June 9, 2016 Ms. Kalick English Essay Prompt 1 It is certain that the experience that one gains is what ultimately influences the actions that he or she will take in their present and later life. The most common motivator for evil deeds committed by a person is their history of cruel events. Such examples can be seen in the novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley. In this novel, the unexpected creation of a creature, made by Victor Frankenstein, is exposed to a countless number of harsh attacks in which he was left scarred and mentally destroyed. These events were what caused the creature to commit unforgivable crimes that impacted the life and the family of Victor Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein was a science enthusiast that dreamed of doing something none other can do. He finally achieved his goal when he created a “superhuman” that was 8 feet tall with extraordinary strength and abilities. However, because of its distorted and ugly appearance, the creature was shown no love whatsoever by anybody that he had encountered. This can be seen by the actions that the cottagers took on the creature when he decided to reveal himself to the family that he had been observing and silently helping for so long. He did not mean any harm but he was still forced to leave this place also. The book states (97)”Felix darted forward, and with supernatural force tore me from his father, to whose knees I clung: in a transport of fury, he dashed me to...
Words: 727 - Pages: 3
...Throughout Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Shelley uses the characters Walton, Victor, and the creature all to emphasize the common war of passion vs responsibility. Each characters plights and struggles show how human nature can distract one from carrying out what they need to accomplish. Victor lets his passion for the creation of life consume him and it drives him away from a normal life. Walton blindly follows his dream in search of the fame related to its key discovery. Finally the Creature is blinded in his plot for revenge against Victor for his wrong doings against him. Shelley traces the story of all three men to show that it is in human nature to fight one's responsibility to pursue passion. “Who shall conceive the horrors of my secret...
Words: 1038 - Pages: 5
...When Victor Frankenstein reanimated the creature, the creature only wanted to feel love and acceptance towards his creator; however, that does not occur because of the monsters’ hideous appearance. The monster feelings of loneliness and rejection led him to become the creature full of anger and later started seeking revenge towards the people Victor loved. To the creature, murdering the people Victor loved dearly was his form of seeking justice. He wanted to make Victor feel the same pain and loneliness so he would hunt down his family and friends as a way of him feeling justice and seeking revenge. The monster believes that seeking revenge on innocent civilians is a way of justice, the monsters’ justice successfully done since he managed to murder a few people Victor loved, and how morally wrong his way of justice is....
Words: 672 - Pages: 3
...football. The “nerd” may feel like they need to defend themselves, because in reality they have been attacked and feel the need to attack back. Revenge is a feeling that someone feels probably on a daily basis. It is natural for human beings because it is a survival instinct. The goal and purpose of an animal species is to survive, and to reproduce. But humans separate themselves from animals because of morals. We want to survive but we also feel for others, and want to make the lives of others better so that we can live together in harmony. We want to be the better person, and follow the golden rule of treating others the way we...
Words: 901 - Pages: 4
...“The real monster in the novel Frankenstein” In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, the main character, Victor Frankenstein, is a troubled man. The novel begins with a tale told by a sea caption, Robert Walton, who rescued Frankenstein from icy waters while traveling to the North Pole. Frankenstein tells the tale of his creation of a monster to the sea caption. Victor was educated in college in the field of philosophy and chemistry. During his years in college, Victor becomes obsessed with the notion of creating life. Using his education and knowledge, he begins to create a live being out of old body parts. Isolating himself and working diligently for a long time, Victor’s dream finally came true. After creating this monster and bringing the monster to life, he becomes frightened at what he did and flees his home in terror. When he returns home, he discovers the monster is missing. Although he is concerned, he does nothing to remedy the situation. Soon after, Victor has learned from his father that his brother was murdered and returns to his childhood home. While traveling home, he catches sight of the monster and is convinced the monster has killed his brother. A young girl who was adopted by the Frankenstein family is found guilty of the murder and put to death. Victor, knowing it is the monster that killed his brother, says nothing to defend the young girl, afraid it may be discovered that he created the monster. Shortly thereafter, Victor encounters the monster...
Words: 877 - Pages: 4
