Frankenstein #1

1. In two paragraphs, review Frankenstein as if you were a book critic. You may want to check out some of the book reviews from the New York Times or AJC, etc. Try to focus on just one or two aspects of the style of writing.

2. Comment on at least ONE classmate's entry.

Comments

[Christine Farmer]

The novel, Frankenstein, is a dramatic tale of an intelligent young man named Victor Frankenstein. Wanting to challenge his abilities with chemistry, Victor went to college far away from his home town of Geneva to study. While there, Victor created a deformed creature, who comes to life. The creature is rejected by mankind and destroys the live of Victor's friends and family because the creature believes his creator was the source of his problems.

Frankenstein was written in the early 1800's, so it doesn't really relate to modern times. The diction and plot resemble the time period in which the book was written. Thus, a current reader may not feel as connected to the book. Despite the older feel of the novel, Frankenstein is well-written and has a compelling plot.

[Philip Brock]

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," while well-written with varied sentence structure and lyrical, formal nineteenth century diction, could be rather confusing to modern readers due to the lack of background provided on the actual story being told. In the story, a mentally unstable science fanatic named Victor Frankenstein defies the laws of nature, creating a monster from discarded human body parts. However, Shelly never discusses exactly how the monster was created, nor how it was brought to life. The reader must suspend his or her sense of disbelief as they read "Frankenstein" to get anything out of the novel at all.

On the other hand, "Frankenstein" is an important part of our literary heritage, and it is vitally important that we not forget the great works of literature. While modern readers may laugh or be confused at the goings-on in the book, one must acknowledge the fact that this book was one of the first of its kind- a fact that makes it vitally important to read and discover what exactly makes it great.

Christine's analysis was very good as a discussion point and I thought I would elaborate a bit further on her topic.

[Abbie Novak]

Victor Frankenstein, a man very interested in science and the idea of creating a new being, creates a monster. After coming to life, the monster realizes that he is feared, disliked, and rejected by society. He describes his feelings to Victor when they meet on Mount Montanvert. Even though he killed William and made Justine appear guilty, it was out of anger and the want for revenge. The conversation between Victor and the monster shows that the monster is really a friendly being and that he wants to be loved by society. He explains, in his conversation with Victor, how he secretly did many thoughtful things for a poor family, such as gather their fire wood. Unfortunately, when the family saw him, they were frightened by his looks and they drove him away. All humans responded to him in the same way. The monster tells Victor that he has one wish, which is for Victor to create his mate. If Victor grants the wish, the monster will not harm anybody else. However, the monster threatens that he will harm more of the people that Victor loves and cares about.
Victor's actions in creating a monster display modern scientific thought for the time period in which the story was written. Shelly does not explain the specific way in which the monster is created or how he comes to life allowing the reader to use his or her own imagination. The creation of the monster is futuristic but unrealistic.

The points made by Philip and Christine were food for thought. As Philip stated, the book was a one-of-a kind and so was the monster. I also agree with Christine, the plot was compelling.

[Margaret Bickley]

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein reels in readers from all parts of the interest ocean by deliberately incorporating mystery, thrill, horror, romance, technology, friendship, and redemption into her novel. Not only does the plot intrigue the readers through its constant contortions and sudden vertical limits, but it also appeals to their imagination by omitting specific details about the scientific creation of the monster. In addition Shelley writes her book from multiple characters perspectives: Walton, Victor Frankenstein, the monster, etc. This writing structure aids the reader to see the same event from other vantage points. For example, Shelley elaborates about Victor horrifying reaction to the awakening of the monster and how the experience haunts him. Later in the novel the readers are able to hear about the same crucial event through the monster’s side of the story. Mary Shelley’s use of imagery, archaic diction, metaphors, allusions, and scholarly diction was brilliant.

Since today people do not communicate with high vocabulary but instead common language, it was a challenge to disrobe the naked main points Shelley was trying to convey because it was clothed with multiple layers of thick descriptive literary garb. But this type of language fit the time period when she wrote the book. By reading the Kaplan version, understanding Frankenstein became easier since there was no need to look up foreign words in a dictionary.

Both Christine and Philip’s analysis about the expunged scientific details were great. But I liked that Shelley did leave out those details.

[Diana Evans]

The novel, Frankenstein, is a dramatic and tragic tale about an intelligent young man named Victor Frankenstein. Victor strives to prove his ability with science and wants to do good with it. This will lead to this downfall. Victor goes to college far away from his home and started the his journey into madness. While at college he creats a monster, who comes to life. Repluse by the by both the creature's appearnce and himself for creating it he rejects the monster complety.This simple action starts the end any normality Victor's life could have had and lays the final stone of madness and horror yet to come in place.

Victor's actions in creating a creature display a modern scientific thought that is future resitic considering the time period in which the story was written. Shelly doesn't go into about the specifics in how the monster is created or even how he comes to life allowing, the reader to use his or her own imagination in trying to unpuzzle the mystery. The creation of the monster is futuristic but unrealistic at the same tine.

I enjoyed th comments both Christine and Philip’s said about the lack of scientific details on the creation of the creature.

[Katy Ebert]

In the renowned novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelly reveals the troubled life of both creator and creature. Victor Frankenstein concocts an entire "man" with parts of the deceased. The creature comes alive and lives to torment Victor. In order to explain this odd story, Shelly uses scholarly diction and similes to help the reader connect to a book that most readers cannot relate to. Themes of remorse, guilt, loneness and revenge fill the book with compelling moods that draw the reader in even more.

The book is slightly confusing because of Shelly's use of archaic diction and her choice to leave out how monument events of the book happened. She was restricted by her time period which would cause her to not be able to explain how a monster could come alive or how the monster could possibly learn how to speak in a matter of a few years.

I agree with Christine in that it is hard for the reader to connect because it was written such a long time ago. Many of the things Shelly talks about doesn't apply to today's world, although, I believe she makes up for it with her literary devices.

[Mrs. Jamison]

Good comment, but I'd like to see evidence to back up the following statement:
"The diction and plot resemble the time period in which the book was written. Thus, a current reader may not feel as connected to the book".

I do agree with you in a way, but know that it takes a while to get used to style but if you read it with a lens for the "past", you can enjoy it for what it is: a window into the past.

[Mrs. Jamison]

Christine,
Good comment, but I'd like to see evidence to back up the following statement:
"The diction and plot resemble the time period in which the book was written. Thus, a current reader may not feel as connected to the book".

I do agree with you in a way, but know that it takes a while to get used to style but if you read it with a lens for the "past", you can enjoy it for what it is: a window into the past.

[Mrs. Jamison]

Philip,

Excellent comments! Well written and thought out.

[Mrs. Jamison]

Margaret,

I loved your comment: "...it also appeals to their imagination by omitting specific details about the scientific creation of the monster." You get the point of ellipses - omitting certain details for effect.

[Mac Risley]

"Frankenstein" is the story of two tragedies that intertwine with each other. One of these is about a near perfect life that comes crashing down, and the other is about a life that is miserable from the beginning. Victor Frankenstein grew up in a wealthy family with a loving family. When he was in his late teens, it was decided that he would go study at a far off college. Rite before he left though, his loving mother died suddenly and prematurely. Eventually, after a period of mourning, he went to study at the college. Victor studied vigorously for two years completely wrapped up in anatomy and life. Creation had always fascinated so when he gained the knowledge to create a living being he did so. Unfortunately, the creature was hideous and Victor ran from it. When he returned to his apartment the creature was gone. Frankenstein became very ill after this event and after recovering from it couldn't even stand to hear anything about science without relapsing into sickness. He returned home to heal to full health and to visit his family. Right before returning, he discovered that his young brother had been murdered. One day at his home, he was feeling sick again so he decided to hike a nearby mountain. Here he met the monster that he created. The monster told him the story of his life: what he did, what he learned, how he had been treated, etc. He had had a horrible beginning of life, no one could stand the sight of him so he was forced to take refuge under a cabin. He learned how to speak by listening to the people of the cabin and by reading books. He performed silent acts of good will for the people and loved them dearly. The people eventually saw him and ran away. The monster then ended up in the area of Frankenstein's home. He killed Victor's brother as an act of revenge. He then threatened Victor that he will kill more loved ones until Victor makes him a companion. This shows that the monster may have matured mentally, but he never matured psychologically.

I enjoyed reading Margaret's review. It made the book sound more than what it actually is which would make me want to read it.

[Megan Walsh]

Mary Shelley writes the novel "Frankenstein" as a reinvented scary story told around the campfire. Her use of pathos and ellipis allow her to create this allusion to her readers. The narrator and main character of this novel, Victor Frankenstein, has the genius of a thousand men and with it he creates a monster. It is easy for the reader to judge the reality of this book because Shelley's ellipse exempts all the fine details in how the monster's world is created. But one is quick to close there mind off from reality while reading "Frankenstein" because of Frankenstein's and the monster's toils thorugh the novel.

What Shelley lacks in explaination, she pickes up with pathos or emotions. The sharp and solemn words, and slow syntax paints a picture in ones sole on how Victor and the monster feel. Each characters emotions touch the heart because at a moment we all have dealt with hurt feelings and lack of acceptance. The pathos in "Frankenstein" makes the reader wonder or question if they would befriend the monster or simply run in fright?

I enjoyed Katy's review because she told you the basic details of the novel and how Shelley writes. Mac's though striked me more as a summary because there was to much exact detail.

[Kelsey Pollard]

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a compelling read about a man named Victor Frankenstein who is consumed with scientific pursuit and discovery. He creates a hideous monster one night in the secrecy of his apartment and immediately regrets it and rejects him. After being abandoned by his creator, the monster flees from society and spends his time observing a family from afar. He finally reveals himself to the family but they reject him because of his hideous form. The monster becomes so filled with despair that he hunts Frankenstein down and gives him an ultimatum, to either create a mate that is equally grotesque as the monster or have his life destroyed.

Shelley’s lack of description of Victor’s creation of the monster draws the reader in by making them speculate how such a horrible creature could come to life. Her forward thinking about innovations of science juxtaposes nicely with her use of archaic diction. The diction may be difficult to understand but the Kaplan version allows the reader to learn what the foreign words mean and makes Frankenstein a friendlier read for today’s individuals.

I like how Philip acknowledged both sides of the argument in his analysis. He mentioned how the novel might be confusing to some readers because of the lack of background, but he also mentioned that the novel is an important part of literature and explained how it was the first of its kind.

[Dro]

Frankenstein is the story of a sad life. Victor Frankenstein began as an innocent scholar who became fascinated with old alchemists and chemistry. His fervent pursuit of knowledge eventually led him to create a monster from stolen body parts. He is immediately struck regret and is appalled by his creation. The creature goes on to create more hardships for Victor because he is angered by his existence and his loneliness. The monster admits killing Victor’s brother but begs for forgiveness and understanding.

Somethings I enjoyed about this book also left me with many questions. I would have liked to know how the creature was created but I understand that the act of creating a monster was the main idea not the way it was created. Also the way that the monster learns to speak so eloquently is questionable. He is able to quickly pick up speaking and reading by watching people in a cabin. Another point where I question the novel is how an eight foot hideous monster can secretly follow victor through the novel. I think that those details were purposely left out so that she could keep her story moving and avoid losing the reader with small details.

[Dro]

I like how Kelsey points out the use of the archaic diction. She grasped that the diction is a big part of the novel and that the combinationof the diction with the story is what created a classic.

[Mary Hampton]

“Frankenstein” tells the tale of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist on the brink of madness, and his creation, a repulsive creature who was made in man’s image. But the creature is far from being classified as human, as it quickly finds out after being rejected by society time and time again. Mary Shelley tries to incorporate romance and adventure into the novel, but the conflict between Frankenstein and the monster is really the only focus of the novel.

I find myself disagreeing with those who called Frankenstein "compelling" or "intriguing”. This book contains entire chapters, such as chapters eighteen and nineteen, which I feel could be omitted entirely from the book without altering its story line. So much of the language used in the book is ornately written, but there’s not much substance behind the writing. Mary Shelley’s scholarly language does nothing to make me feel more connected to the characters. The long sentences and the diction actually push me away from understanding what the characters are going through. It’s hard for me to get a good sense of their emotions because the ornate language makes the dialogue feel so impersonal. I suppose this may have something to do with the difference in time periods, similar to what Christine has written.

[Emily Law]

Mary Shelley's novel, "Frankenstein", is the story of a bright young man, Victor Frankenstein, who has a great interest in science and the studies of the subject. He grew up in a nurturing family, and when he was old enough, travelled away to attend college. While in his studies, he created a monster. He had all good intentions in creating this being; however, once created, many other problems and negative situations stemmed from its creation.
In this novel, Shelley chooses not to include many details concerning certain situations, such as exactly how the monster was created. As Margaret has stated, this allows the reader to use his or her imagination to decide how the monster was created or decide the details on other situations in which Shelley uses ellipses. By using this and having the reader involved with his or her imagination, it draws the reader in more because he or she is now more interested and wants to know more about the situations and is compelled to continue reading. The use of ellipses and the amount that the reader’s imagination must be used intrigues the reader even more because it is almost as if the reader has a hand in creating the story. The language and vocabulary in this book does seem to be a bit more ornate than necessary as Mary Hampton stated and this may have something to do with the time that has passed since this book was written. Without the Kaplan version of this novel, it would be extremely frustrating to me to read because of the frequently repeated use of such scholarly language.

[Rebecca Payton]

"Frankenstein" is about a lonely, mentally distressed man named Victor. Victor becomes so lonely that he is compelled to create a creature that would keep him company, but this creature comes to life as the exact opposite, a monster. Taken over by fear of the monster, Victor leaves his appartment and runs into the street and an old friend. (zuegma) This old friend ends up having to take care of Victor to get his mental state back to normal. Throught out the novel Victor is consumed by thoughts of the monster that is his creation.

The diction in this novel is hard for people of our time to understand because there are several words that are rarely used today with in its pages. I feel that Mary Shelly's repetition of the word countenance is rather over bearing and uninteresting. The long and drawn out descriptions and stories are not intriguing, but the over all plot and monster itself are what make the story captivating. A person would have to have a vivid imagination to get the most out of this book.

I liked how Mary Hampton gave her very honest opinion on the book. It was very proffessional and to the point.

[Cashin Davis]

Frankenstein is a tought-provoking novel about a man named Victor Frankenstein's constant internal conflicts and struggles in escaping his own creation. Frankenstein was an immensely intellegent man with a great interest in scientific study. He used his knowledge to create a horrifying creature who continues to haunt and remind Frankenstein of his existence throughout the novel.

Mary Shelley incorporated a wide variety of word choice into Frankenstein. Her usage of archaic and scholarly diction lends to the reader's ability to travel back in time. The reader is able to experience the terminology that was used in the past. The Kaplan version of Frankenstein is an excellent tool that serves to aid in the comprehension of unfamiliar diction in the novel.

I agree with Philip's assessment of the importance of Frankenstein in our literary heritage. Frankenstein is a classic novel and it is important to read this novel to discover what makes it such a classic.

[Courtney Sands]

Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is a tale of suspense, horror, and misery. Victor, a student of Geneva obsessed with science and knowledge, used his brilliance to create life. Little did he know, his creature would haunt him and fill his life with sorrow. His monster would never know love and would blame his sole hatred on his creator.

I did not enjoy reading this book. It was much too wordy and did not captivate me. The story line was interesting, but the way it was written was vast and seemed never-ending. The diction was based in another century, so the story was hard to understand because many of her chosen words were left in the past.

I liked Mary Hampton's and Rebecca's reviews because they were honest and seemed to feel the way I felt about this story.

[Mary Beth Barfield]

Frankenstein is a wildly imaginative book by Mary Shelley in 1818. It is about a curious and scholarly character named Victor who is intrigued by science. Driven by the pursuit of knowledge and the mystery of the creation of life, Victor engages in an experiment in attempt to uncover the "secret of life." He decides to construct a creature which ultimately results in his own destruction. Victor zealously devotes himself to this experiment and forgets about everything else in his life. After months of hard labor, he brings the creature to life, but is horrified and plagued by its appearance. Victor literally becomes sick at the sight of his creation. The neglected monster feels alone and hated by the world and his creator and begins a journey to seek revenge.
I particularly liked the way Mary Shelley's diction is a reflection of the time period. The formal word choice helps the reader to get in the "mood" of the time period and to further understand the language of the past.
In addition, I really liked Emily's statement about the use of literary ellipses. Just as she said, the reader is able to become more involved in the story and has the opportunity to create his or her own image. In my opinion, Shelley's use of ellipses is highly effective and therefore makes her story remarkable.

[Sarah Stover]

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a story of intrigue, horror, and mystery. Victor Frankenstein, a science genius whose pursuit of knowledge led him to create a monster out of stolen body parts. Horrified by his creation, Frankenstein rejects his monster, and the creature lives a life of loneliness and sorrow. Blaming his misery on Frankenstein, the monster seeks either revenge towards his creator, and the two spiral into a dark hole of hatred and sorrow.

Though at times unrealistic and hard to follow, I thought that Frankenstein was very interesting. It was a disturbing story, and I can only wonder how in the world Mary Shelley thought of it. In response to Mary Hampton's comment, I agree with that it was hard to connect with the characters because of Shelley's diction, but I still found it indteresting just becausd the story is so bizarre.

[Sarah Stover]

Victor Frankenstein was a science genius whose pursuit of knowledge led him to create a monster out of stolen body parts. ***

[McKenzie Smith]

To fear what we do not understand is the plot of Frankenstein. Not necessarily the fact of good vs. evil, moreover it is the calamity of segregation based on appearance and a sense of yearning for acceptance not given freely. The author, Mary Shelley, tells not only a terrific horror story, she gives a frightfully accurate account of what we has humans do all the time; to hide from things we don’t understand. The creature is given no name in the book. He is described as ugly, but intelligent, a monster, but a man that is capable of love. Your heart yearns for him as he is surrounded with new beginnings during his first days of creation, you feel angry when the fantasy family runs in horror at the discovery of there benevolent pupil, you are compelled with understanding when you find the reason the creature is hurting Frankenstein and are horrified when Frankenstein still will not accept him. This novel will aid in a persons quest to become a more understanding and compassionate person, who shall not judge based on appearance, but rather judge based on the heart.

Mary Shelley, after placing a bet that she could write the best horror story, writes a tale that is not filled with gory details, or ghosts, but rather tells a story scarier than that. She writes a tale that all can relate too. Her character, Mm Frankenstein is a scientist who is compelled to recreate life through science. In doing so, he creates a man of epic proportions and hideousness. Horrified, he abandons his new creation. The creature is left to fend for itself. The creature finds himself in the woods and happens upon a cottage. There, he learns how to read, write, and feel emotions just by observing the family. When the creature decides that he wants to make his presence know to the family, the children, horrified, start to beat him and force him out of the house. Heartbroken, the creature decides to never trust the human race again. He then sets out to kill everyone important to his creator, including his nephew, his wife, and close friends. Horror-stricken, Frankenstein vows revenge and refuses the single want of his creation, to have a partner of the opposite sex made for him. In rage over not having a partner, the creature sends Frankenstein on a wild goose chase around the globe. Unfortunately, Frankenstein passes away first and in horror and in realization of the revolting things he has done to him and the rest of humanity, the creature also kills himself. A gloomy ending to a disheartening book.

I never thought of this, but Mary Beth brings up a good point in saying that Frankenstein brings about his own creature that results in his own destruction.

[Chandler Scott]

In the year 1818, an anonymous figure, later reveled to be Mary Shelly, published the literary work “Frankenstein”. The compelling approach Shelly took made the book the first of its kind and served as a catalyst to numerous works to come. Focusing on a mad scientist named Victor Frankenstein and his terrifying creation, the book draws the reader into a psychological battle and pitiless tale of the destruction of one man.

Shelly captivates the reader with the use of many rhetorical strategies, one being the potency of the characters. Frankenstein, though a scholarly prodigy, struggles within; thus tangling the reader in his web of internal conflict. Yet even more interesting than Frankenstein himself is the character of the monster. We observe the monster’s horrifying actions before it gets the chance to tell its story; though when it does, the tone changes, splitting our sympathy between the two main characters. The monster learns to read and becomes aware of the world but it lashes out from loneliness. Shelly has an amazing ability to portray a characters complex state of mind through their actions and characteristics.

I agree with Margaret’s analysis on the constant use of high vocabulary. When reading “Frankenstein” in today’s era, the lack of common words has the tendency to lose the reader.