Frankenstein- Chapter 3 Reading Journal

Overview:
Frankenstein decides to study at a university in Germany but it has to be postponed when Elizabeth becomes sick and then when his mother attends to her, becomes sick also and as a result dies. When Frankenstein finally gets there, he goes to M. Waldman's lecture and this is what gives him the inspiration for his creature. 

Point 1:
This chapter is arguably the most important chapter because this is when he gets the idea to create a creature. It isn't told that this is what he wants to do but it is alluded too. He is a self conscious narrator as he keeps relating back to what the eventual ending is- 'enounced to destroy me.' The theme of obsession hasn't taken hold of the narrative yet but we know that it is going to happen soon as from the letters in the beginning, it is clear this is how the novel ends.There is emphasis on the passage when he gets the idea- 'Such were the professor's words- rather let me say such the words of fate, enounced to destroy me. As he went on, I felt as if my soul were grappling with a palpable enemy; one by one the various keys were touched which formed the mechanism of my being: chord after chord was sounded, and soon my mind was filled with one thought, one conception, one purpose... I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation... There only remained a resolution to return to my ancient studies, and to devote myself to a science for which I believed myself to possess a natural talent.' He gives nothing away about what he is going to do which leaves the reader in suspense. It is also interesting that within the same chapter, his mother dies. This may be why he then decides to try and create life, because he wasn't able to save his mothers- could be because of trauma.

 Point 2:
Shelley uses a lot of romantic language, especially when talking of M. Waldman. He is describes him as 'mild and attractive' and ' affability and kindness'. It seems that it was this professor that not only gave him the idea but then 'explained to (him) the uses of his various machines'. It is therefore surprising that he talks of him with affection because this is what lead to his downfall. Yet it was his father that he seemed to blame who had a lot less to do with what determined his future. This could be because Waldman describes him as his 'disciple', meaning that Frankenstein may look to him as his leader. Earlier in the chapter he says that his life had 'been remarkably secluded and domestic... (he) believed (himself) totally unfitted for the company of strangers' which may be why he seeked solace in his professor but made no other friends and became more isolated than he had ever been. This chapter ends with the sentence 'Thus ended a day memorable to me: it decided my future destiny'.  This tells us that we are probably going to be told about the incident that he keeps referring to.