Volume 2 is really important because the narrative changes from Victors voice to the creatures. We therefore get a fair representation of the creatures character and also Victors meaning that we can form our own ideas and opinions.
-It is really interesting that in the creatures story, he speaks a lot of nature- 'I found, with pleasure, that the fire gave light as well as heat.' This shows a parallel between Victor and the creature as they both gain pleasure from nature. However, the significant difference is that the creature has been socialised by the nature around him whereas Victor was socialised by his parents. This means that the creature had no one to look after him and he learnt about the world through teaching himself, meaning that nature is his home. Victor had a very advantaged background meaning he could go out into nature and experienced all the positive things about it while being able to leave it and go inside. The creature describes it as 'oppressive' and Victor describes it as 'sublime'. Eventually the creature finds solace within nature as well.
-Victor's parents loved him very much so it meant that he had a very loved and advantaged upbringing, yet he still likes to isolate himself from them. The creature has been hated his whole life by his 'creator' and everyone around him but he still wants something he has never had, family. Even though he doesn't look like the typical human, he still has human qualities which is why he attaches himself to the De Lacy family and this is possibly the most surprising part of the book because as far as Victor and the reader knew he was a murderer.
-The creature becomes very well educated and he is able to create a strong argument and persuade Victor to listen to him- 'I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were...I consented to listen.' This is strange because firstly we don't expect the creature to be educated and secondly because Victor has repetitively spoken of how the creature disgusts him and he wants to kill him. Firstly, the creature has no name, he has been living in the wild and an outcast from society with no obvious means of gaining an education. However, he can speak well and this is possibly the most surprising thing because Shelley has built up this image of the creature and this is completely shattered when we meet him. This shows how important it is for this volume because it completely changes our view of the creature and also Victor because as a reader we may think him foolish for creating this illusion of what the creature is. After the creature finishes speaking Victor calls him 'the being' which suggests that there has been a shift of his opinion as it is a much more respectful name to be given than 'the devil'.
-The creature has been judged all of his life about the way that he looks which makes it surprising when he judges the De Lacy family on the way that they look. He looks like a monster meaning that everyone runs away from him even though we know that he is not. He judges them to be kind people by the way that they look- 'one was old, with silver hairs and a countenance beaming with benevolence and love.' The reader would expect him to hate that he has been judged purely on the way that he looks without people getting to know him because this has isolated him and made him unhappy but he does it himself, perhaps Shelley is suggesting that it is in human nature to do this.
Monday, 2 December 2013
Sunday, 24 November 2013
Frankenstein- Chapter 8 Reading Journal
Overview:
Justine is put to trial and is found guilty of the murder of William. This is mainly because she confessed to the crime but she says that she 'confessed a lie.' This is important because you see how this tortures Frankenstein's character. Justine is then killed for the crime but even with the strong facts that place Justine there, Frankenstein is still convinced that his own creature killed William.
Point 1:
In 2 years, Frankenstein has met his creature twice so it is clear he has no idea what his character is like. He makes many presumptions about him which are based on only his imagination. Frankenstein first calls him a 'creature', then he calls him a 'monster' and finally he's labelled a 'demon.' As this book is mainly narrated by Frankenstein we know that there is no substance to the accusations. The connotations of the word demon are of the religious figure who is the most evil and sinful creature there is- this is a really cruel way of describing him. It is also odd because there is no mention of Frankenstein being religious and usually religion and science aren't compatible. He also seems more haunted by things in the past which were merely scientific to him-'bodies deprived of life... had become food for the worm' but this is referred to when he says 'I...felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom.' This shows an attitude change from seeing things from a scientific perspective to him talking from a traumatic perspective, therefore creating the book to be more gothic.
Point 2:
Chapter 8 ends with Frankenstein saying that William and Justine are 'the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts.' Frankenstein refers to himself as the murderer throughout this chapter- 'I, the true murderer'- expresses his certainty that he has created a monster who is a murderer. There is no proof to back up this certainty and it seems as though he is going off a feeling. This is unusual for his character because you would expect a scientist to work with the facts rather than on a whim. There is an almost a self pitying tone as he believes all that's gone wrong to be his fault, he says 'the tortures of my own heart' which uses romantic language, thus creating it to sound slightly melodramatic. He also calls them the 'first' presumably suggesting that there will be more victims that the creature will supposedly kill. A common element in a gothic novel is that all the main characters die so we can make an educated guess that Frankenstein, Elizabeth and probably the creature will die.
Justine is put to trial and is found guilty of the murder of William. This is mainly because she confessed to the crime but she says that she 'confessed a lie.' This is important because you see how this tortures Frankenstein's character. Justine is then killed for the crime but even with the strong facts that place Justine there, Frankenstein is still convinced that his own creature killed William.
Point 1:
In 2 years, Frankenstein has met his creature twice so it is clear he has no idea what his character is like. He makes many presumptions about him which are based on only his imagination. Frankenstein first calls him a 'creature', then he calls him a 'monster' and finally he's labelled a 'demon.' As this book is mainly narrated by Frankenstein we know that there is no substance to the accusations. The connotations of the word demon are of the religious figure who is the most evil and sinful creature there is- this is a really cruel way of describing him. It is also odd because there is no mention of Frankenstein being religious and usually religion and science aren't compatible. He also seems more haunted by things in the past which were merely scientific to him-'bodies deprived of life... had become food for the worm' but this is referred to when he says 'I...felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom.' This shows an attitude change from seeing things from a scientific perspective to him talking from a traumatic perspective, therefore creating the book to be more gothic.
Point 2:
Chapter 8 ends with Frankenstein saying that William and Justine are 'the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts.' Frankenstein refers to himself as the murderer throughout this chapter- 'I, the true murderer'- expresses his certainty that he has created a monster who is a murderer. There is no proof to back up this certainty and it seems as though he is going off a feeling. This is unusual for his character because you would expect a scientist to work with the facts rather than on a whim. There is an almost a self pitying tone as he believes all that's gone wrong to be his fault, he says 'the tortures of my own heart' which uses romantic language, thus creating it to sound slightly melodramatic. He also calls them the 'first' presumably suggesting that there will be more victims that the creature will supposedly kill. A common element in a gothic novel is that all the main characters die so we can make an educated guess that Frankenstein, Elizabeth and probably the creature will die.
Friday, 22 November 2013
Frankenstein- Chapter 7 Reading Journal
Overview:
Frankenstein receives a letter from his father telling him that his youngest brother, William, has been murdered. He rushes home but finds that the closer he gets, he finds that he has too many feelings and has to stay in Lausanne for a couple of days. He then decides to walk to his town but all of a sudden see's the creature he created. He becomes determined and resolute that he is the person that killed William and when he finally arrives, tells them this. He's told that Justine has been arrested for the murder, yet still he doesn't believe it.
Point 1:
It seems that over the past 6 years, Frankenstein has isolated himself from his family. Finally when he is told that his brother has been killed, he makes his way home. However, when his family is grieving and they need him to be there, he can't bring himself to return home. He says 'At first I wished to hurry on, for I longed to console and sympathise with my loved and sorrowing friends; but when I drew near my native town, I slackened my progress. I could hardly sustain the multitude of feelings that crowded into my mind... fear overcame me; I dared not advance, dreading a thousand nameless evils that made me tremble, although I was unable to define them... I remained two days in Lausanne, in this painful state of mind.' In chapter 6, Elizabeth can just about stop herself from going to Frankenstein to help him recover, yet it seems that he can't even bring himself to get to his family. This reminds the reader of the way that he treated the creature that he created, suggesting that his caring nature has been taken away since this incident. It may also foreshadow the meeting with his creature.
Point 2:
For the first time in 2 years, Frankenstein is confronted with his creature- 'A flash of lightening illuminated the object, and discovered it's shape plainly to me; it's gigantic stature, and the deformity of it's aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy demon, to whom I had given life.' Shelley uses cruel language to describe the creature, immediately telling the reader that Frankenstein still despises the creature for what it has done to him. His mind jumps to the conclusion that the monster has killed his brother and he believes that just because he's had the thought it must be true. In fact, he convinces himself so much that he wishes Justine to be acquitted, even though there is more evidence suggesting that she did it then the creature did. Frankenstein has had barely any contact with this creature but believes him to be a 'demon' because of the trauma he went through.
Frankenstein receives a letter from his father telling him that his youngest brother, William, has been murdered. He rushes home but finds that the closer he gets, he finds that he has too many feelings and has to stay in Lausanne for a couple of days. He then decides to walk to his town but all of a sudden see's the creature he created. He becomes determined and resolute that he is the person that killed William and when he finally arrives, tells them this. He's told that Justine has been arrested for the murder, yet still he doesn't believe it.
Point 1:
It seems that over the past 6 years, Frankenstein has isolated himself from his family. Finally when he is told that his brother has been killed, he makes his way home. However, when his family is grieving and they need him to be there, he can't bring himself to return home. He says 'At first I wished to hurry on, for I longed to console and sympathise with my loved and sorrowing friends; but when I drew near my native town, I slackened my progress. I could hardly sustain the multitude of feelings that crowded into my mind... fear overcame me; I dared not advance, dreading a thousand nameless evils that made me tremble, although I was unable to define them... I remained two days in Lausanne, in this painful state of mind.' In chapter 6, Elizabeth can just about stop herself from going to Frankenstein to help him recover, yet it seems that he can't even bring himself to get to his family. This reminds the reader of the way that he treated the creature that he created, suggesting that his caring nature has been taken away since this incident. It may also foreshadow the meeting with his creature.
Point 2:
For the first time in 2 years, Frankenstein is confronted with his creature- 'A flash of lightening illuminated the object, and discovered it's shape plainly to me; it's gigantic stature, and the deformity of it's aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy demon, to whom I had given life.' Shelley uses cruel language to describe the creature, immediately telling the reader that Frankenstein still despises the creature for what it has done to him. His mind jumps to the conclusion that the monster has killed his brother and he believes that just because he's had the thought it must be true. In fact, he convinces himself so much that he wishes Justine to be acquitted, even though there is more evidence suggesting that she did it then the creature did. Frankenstein has had barely any contact with this creature but believes him to be a 'demon' because of the trauma he went through.
Frankenstein- Chapter 6 Reading Journal
Overview:
Chapter 6 begins with a letter from Elizabeth which mainly tells him of what he has missed but begins and ends with her wishing him to write to tell her that he's better. By this chapter, he is much better but still feels frightened of science. Instead of returning home, he decides to stay with Henry and you are told more about their friendship.
Point 1:
Frankenstein receives a letter 'from (his) own Elizabeth'. Even though at the beginning of the book he suggests that his possession of Elizabeth was just 'childish seriousness', it doesn't seem that he grew out of it and as he still seems to believe she is his possession. Elizabeth's letter creates a multi-voice narrative which allows the reader to see him from a different perspective. She says that 'one word from you, dear Victor, is necessary to calm our apprehensions', showing her affection for him as it is written in a worried tone. It is suggested that she loves him also more than a brother as she says 'the task of attending on your sick bed has devolved on some mercenary old nurse, who could never guess your wishes, nor minister to them with the care and affection of your poor cousin.' This seems more than a sisters duty and suggests that there is something more. However, there seems to be a bitter tone when she repeats the phrase 'since you left us' which can be interpreted as her feeling like he has abandoned her rather than the real reason of him leaving which was for educational purposes. She ends the letter by saying 'one word will be a blessing to us', yet it seems like she is writing for selfish purposes rather than writing from all the family, perhaps a misuse of the word 'us'.
Point 2:
Even after the heart felt letter from Elizabeth, he still does not return home. It seems that he still is not recovered as there is a semantic field of torture. He uses words and phrases such as 'tormented', 'slow and cruel death', 'writhed' and 'pain.' This enforces the idea that science which has been his passion, has turned into something cruel and has power or possession over him. This is similar to the possession he has over Elizabeth so this could bring in the gothic genre because it may be something supernatural that is torturing him for assuming possession of a person. His love of science stemmed from the nature that surrounded his home from a young age so it is interesting that he would be restored by nature when you would expect it to bring back memories. He describes himself as 'the same happy creature' which again reminds us of his own creature who he has abandoned and given no thought to, perhaps making the reader dislike him that he can be happy when he has done something awful.
Chapter 6 begins with a letter from Elizabeth which mainly tells him of what he has missed but begins and ends with her wishing him to write to tell her that he's better. By this chapter, he is much better but still feels frightened of science. Instead of returning home, he decides to stay with Henry and you are told more about their friendship.
Point 1:
Frankenstein receives a letter 'from (his) own Elizabeth'. Even though at the beginning of the book he suggests that his possession of Elizabeth was just 'childish seriousness', it doesn't seem that he grew out of it and as he still seems to believe she is his possession. Elizabeth's letter creates a multi-voice narrative which allows the reader to see him from a different perspective. She says that 'one word from you, dear Victor, is necessary to calm our apprehensions', showing her affection for him as it is written in a worried tone. It is suggested that she loves him also more than a brother as she says 'the task of attending on your sick bed has devolved on some mercenary old nurse, who could never guess your wishes, nor minister to them with the care and affection of your poor cousin.' This seems more than a sisters duty and suggests that there is something more. However, there seems to be a bitter tone when she repeats the phrase 'since you left us' which can be interpreted as her feeling like he has abandoned her rather than the real reason of him leaving which was for educational purposes. She ends the letter by saying 'one word will be a blessing to us', yet it seems like she is writing for selfish purposes rather than writing from all the family, perhaps a misuse of the word 'us'.
Point 2:
Even after the heart felt letter from Elizabeth, he still does not return home. It seems that he still is not recovered as there is a semantic field of torture. He uses words and phrases such as 'tormented', 'slow and cruel death', 'writhed' and 'pain.' This enforces the idea that science which has been his passion, has turned into something cruel and has power or possession over him. This is similar to the possession he has over Elizabeth so this could bring in the gothic genre because it may be something supernatural that is torturing him for assuming possession of a person. His love of science stemmed from the nature that surrounded his home from a young age so it is interesting that he would be restored by nature when you would expect it to bring back memories. He describes himself as 'the same happy creature' which again reminds us of his own creature who he has abandoned and given no thought to, perhaps making the reader dislike him that he can be happy when he has done something awful.
Thursday, 21 November 2013
Frankenstein- Chapter 5 Reading Journal
Overview:
Frankenstein finishes his creature but rather than the relief he expected, he suddenly feels horror at what he's done. When he realises this, he runs away from the creature and quite literally bumps into his old friend. As they are catching up, Frankenstein becomes very ill for a long time.
Point 1:
Frankenstein has 'an anxiety that almost amounted to agony' when he was waiting to see if his creature will actually come to life. It becomes clear that beauty plays an important part as he immediately is sickened by the 'creature' which he now takes to calling a 'monster'. His description of this creature is 'his yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost the same colour as the dun white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips... I rushed out of the room.' He fixes on his creatures appearance, perhaps meaning that because he deems him ugly he can't be around him. Appearance has been used before to describe his feelings towards someone, showing the importance he puts into this. He describes Elizabeth's physical beauty- 'there was one which attracted my mother far above all the rest. She appeared of different stock... this child was thin, and very fair. Her hair was the brightest living gold, and... seemed to set a crown of distinction on her head... bearing a celestial stamp in all her features.' This is completely contrasting to the description of the creature. He loves his 'more than sister' but hates the 'monster' that he has created.
Point 2:
Shelley describes both Frankenstein and the creature similarly. The creature is described as having a 'shrivelled complexion' and when Frankenstein meets his friend, Clerval says 'I did not before remark how very ill you appear; so thin and pale.' Frankenstein views his creature as some sort of monster even though he hasn't actually done anything to be given this title, yet is Frankenstein not a monster for creating a life and then abandoning it? The creature is also said to have 'a convulsive motion (agitating) it's limbs', the exact same thing happens to Frankenstein, 'every limb became convulsed.' There is a definite likeness between their characters, this either symbolises Frankenstein's character to be monstrous or it could be like the creature, he may have been brought back to life- realising that what he did is wrong and waking up from something that possessed him for 2 years. We feel more sympathy for his character when it seems that he has become mentally disturbed by what he has done as he 'did not recover his senses for a long, long time.'
Frankenstein finishes his creature but rather than the relief he expected, he suddenly feels horror at what he's done. When he realises this, he runs away from the creature and quite literally bumps into his old friend. As they are catching up, Frankenstein becomes very ill for a long time.
Point 1:
Frankenstein has 'an anxiety that almost amounted to agony' when he was waiting to see if his creature will actually come to life. It becomes clear that beauty plays an important part as he immediately is sickened by the 'creature' which he now takes to calling a 'monster'. His description of this creature is 'his yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost the same colour as the dun white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips... I rushed out of the room.' He fixes on his creatures appearance, perhaps meaning that because he deems him ugly he can't be around him. Appearance has been used before to describe his feelings towards someone, showing the importance he puts into this. He describes Elizabeth's physical beauty- 'there was one which attracted my mother far above all the rest. She appeared of different stock... this child was thin, and very fair. Her hair was the brightest living gold, and... seemed to set a crown of distinction on her head... bearing a celestial stamp in all her features.' This is completely contrasting to the description of the creature. He loves his 'more than sister' but hates the 'monster' that he has created.
Point 2:
Shelley describes both Frankenstein and the creature similarly. The creature is described as having a 'shrivelled complexion' and when Frankenstein meets his friend, Clerval says 'I did not before remark how very ill you appear; so thin and pale.' Frankenstein views his creature as some sort of monster even though he hasn't actually done anything to be given this title, yet is Frankenstein not a monster for creating a life and then abandoning it? The creature is also said to have 'a convulsive motion (agitating) it's limbs', the exact same thing happens to Frankenstein, 'every limb became convulsed.' There is a definite likeness between their characters, this either symbolises Frankenstein's character to be monstrous or it could be like the creature, he may have been brought back to life- realising that what he did is wrong and waking up from something that possessed him for 2 years. We feel more sympathy for his character when it seems that he has become mentally disturbed by what he has done as he 'did not recover his senses for a long, long time.'
Frankenstein- Chapter 4 Reading Journal
Overview:
Chapter 4 is dominated by his experimenting and how this leads to his isolation. He hasn't written to his family, he becomes weak and he still drives towards his ultimate goal. Themes of isolation, friendship and power seem prominent in this chapter.
Point 1:
Early on in the chapter Frankenstein says that 'in M.Waldman (he) found a true friend'. This is important for our impression of Frankenstein's character because he's already told us that it is hard for him to make friends. Even though he makes a friend, this man is significantly older than him, meaning that their friendship seems to be a mature one. Had he made friends with a student, it is unlikely that he would've been able to gain the knowledge and therefore his life ending in regret. This isn't the first time that the theme of friendship has arisen, Robert Walton says in his letter 'I have no friend'. Both these men are similar because they have voluntarily pushed themselves into isolation while striving for victories, yet their human nature still means that they want someone to share this with. Even though Frankenstein does have a friend, he doesn't feel that he can tell Waldman about his experimenting. The last letter explains that they both find a friend in each other as Frankenstein finally tells someone what he has done.
Point 2:
Nature seems to be a common theme within this chapter. He marks the time that he has spent in isolation by the passing seasons- 'Winter, spring and summer passed away during my labours.' He refers to this more than once through the chapter, meaning that he emphasises this as an important point. He also talks of 'supernatural horrors' which enforces the Gothic genre. Although Shelley has made it this genre, she purposely tells us that Frankenstein isn't scared of the stereotypes that we have of it. The effect that this has is interesting because he isn't scared of a 'spirit' or a 'churchyard' which gives a darkness to his character. It is because he isn't scared of them that this brings in the idea of a psychological character. This is later reinforced when he sets out on making a human being and deluding himself that he will be praised for this, as he completely disregards the moral issues surrounding his idea.
Point 3:
The theme of 'power' emerges as he believes this is what he has when he 'began the creation of a human being'. The tone of this chapter almost turns cocky as he begins praising himself for his creation- 'No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs'. This shows that there is no doubt in his mind that he will be able to achieve the impossible and also talks of how he deserves their gratitude, as though people will see him as some sort of God.
Chapter 4 is dominated by his experimenting and how this leads to his isolation. He hasn't written to his family, he becomes weak and he still drives towards his ultimate goal. Themes of isolation, friendship and power seem prominent in this chapter.
Point 1:
Early on in the chapter Frankenstein says that 'in M.Waldman (he) found a true friend'. This is important for our impression of Frankenstein's character because he's already told us that it is hard for him to make friends. Even though he makes a friend, this man is significantly older than him, meaning that their friendship seems to be a mature one. Had he made friends with a student, it is unlikely that he would've been able to gain the knowledge and therefore his life ending in regret. This isn't the first time that the theme of friendship has arisen, Robert Walton says in his letter 'I have no friend'. Both these men are similar because they have voluntarily pushed themselves into isolation while striving for victories, yet their human nature still means that they want someone to share this with. Even though Frankenstein does have a friend, he doesn't feel that he can tell Waldman about his experimenting. The last letter explains that they both find a friend in each other as Frankenstein finally tells someone what he has done.
Point 2:
Nature seems to be a common theme within this chapter. He marks the time that he has spent in isolation by the passing seasons- 'Winter, spring and summer passed away during my labours.' He refers to this more than once through the chapter, meaning that he emphasises this as an important point. He also talks of 'supernatural horrors' which enforces the Gothic genre. Although Shelley has made it this genre, she purposely tells us that Frankenstein isn't scared of the stereotypes that we have of it. The effect that this has is interesting because he isn't scared of a 'spirit' or a 'churchyard' which gives a darkness to his character. It is because he isn't scared of them that this brings in the idea of a psychological character. This is later reinforced when he sets out on making a human being and deluding himself that he will be praised for this, as he completely disregards the moral issues surrounding his idea.
Point 3:
The theme of 'power' emerges as he believes this is what he has when he 'began the creation of a human being'. The tone of this chapter almost turns cocky as he begins praising himself for his creation- 'No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs'. This shows that there is no doubt in his mind that he will be able to achieve the impossible and also talks of how he deserves their gratitude, as though people will see him as some sort of God.
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.
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.
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