Frankenstein- Symbolism

Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
chaps 13-24

"Suddenly a heavy storm of rain descended" (Shelley, 144).

Weather is a very prominent and direct symbol in this novel.  Sun and other good weather always relates to positive events and optimistic moods.  Storms and raging wind, on the other hand, always accompany negative emotions and ominous events.  The above quote, for example, is the description of the weather on Victor's wedding night, which, as we know, is the time mentioned in the creatures threat, "I shall be with you on your wedding-night."  The reader knows that something bad is going to happen, and sure enough, Elizabeth is brutally murdered not long after the storm commences.
On the other hand, the weather is calm after Victor not longer decides to obey the creature's demand.  After Victor destroys the female and releases himself from "slavery," the sea was still, "the winds were hushed, and all nature reposed under the eye of the quiet moon" (Shelley, 121).
This direct correlation of symbolism helps the reader to make connections and possibly predict a future event.  For example, anything that happens soon before, during, or directly after a storm can be assumed to not be a good thing.  In addition, it can also lead to suspense.  Ominous weather can produce ominous feelings in the reader, while calm or happy weather provides a sense of security.

Frankenstein- Motivation

Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
chaps 13-24

"But revenge kept me alive; I dared not die, and leave my adversary in being" (Shelley, 149).

The main motivation of the violent acts in the novel is revenge.  It is an endless cycle as Victor and the creature continually try to punish the other for acts of wrongdoing.  The creature kills William because Victor rejected him, framed Justine because mankind was disgusted by him.  Victor tries to fight back, but the creature always eludes him.  After Victor destroyed the female, the creature took revenge by murdering Henry and Elizabeth.
Occasionally the actions of characters are motivated by other notions that revenge.  Victor destroys teh female out of unselfishness- he wishes to spare the world of the havoc that two evil monsters and their possible offspring could wreak on the world.
Victor's father and Elizabeth are primarily motivated by compassion and concern.  They continually look out for Victor because she is family and they love him.  Even when Elizabeth thinks Victor might love another, she tells him, "if I see but one smile on your lips when we meet, occasioned by this or any other exertion of mine, I shall need no other happiness" (Shelley, 139).
Every character is deeply motivated by some strong emotion or desire- even Walton is strongly motivated by the intense search for knowledge.  The motivations may be positive or negative, but they always help to reveal more about the character, and add to the complexity of the work as a whole.

Frankenstein- Parallelism

Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
chaps 13-24

Especially in the second half of the novel, parallels are evident between Victor and the creature; they are compared in many ways.  They are primarily similar because of the creature and its desire to have Victor feel some of the suffering that the creature felt.  But even after all of Victor's anguish, the creature maintains that Victor still had not come close to the despair the creature experienced.  Though Victor is dead and the monster comes to repent, it still says, "[Victor] suffered not in the consummation of the deed; -oh! not the ten-thousandth portion of the anguish that was mine during the lingering detail of its execution" (Shelley, 163).  Regardless of the creature's beliefs, the two are much more similar that they are different.  They are both withdrawn, avoid people, posses expansive knowledge, and experience intense emotions such as deep grief or uncontrollable rage.  A quote from Victor could just as easily have been attributed to the creature:  "But busy, uninteresting, joyous faces brought back despair to my heart" (Shelley, 115).  Victor even goes on to say that there is a wall between him and man because of the tragic deaths of those close to him and the grief he feels.  The creature was also set apart from the world, and misunderstood.
Another similarity the creature creates is when it kills Victor's wife after Victor destroys the beginnings of the creature's mate.  Both seek revenge.  We can see more and more parallels between creature and creator as the novel comes to a close.

Frankenstein- Innocence and Injustice

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

chaps 13-24

Another common motif in this novel is one that deals with innocence and injustice.  We saw in chapter 8 the trial of Justine, who was sentenced to death as a murderer even though she was absolutely innocent.  In chapter 21, we see a similar trial- Victor is charged with the murder of his best friend Henry Clerval.  Similarly, Victor is innocent of the crime, but less so than Justine was.  Both technically confessed to the crime, but Victor's confession had some merit.  "Have my murderous machinations deprived you also, my dearest Henry, of life? Two I have already destroyed; other victims await their destiny: but you, Clerval, my friend, my benefactor-" (Shelley, 129).  Victor is confessing his guilt, but his guilt in creating the monster that murdered his friends.  The creation was Victor's doing, so he had a part in the murder.  But unlike the innocent Justine who falsely confessed in hopes of getting  a lighter sentence, Victor was proven innocent and released.  Mr. Kirwin gathered witnesses to back up Victor's alibi, and he also took care of Victor in jail.  Victor feels guilty, but is released.  Justine was innocent, but suffered a terrible injustice.  This imperfect pairing elicits pity for the innocent and reveals certain character traits, such as honesty and purity, but also reveals a connection to life as whole- injustice is not uncommon, even when the life of an innocent is on the line.

Frankenstein- Slave and Master

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

chaps 13-24

The motif of slavery is evident throughout the novel.  Victor is the monster's creator, but the second that the monster was given life, Victor lost his control over it.  The monster is super human and eventually tracks down Victor and exhibits control over him.  The monster is violent and murderous and threatens Victor if he does not make the creature a companion.  If Victor fails, the creature says to Victor, "I will work at your destruction, nor finish until I desolate your heart, so that you shall curse the hour of your birth" (Shelley, 105).  Victor slaves away at this task because he is afraid of the repercussions of his failure.  Although Victor created the monster, he has no control over it whatsoever.  Every time Victor tries to kill the creature, the creature easily eludes him.  Victor hates himself for obeying the creature, and eventually this turns into passionate rage as Victor breaks the bonds and tears apart the beginnings of a female creature.  Victor refuses to be a slave to the creature if it means setting another horrible monster loose on the world.
Even the creature feels like a slave, but not to Victor.  "I was the slave, not the master, of an impulse, which I detested, yet could not disobey" (Shelley, 164).
Earlier in the novel, Victor was a slave to his work, and didn't stop until he achieved his goal- creating life.  As time has passed, he has learned not to be controlled by selfish motives or threats.  This is a lesson he hopes to pass on to Walton, do not be a slave, always maintain control.

Frankenstein- Figurative Language

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

Letters- chap XII

The author commonly uses figurative language like imagery, similes and metaphors to provide more insight into the feelings and actions of characters.  Different types of figurative language were used numerously in the many pages of description about Justine's trial and subsequent death.  When comparing Justine's pain to his own, Victor ranks his own pain as much higher than hers.  "The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore at bosom and would not forgo their hold" (Shelley, 57).  This metaphor, referencing sharp fangs of an animal, clearly displays the utter despair and misery that Victor felt.  He knew that he indirectly caused the death of two innocents, and the guilt would not go away.  More figurative language is used to further show Victor's guilt and despair, and highlight the innocence of everyone else involved.  In speaking of himself and Elizabeth, Victor says, "But I, the true murderer, felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom, which allowed of no hope or consolation. ELizabeth also wept and was unhappy; but hers also was the misery of innocence, which, like a cloud that passes over the fair moon, for a while hides but cannot tarnish its brightness" (Shelley, 59).

Figurative language simply helps the reader see in more vivid images the feelings of a character, which adds to the understanding of the novel as a whole.

Frankenstein- Expectations

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

Letters- chap XII

I would like to take this time to complain about the anti-climactic giving of life to the creature.  I was not even aware of what exactly had happened until the short paragraph was over.  This was in stark contrast to my expectations that have been developed through various media and simply hearing versions throughout my childhood.  Victor's telling of the monster coming to life is as follows:  "It was on a dreary night of November, that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being in the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs" (Shelley, 35).  How short! No flash of lightening, not even a maniacal, "It's aliveee!"  I was quite upset, I expected more out of a famous horror story.  But unknown to me, there was still a huge portion of the story I had never even heard of, and it was about to get a lot scarier, something I realized when I had trouble falling asleep later that night.

The author's communication and sowing of fear is much more subtle than the straightforward movies or cartoons, but much more effective and persistently frightening.

About my expectation-
tall head, bolts in neck

Frankenstein- Foreshadowing

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

Letters- chap XII

Because the narrator of the story (Victor) is relating events that have already occurred, his narrative involves a lot of foreshowing, for his purpose of warning Walton.  The author of the novel employs foreshadowing to create suspense and keep the reader speeding through the chapters to find what happens next.  Victor uses foreshadowing as if to tell Walton, "You just wait, it gets much worse."  When speaking of his change in interests from almost magical science to more logical science and mathematics, Victor referred to his new inclination as "the last effort made by the spirit of preservation to avert the storm that was even then hanging in the stars, ready to envelope me" (Shelley, 23).  This foreshadowing implies that Victor will soon suffer a terrible misfortune, related to his intense focus, borderline obsession, with knowledge and the secrets of life.  He foreshadows his misery  in order to continually warn Walton, who is also very determined in his quest for knowledge.  The foreshadowing is ominous, but not specific enough for the reader to hypothesize the exact events the might occur.  This makes the reader want to continue through the story.

Victor foreshadows his misery again when he says, "Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible destruction" (Shelley, 23).

Let us read on... :}

Frankenstein- Characterization

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

Letters- chap XII

At the beginning of the novel, and throughout the stranger's story as the reader is introduced to new characters, the author uses extensive characterization.  Every time a new character comes into the story, the author speaks at length about the character's background, upbringing, environment, and personality traits.  Far from being boring or useless, this detailed characterization allows the reader to truly get to know the characters and feel as the speaker feels toward them- to love, even to hate, certain characters.  For example, when the reader is introduced to Elizabeth, she is described as "a child fairer than a pictured cherub- a creature who seemed to shed radiance from her looks and whose form and motions were lighter than the chamois of the hill" (Shelley, 17).  Instantly the reader has a liking for her, and even the speaker says that "everyone loved Elizabeth."  The speaker goes on to say how Elizabeth appreciates the beauty of nature and makes everyone around her smile.  The reader develops deep affection for Elizabeth, and feels her pain when she later displays grief from not hearing from her brother.  Though this is just one example, the author goes in depth with the descriptions of all important characters, pulling the reader into the action and development of the novel.  In addition, the reader can occasionally predict the reactions or outcome to a situation based on previous knowledge of the characters involved.  Characterization draws the reader in and allows them to relate toward some of the characters, while feeling intense emotions (such as love or hatred) towards others.

Frankenstein- Frame Story

Frankenstein
by Mary Shelley
Letters- chap XII

In this section, I have come across two frame stories, but I will focus on the first, because the second has barely begun at the end of this section.  The novel starts with the apparent main character, Robert Walton, who gets on a ship with a larger crew to travel through dangerous terrain in order to reach the pole.  The crew comes across a dog sledge- traveler near death and nurses him back to health.  He tells the crew that he had come so far upon the ice "To seek one who fled from me" (Shelley, 10).  He says no more.  But later in the stranger's conversations with Walton, the stranger comments that Walton saved his life, and was considerate enough not to interrogate him about his current situation or how it came to be.  The stranger appreciated Walton's manners, and discovering that they were very similar, the men became close quickly.  It was because of these similarities that the stranger decided to tall Walton the story that he had vowed never to speak of.  The stranger tells Walton he wants him to learn from the story, avoid the mistakes the stranger made in order to avoid his miserable and doomed fate.
So as the stranger's story is about to commence, the reader must keep in mind that the stranger is telling it in confidence to a friend, to help Walton understand how the stranger ended up like this, and to primarily teach Walton a moral lesson.

"Strange and harrowing must be his story, frightful the storm which embraced the gallant vessel on its course and wrecked it- thus!" (Shelley, 14)
And with this, the story within the frame begins.

"APO 96225"

"APO 96225"
by Larry Rottmann

Situational irony is displayed in this free verse poem when the son initially writes only simple and easily handled information about the war, like "sure rains a lot here," and "you ought to see the funny monkeys" (Rottmann, 846).  The mother pleads with her son to be honest, but when he does, the father admonishes him for upsetting his mother.  Its ironic that once the son was actually honest, the mother didn't want to hear it.  The speaker seems to have critical and slightly disapproving or disappointed attitude toward the parents, the mother particularly.  This can be paralleled with the speakers critical view towards the attitude of the American public toward the war in Vietnam.  Americans were hypocritical; they asked for the truth, but when they got it, they didn't want to hear it.  They only wanted to hear the positive or simple or nonviolent feedback from the war, not the truth of the horrible tragedies that were occurring every day.  Because the truth was so upsetting, American citizens, just like the mother, only decided to listen to what they could handle, and thus had a distorted view of the war.  The author uses mother as a symbol of how all Americans during war time say they want the truth, but simply can't handle it.

"Much Madness is divinest Sense"

"Much Madness is divinest Sense"
by Emily Dickinson

This poem is telling how a thought, suggestion or belief, if not shared by the majority, can be deemed insane. But if an idea is proposed and accepted by the majority, no matter how immoral and illogical, it will be deemed sane simply because more people support it.  If an individual agrees with the majority. he appears sensible, but if he dares to dispute, he could be seen as a traitor or an enemy.  This simple deviance from the accepted norm could cause an individual to be severely alienated, even jailed for his beliefs.
The author employs both paradox and satire in this poem to explain and critisize the workings of a majority group and the conformity of its members.  The paradox, the title, "Much Madness is divinest Sense,"  and another paradox, "Much Sense- the starkest Madness," (Dickinson, 830), describe how an idea can be perceived differently depending on how many people agree.  But this is not a good way  to determine the logic or morality of an idea.
In the case of the Salem Witch Trials and the persecution of saints, Christians, and Jews, the reasoning of the majority was severely flawed, but everyone else just went along.  And those who didn't were too shy to speak out or otherwise were jailed or persecuted themselves.

"I felt a Funeral, in my Brain"

"I felt a Funeral, in my Brain"
by Emily Dickinson

The imagery of a funeral is present in the title and throughout the whole poem to describe what is going on in the speakers head.  A funeral is sad and depressing, but this is not about the speaker having sad or depressing thoughts, it goes farther than that.  The speaker is losing her mind, it is dying in a sense.  "And I dropped down, and down- and hit a World, at every plunge" (Dickinson, 776).  This quote describes the speakers sharp descent into madness.  The way the allegory is told and the initial style of writing allows the speaker to in essence, describe in common terms what is happening to her while alienating her personal feelings.  Personal feeling is clearly lacking in the description of the funeral because there is no mention of crying, attempts at comfort, or even a eulogy, only the strict relating of actions and sounds.
This poem relates to Bartleby's lack of feeling or any emotion and also Miss Brill's appearance of being very isolated and alone, even when surrounded by many people.
All the imagery tells the reader that the speaker was constantly beaten down at the hands of others, and they consistently tormented her.  The author successfully uses imagery and the unique rhyme scheme to relay in detail the inner workings and despairs of the speaker's mind, and how it goes awry.

"Bartleby the Scrivener"

"Bartleby the Scrivener"
by Herman Melville

Well well, it is time to talk about a very odd and complicated character: Bartleby.  One of the obvious and most defining traits/habits of Bartleby's is his stubborn refrain: "I would prefer not to."  The majority of the story is centered around Bartleby's preferences, most his preference to do nothing.  There are many theories as to why Bartleby is like this, some personal, some medical, some work related.  In fact, there could be many different reasons for why he is why he is, some of which are symbolic.  Bartleby is clearly socially awkward and does  not pick up on suggestions or cues.  When the lawyer first tries to fire Bartleby, he tries to suggest his leaving: "After you have removed your things from the office, Bartleby, you will of course lock the door...I shall not see you again, so good-bye to you" (Melville, 662).  But even with this suggestion, Bartleby stays.  He even stays after the lawyer moves out of the building.  Through all this, he repeats his refrain calmly.
As odd as he may be, I felt empathy for Bartleby throughout the whole story.  I figured there was some sort of reason why he acted that way, whether he was disabled, awkward, scarred from his last job, or was simply emotionless.  I felt that the lawyer didn't treat the situation very well.  He wasn't stern or demanding, and he moved his office before moving Bartleby.  The lawyer wasn't too bright.  Part of me actually admired Bartleby: he never did anything he didn't want to do.  Even in prison, he made the choice not to eat.  The exact reason behind this behavior though, is unclear.
The subtitle, "A Story of Wall Street," ties in with the symbolism I mentioned earlier.  Bartleby might symbolize the common worker of the time, beaten down by the economy and a mediocre job to the point of near soullessness.  Though Bartleby tried to be stubborn, everything got to be too much for him and he simply died.  But because his death and imprisonment happened so quickly, the reader focuses more on what led up to it, the cause of the tragic end: depression caused by the previous job, a feeling of mediocrity, a general unhappiness.  This kind of thing can happen on Wall Street (but usually less dramatic).

"Miss Brill"

"Miss Brill"
by Katherine Mansfield

This story is in a section about characterization, but beyond that, I am not very clear on the purpose of the story.  Miss Brill is clearly alienated; the tone and writing style give the feeling of separation between Miss Brill and the people she observes.  The detail that struck me the most was that going to hear the band was clearly an established routine for most of the participants, including Miss Brill, but still no one approached or directly acknowledged Miss Brill.  She sat back and observed the actions of all the other citizens in the park.  The only characters with which Miss Brill interacts are the briefly mentioned characters of "her English students" and the invalid man who sleeps while she reads to him.  No character goes out of his or her way to speak to Miss Brill.  In the story, there is a lengthy description of an ermine toque; later I saw a similarity between that woman and Miss Brill.  The woman bought her ermine toque when she was much younger, and though it is shabby now, she still wears it.  Miss Brill similarly bought her fur accessory when she was young, but now that she is older, it is described as "a fried whiting."
At the end of the story, the tables are turned when someone else talks about Miss Brill instead of being talked about.  Two young lovers snicker and insult Miss Brill.  "Why  does she come here at all- who wants her? Why doesn't she keep her silly old mug at home?" (Mansfield, 186)  This causes her mood to change- she is a static character because at the end of the story, her mood is opposite what it was initially.  She started out happy, content, and excited, then became rushed and upset.  The author uses the words, descriptions, and actions of others along with Miss Brill's related actions to indirectly characterize Miss Brill and show how the character changes.