These are the first words spoken from the lips of the horrible monster created by Victor Frankenstein. It is surprising to hear the same beautifully spoken language coming from this creature, that has been spoken from the other characters throughout the first volume. As this “thing” was descending down from the mountains towards it’s creator, the reader anticipates a growling, spitting, uncivilized being, seeking revenge against his merciless maker with blows and violence, not with a request for negotiations. This paragraph serves as a very important passage, as it immediately alters the perception of the monster himself. The spitting, growling tyrant is capable of speech, and evokes the idea that he is in fact, intelligent. This idea in itself changes everything.
It is here that a tone is introduced, and this particular tone will carry itself throughout the remainder of the second volume. The monster states his ultimatum immediately, and has not since eased his requests. He wants something from Frankenstein, and while he may be more intellectual than previously perceived, he reiterates time and again that he will shed blood to whatever horrific lengths necessary to get what he wants. He is still a monster, capable of far greater physical damage than that of his creator, which he reminds Frankenstein later when he says, “Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine; my joints more supple.” (Shelley 66). Yet he shows compassion for the man who gave him life. As much as he wishes to immediately destroy Frankenstein, there is something he desires so badly, that he spares his makers life and begs for an opportunity to tell his tale, in hopes that they can come to neutral ground. In this tale, you learn of his slow and tortured education of the inner working of mankind through distant observation. He learned mans language, mans struggle, mans cruelty, and mans compassion all within a short time, under depressingly lonely conditions. So what does this creature want from his father? What would save Frankenstein’s life and the lives of his family and friends? Why a woman of course.
I loved that you choose this quote. i feel that it is very important to the storyline and does alter the course of the story itself. When you went into depth of how the monster was able to learn language and other such things of human nature, it shows that in some parts he too is human and that he is not completely all monster like you have said. But then you also note the fact that he is indeed stronger than Victor and that he can harm him and his loved ones at any given time. I feel that more than anything, the monster just wants to be understood and it is true that possibly the only way for this to happen is for him to have a companion, so of course a woman. Thank you for giving a more in depth look at how important this quote is to the story. It gave me a better understanding.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the quote that you used, the second paragraph was written well and shows how your quote is important to the book so far. I have not read Frankenstein and I was surprised by his intelligence. I always picture the Halloween character in costume. Something that you might want to look at and consider when writing an analysis, is avoid using the terms "you" and "I". An analysis is not an autobiography and you should not be seen in the background. Yes it is your opinion but I am under the understanding that an analysis is not to be seen as your thoughts or take on the piece.
ReplyDeleteHi Nikki,
ReplyDeleteWow- I think you are an excellent writer! The way you deciphered what was being said and the meaning of the passage you chose made it very easy to follow and interesting to read. I appreciated the way you described Frankenstein and what he could possibly want. You put that human, feeling component into it and showed- not just beast but a thinking feeling creature who has it figured out. Thanks for sharing!
Heather