(Re)Making Language; Intro
Gothic fiction was the genre of Frankenstein but it was also the genre of the 1700s after the Enlightenment where Western interests were changed to become more about the relationships between the human body parts. Many people were able to learn how to read and write and ideas circulated because of this. Enlightenment ideas of individuality and emotions led to experiments with horror and corruption with the mind. The nameless monster in Frankenstein learns language by observing another human speaking of the history of humanity. The monster learns of humanity’s good and bad sides and is puzzled yet also intrigued by this. He also learns of war and the concept of hurting another person. Through his thought process, he learns to create language and considers himself through language as well. He now values communication and language with other people but realizes he is an outcast because he is a monster. With the knowledge the monster has gained, he has also gained the understanding and effect of emotion both negative and positive.
Language, Discourse, and Literacy
Language is an interaction recognized by a community rather than a focus on grammar. It is also a tool that is used to boost cooperation and stimulate production/development in a society. Language is evolving constantly due to the people that use it and the developing generations. When a group shares a language it is known as a discourse or discourse community. Literacy is the knowledge of a discourse meaning the ability to use language that is used in any discourse. There are also multiple types of literacies that refer to understandings of a literacy practice. Literacy is also how people use different legal writing systems whether it be fiction or even religious writing. It can also change ideology that is followed by society.
Response
Frankenstein is a great example of how the time period affected the writing of the time and how language can be developed without being taught. It shows how even though the monster wasn’t taught, he was able to observe and process information while creating opinions and his own realizations. I agree completely that it takes understanding of knowledge to then develop a reaction from one’s own emotions. I also agree that literacy depends on how a large group perceives it and thus it can give rise to stereotypes and specific connotations of ideas in society.