10/2 Response – Shelley, Frankenstein (Vol. 2)
October 1, 2014
Right from the start of volume 2, the effects that arose from monster’s creation looms over Victor like a dark cloud he can’t escape. We can see that he tries to escape himself and his consciousness by wandering to the valley of Chamounix then followed by the glacier and taking in nature itself. Although it fulfills his purpose and intention for the time being, nature reminds him of everything he wishes not to. It reminds him of the grief and sorrow and he has produced with his creation of the monster which comes as the ultimate outcome of his obsession for knowledge and science. He is constantly haunted by his own thoughts and his exposure to nature itself draws a grand connection to the monster that leaves Victor trapped by his own grief.
The story offering from the monster to Victor sheds light on the monster’s process of understanding the world on its own due to Victor’s abandonment. The monster is learns great values and explores himself to find that he is a mere outsider to all humans. Seeing his own reflection consumes him and that labels his physical difference from everyone else. Realizing that his appearance usually drives others away, he finds refuge in a hut where he is peek, discover and learn from the cottagers about the basics of communications which is language. Understanding their stories and the sad history of Felix and Safie, the monster grows to understand his solitude more than ever. Some part of him wishes that Victor would do the same and accept him for who he is and provide him with all that he needs just as Felix did as he lives in poverty due to his attempt to save Safie’s father. The monster wishes the same affection and acceptance from his creator, Victor Frankenstein.
Through his newfound capability or reading, he is able to read the writings authored by Victor Frankenstein and what he finds in the letter reveals to monster that his creator disgusted him as his appearance horrified him. The books he reads with an utterly realist lens, confirms his creators dislike of him. Within the closing chapters of this volume, we begin to see that the monster has reason and purpose for his existence. Having learned all of these humanistic qualities, he seems more human than monster despite his physical attributes saying otherwise. His solitude and sorrow leads him to kill as he reveals his side of the story as the murderer of Victor’s younger brother, William. What he seeks from Victor is a companion, a soul mate that will relieve his seeking of revenge mentality and his request is agreed upon to the delight of the monster.
October 4th, 2014 at 7:27 pm
I was indeed surprised by the monster’s ability to grasp those humanistic qualities from the cottagers. Originally,he was impressed by humanity displayed by the cottagers and ought to be one like them as well. However,he failed to earn his connection with ordinary human beings just because of his ugly appearance. That was the starting point of his revenge journey. I can not wonder what would have happen if he had lived with a group of blind people in a isolated place where they can support them without iteration with outsiders. Probably the monster could not start his plan of destroying Frankenstein.
October 5th, 2014 at 4:39 pm
I have to say, I agree with what Vicky said. The very fact that the mister had some human qualities after all was very unexpected since one does not normally expect a “malevolent” being to possess such qualities. I also acknowledge that the monster and Victor have some parallels to their loneliness. At the time, Victor was enchanted by his loneliness in being God, but after making his creation, he feared and loathed the time he spent alone. The monster similarly, feels the same way. Being rejected from people that you have strong feelings for must break a persons heart. Seeing his plight, I almost feel sympathetic for the monster and I am beginning to hate Victor since he was the cause of his plight. I guess I’m overthinking his suffering, but I know, I wouldn’t want to wish this fate even to my worst enemy as Victor did.
October 7th, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Yes, to add on, the monster’s encounter with the cottagers ultimately became a turning point in the story as the creature seeked revenge upon his creation which leads to Victory. From there, he begins to take way from Victor what he always wanted, people he loved. I think if he was isolated and found himself in a place where his appearance could not be seen by others, the people would know him as a human due to his emergence of learning to posses human qualities. Yes the author certainly intends to make us feel for the creature given her chapters explaining the story telling between Victor and the creature.
October 25th, 2014 at 9:05 pm
It was a very intense moment when the creature sees himself in the reflection and sees his frightening appearance, realizing why people are afraid of him. Once he reads what Viktor wrote about him in his journal, it is extremely sad when the creature finds out the person who made him is repulsed by him, especially when all he wants is to experience establishing connection with humans and gaining the affection of Viktor. I also agree that despite the creature’s terrifying exterior, he does inhibit many humanistic qualities. Therefore, I would also consider him to be more of a human than a monster.