Frankenstein – Preface to Chapter 2, Volume 1
September 16, 2014
Before when I only possessed a very basic idea of what the book “Frankenstein” was about, I thought it was Victor Frankenstein who wrote the letters to his acquaintance in the opening of the novel. In fact, that’s how most books begin- with the protagonist unfolding his story- right? Contrary to our expectations, the novel actually starts out with four letters composed by Robert Walton to his dear sister, Margaret Saville, in England. In the letters are detailed accounts of his long-awaited journey through the seas of the North Pole and more importantly, his encountering of a European man who was chasing after a gigantic creature “that fled from him.” It was interesting to read how Mary Shelley chose to frame her masterpiece by initially presenting letters that provide background information about Victor Frankenstein, from somebody else’s perspective. In addition, Walton describes the stranger, as a man with dignity yet constantly overwhelmed with grief. The readers cannot, however, fathom what caused him to undergo such a transformation just yet.
Fortunately, the mystery slowly begins to untangle as the stranger recalls his childhood memories regarding his enduring passion for science, upon reading the scientific theory of Cornelius Agrippa and other scientists who are considered outdated. Although strictly dismissed by the modern people as “sad trash,” or nonsense, they nonetheless inspire his search for the “elixir of life.” His strong devotion to chemistry reminds me of other great works we read in class, in terms of the Enlightenment and self-actualization. Victor Frankenstein moves away from the divine inspiration and advances towards the empirical way of examining the world. He also realizes what he truly loves, other than the subjects that his father wishes him to study. As he turns 17, he departs his home to attend the university of Ingolstadt, leaving all his loved ones behind. There he meets his advocate who forever changes his life: Professor. M. Waldman. Not all of the mystery has unveiled, but we certainly know more to ponder upon than before. Which other characters may reflect the notion of the Enlightenment and self-actualization? Would these concepts always render positive consequences, or would they tell us something different from what we have been taught?
September 18th, 2014 at 11:25 am
When I first started reading the letters, I also thought it would be the main character telling his story, but to learn that Robert Walton’s letters are like an introduction to Victor Frankenstein’s story. I think this twist in Mary Shelley’s novel is a great idea to hook the readers in and keep them interested.
As Victor unfolds his story, I compared him to the other characters in the readings we’ve done in class on how they questioned the world and its nature. But unlike Candide, where he was forced to go out in the world and explore, Victor chooses to pursue his questions and interests about the world.
September 18th, 2014 at 10:19 pm
After today’s class, we certainly understand more why Mary Shelley wants to begin her novel with a series of written letters. It is so fascinating to know that they act as a frame story of the whole fiction,increase the credibility of Frankenstein’s stories and grab readers’ attention upfront. Even though I don’t know what the consequence of Victor Frankenstein’ self-actualization is yet,I guess it would not be too positive based upon the concept sublime-a way of experiencing strong emotions like terror and pain.