Frankenstein chapter 24

In the final chapter of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Victor instills upon Walton the task of completing his mission to kill the creature. Walton having this tremendous challenge, takes his new friend Victor's request to his full ability. Walton understands his friend is dying and its is his final wish and last order which must be accomplished. Additionally, not only does Walton listen to Victor's story and final request, but he examines Victor's life in comparison to his own. Walton observes that, "He[Victor] seems to feel his own worth, and the greatness of his fall,"(Shelley,156). Walton sees Victor's very similar voyage, pursuit, accomplishments, and the man that he is, but also sees the pitfalls and downfalls of Victor's character. Walton puts into perspective his own journey in relation to that of Victors, which can be seen when he describes, "Not because the way was smooth and placid as a southern sea, but because it was full of dangers and terror; because at every new incident, your fortitude was to be called forth, and your courage exhibited; because danger and death surrounded it, and these you were to brave and overcome,"(Shelley, 159). And so, understanding that the risks of all endeavors will be prevalent, courage must be obtained despite hardships, Walton sticks his chin up and faces the creature. Although he doesn't kill it, like was Victor's intention, he approaches it and learns the monster's intents and future fate.

Frankenstein chapter 22

Upon discovering his fate which is to be revealed on his wedding night, Victor in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is somber. The thought of the harm which was going to come to him on this night: his death, and the harm that could come to Elizabeth, frightened him. The words of the daemon which inflicted the curse upon him, rang through the memories in his head. It is in this scene of the book that the author uses mood to further the emotions of Victor and the situation. The deep sadness which I felt, which was invoked by words such as "destroy" and "tear," made me sympathize with Victor and feel pain for him. For example, "..On that night would the daemon employ every art to destroy me, and tear me from the glimpse of happiness which promised partly to console my sufferings,"(Shelley,139). Victor's struggle with the knowledge of such a horrible fate, taunts him and consumes his every thought. Even though he knew the daemon might seek revenge for his lack of affection for the creature, I still pity Victor and the thought of his wedding night bringing upon so much unhappiness. Victor, having displayed worry and troubles since the creation, is still plagued by this, and this unhappiness is continually marked by the mood displayed especially in this chapter.

Frankenstein chapter 19

Chapter 19 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley keys into the emotional state of Victor and his anger at himself for creating a creature which has become such a threat to society. He examines his youthful days, and condemns his new being so full of curiosity and invention that caused him and many others' pitfalls. He has lost hope for himself and has acquired hatred for himself. This is seen when he says, "But I am a blasted tree, the bolt has entered my soul; and I felt then that I should survive to exhibit what I shall soon cease to be -- a miserable spectacle of wrecked humanity, pitiable to others, and intolerable to myself,"(Shelley,116-117). The use of personification of himself to a blasted tree resembles his view of himself as destroyed existence. He views himself harshly and blames himself for the harm that is mankinds', brought on by the creature whom Victor made. Frankenstein cannot even bear himself or the horribleness he has brought onto others. The troubled mood of Victor spirals him into an even deeper depression which is seen hereafter. I hope Victor can find some way to forgive himself for his actions which he was ignorant to know would have such a horrendous effect. 

Frankenstein chapter 16

Chapter 16 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley gives the once benevolent creature the horrible bad name that we associate the monster in Frankenstein to have. In the opening of this chapter, a simile is employed to describe the change in the creature. "I was like a wild beast that had broken the toils, destroying the objects that obstructed me, and ranging through the wood with a stag-like swiftness,"(Shelley,97). Suddenly, the monster is propelled by hatred, and his change in character is compared to the outrage of a wild beast. This signals the creature's prompt for revenge upon humans who reject him and whom he finds evil. Furthermore, "I declared ever-lasting war against the species, and, more than all, against him who had formed me, and sent me forth to this insupportable misery,"(Shelley,97). What is to follow in the preceding pages of the novel are most likely going to events of destruction and hatred inflicted to any one who crosses the creature's path. This prejudice the creature has for all humans will have horrible effects. I am starting to see the creature as having the capability and motives for killing William and maybe even more. The creature has become the daemon, wretch, and monster which Victor has claimed him all along to be.

Frankenstein Chapter 13

In chapter 13 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the creature becomes acquainted with emotions, understanding them, the emotion word attached to his every feeling, and sympathises with the feelings of the DeLacey family. With the creature's growing awareness of the world, he questions more and more man's reasoning and abilities, as well as his own. Particularly, when pondering the honor of being a powerful being seemed favorable to him, he also considered man's ability to bring about destruction to others with their power. "For a long time I could not conceive how one man could go forth to murder his fellow, or even why there were laws and governments; but when I heard details of vice and bloodshed, my wonder ceased, and I turned away with disgust and loathing,"(Shelley,84). This incident in the novel prompted me to consider if such a creature who rejected killing, could in fact be the killer of William, or ever turn out to be a killer. How could someone who dejects bloodshed be one who inflicts this upon others? The hatred the creature has for murder asserts the idea that he is benevolent as he claims to have been since creation. Whether or not this goodness will be tainted by society's rejection, Victor's despise of him, or something prompting him to lash out, I do not know. Although as of this point, the creature shows no signs of wretchedness, but only containing sympathy for others and hatred for what may harm them.

Frankenstein 9-12

The most notable aspect that appeared in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley in chapters 9-12 was the element of surprise I felt. First, I was surprised and nervous for Victor's encounter with the creature, but the fact that they talked made me question their terms. Didn't see that coming! This is certainly a step forward from the creature's prior muttering of inarticulate sounds. Now, in chapter 10, the creature confronts Frankenstein about the hatred between them. While this may seem to result in conflict, the two actually begin confiding in each other in similar ways as Robert and Victor. In fact, the creature and Frankenstein "..entered the hut together...and seated myself [Victor] by the fire which my odious companion had lighted,"(Shelley,70). Just prior, Frankenstein was running from the monster, disgusted by his ugliness, and furious over the creature's murdering of William. Now, they sit by a fire together and tell another story. Here though, the creature tells his story to Victor, unlike Victor's tale to Robert. The frame story setup is displayed in this story-upon-story layout, which can become confusing if one does not pay attention to the change in character's speaking. Overall though, I have been more interested because of the frame story method which gives reader's an in depth perspective and look at multiple character's lives.

Frankenstein Chapters 5-8

   In chapter 5 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, I noticed the allusion to Dante which was made. After retiring to bed to sleep trying to forget about the horrors of just creatung a monster, Frankenstein sees the creature in his room. "He held up the curtain of the bed; and his eyes, if eyes they may be called, were fixed on me,"(Shelley,35). The shock of Frankenstein's face-to-face encounter of the creature upon waking up frigtened him so that after fleeing from the home, he regards the monster as something "..even Dante could not have conceived,"(Shelley,36). This allusion signifies the nastiness and evilness the creature must have withheld to be so terrible not even Dante, who having been in the fires of hell, could have imagined. This allusion furthered the image of Frankenstein and his hideousness. Continuing on past chapter 5, I noticed the toll that creating the monster had on Frankenstein, who later came to the conclusion that his creation was the murderer of his brother William. Frankenstein, assuring Elizabeth the death was not her fault, but rather another's, found it hard to explain that the monster was at fault. Frankenstein didn't want others to know about his experiment. But, secretly, Frankenstein was being eaten alive by the guilt he felt for creating the monster which lead to such terribleness. In Frankenstein's low state, I noticed the mood which describes how depressed Frankenstein became. "I cannot describe what I then felt. I had before experienced sensations of horror; and I have endeavoured to bestow upon them adequate expressions, but words cannot convey an idea of the heart-sickening despair that I then endure,"(Shelley,57). The use of words such as "heart-sickening" reveal Frankenstein's despair over what he believes to be his fault. Frankenstein seems to be at his lowest because throughout chapter 8, I notice more negative tone. "But I, the true murderer, felt the never dying worm alive in my bosom, which allowed of no hope or consolation,"(Shelley, 59). Frankenstein feels pain which he compares to a pestering worm which lives within him. Overall, I don't believe Frankenstein should blame himself for his curiosity going wrong which developed a horror.

Frankenstein Chapter 3

In chapter 3 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Frankenstein sits in on M. Waldman's chemistry lecture at the university. Readers key into the idea that his speech is going to be pertenent information in the research and motives of Frankenstein later in the book. So, overall, what M. Waldman says is something Frankenstein will never forget. M. Waldman states that: "The ancient teachers of this science...with its own shadows,"(Shelley,27). This lecture lead to Frankenstein's ephiphany, which I believe to be a significant rhetorical device used in this chapter. The words, having such a powerful impact on Frankenstein, defined his being. Furthermore, "..formed the mechanism of my being,"(Shelley,27). I believe that at this moment in the book, Frankenstein is inspired to begin his experimentations in science. His epiphany came from learning that he could create something magnificent: making life come from inanimate objects, and felt propelled to put every ounce of himself into his work. His obsession in the creating process defined himself. Frankenstein's creation determined and foreshadowed his eventual fate.

Frankenstein Chapter 2

  In chapter two of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the use of flashback takes readers back to Robert Walton's childhood. After Robert's reminiscing of the glorious moments of his past, of time spent with Elizabeth, and his sometimes violent, but mostly eager desire to learn. This yearning for knowledge is later continued out by Robert's interest in natural philosophy. However, once Robert jumps back to the present time there is a change of mood from the previous happy recollections of his past and growing up. When examining his current disposition and state of mind, he draws on negativity and misfortune which elude that he is very depressed. "I feel exquisite pleasure in dwelling on the recollections of childhood, before misfortune had tainted my mind, and changed its bright visions of extensive usefulness into gloomy and narrow reflections upon self,"(Shelley, 20). I believe that that which taints Walton's mind could be a reference to his research and development of the creature. I feel this a logical assumption given the result of his experiment: the creating of a living monster from something inanimate, to probably have an overwhelming toll on Walton. The happy memories of his younger days seem to be the only positivity Robert can rely on in his life, due to the fact that his emotional state is going downhill. I predict the revealing of the real cause of his misfortune, if it is the creating of the creature, to be revealed soon in the novel.

Frankenstein Letters

 Upon reading the introductory letters of the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the author has revealed the character of Robert Walton and later introduced an interesting stranger. Using characterization, readers have been given some insight into the characters thus far, and two of the characters (Robert and the stranger) have been compared and contrasted. This seems to be the most prominent literary technique implored, specifically in letter four. The suspense which grows from this letter, and the eventual revealing start to the stranger's story, have kept me interested, especially after learning a little about the mysterious stranger. After Robert and his vessel's crew saved and revived the stranger from his dogsled under icy conditions, the stranger is physically characterized as having eyes with an expression of "..wildness, and even madness,"(Shelley, 9). However, later in the letter, the supposed crazy man offers insight and wisdom to Robert. The two form a bond based on confiding in the other and relinquishing their thoughts and beliefs with each other. After Robert speaks of his desire for companionship, the stranger offers him his own thoughts. "We are unfashioned creatures, but half made up, if one wiser, better, dearer than ourselves- such a friend ought to be- do not lend his aid to perfectionate our weak and faulty natures,"(Shelley,12). I found this moment in the novel to be an intimate sharing of feelings and the start to a friendship, like Robert wishes so much to have. I find the stranger's eventual telling of his story to Walton to be interesting, even after the establishment of the two's differences, the stranger is comfortable telling his story. The stranger, feeling that while Walton has"hope and the world before you[him], and have no cause for despair," he "has lost everything and cannot begin life anew,"(Shelley,12). This feeling of hopelessness gives the impression that the stranger's story will be one of despair, but still the letter ends inviting Walton in on the story of the stranger himself's life.

Blog 5: APO 96225

I feel that most of the poem: APO 96225 by Larry Rottmann was a mix of miscommunication and understanding, as well as a lot of irony. The son, writing to his parents about his experiences with being in the war front during the Vietnam War, express his attempt at high spirits. However his feelings conveyed through his letters are interpreted negatively, as depressing feelings of the son. The soldier, trying at first to come across as having a good attitude, despite the war conditions, is told by his mother to tell his family "..what it's really like,"(Rottman 846). So, the speaker continues to use positivity: "The sunsets here are spectacular,"(Rottman 846)! The soldier is trying to make a bad situation into a good one, while the mother is concerned for her son and begs him to tell all about it. Upon doing so, by revealing that he "..killed a man. Yesterday, I helped drop napalm on women and children,"(Rottman 846), the mother then gets upset by the tragedy. The fact that the parents want their son to open up about what is wrong and the conditions of war, then, get upset upon him telling them, is ironic. Don't the parents know that war contains no happiness? How can they be offended by their son's bluntness in telling the truth of how he feels and what he has endured?

Blog 4:Much Madness is divinest Sense

The most notable rhetorical device used by Emily Dickinson in Much Madness is divinest Sense, would be two paradoxes. The poem is suggesting that insanity is a good thing to have, but also stating that this sense is insanity. The author's use of "..a discerning eye,"(Dickinson 830), describes the first idea of insanity being good, but only to the people with a keen sense of seeing this sense in others. Discerning may also refer to the foolish or ignorant people who believe that insanity is good. However, the author offers the rebuttal view of the majority of people. The second theory that good sense is insane is mostly accepted, " 'Tis the majority,"(Dickinson 830). But after recognizing both approaches to insanity, the speaker gives order to the reader to, "prevail," "assent" and "demure." The speaker implies that to agree is to be sane. On the flip side, the speaker says modesty in this regard is harmful. All in all, Dickinson's look uses paradoxes to connect our insanity and senses.

Blog 3: I Felt A Funeral In My Brain

In Emily Dickinson's poem I Felt A Funeral In My Brain, the author uses imagery to describe the speaker's imagination of their funeral. The poem is divided into stanzas which describe the speaker's transition from lying in the coffin, to eventual death through burial. The author implies this by stating, "..I heard them lift a box and creak across my soul,"(Dickinson 776). With this thought of the funeral service, the speaker feels overwhelmed, and then "..wrecked, solitary,"(Dickinson 776), once knowing that her life, "..being but an ear,"(Dickinson 776), was being called to end (the bell) by the heavens. This thinking of the speaker's shows their feeling of lonliness upon the thought of death. Which, unfortunately, by the last stanza, the speaker dies: "..finished knowing-then,-"(Dickinson 776). Overall, the author's use of symbolism in the bell and ear represent the bell alarming the speaker that death is at hand and their noticing this warning. The imagery, such as usage of describing the service and their thoughts and feelings towards death, help the progression of the poem to the eventual death of the speaker.

Blog 2: Miss Brill

Katherine Mansfield in Miss Brill uses unique personification towards the end of the story. In the beginning of the story there is a carefree tone that goes along with Miss Brill's excitement for hearing the band and joining in the Sunday community festivities, as she wears her adorned fur collar. However, once Miss Brill eavesdrops on people around her's conversations, she hears a young boy and girl say, "It's her fi-fur which is so funny,"(Mansfield,186).. Suddenly, there is a shift in tone from happiness to sudden embarrassment and saddness. To show the change in mood and tone, Mansfield uses personification to connect the fur animal with having feelings. To show, "She unclasped the necklet quickly; quickly, without looking , laid it inside. But when she put the lid on she thought she heard something crying,"(Mansfield 186). Referring to the fur crying, is Mansfield way of associating human actions to an animal. This conveys to the reader the idea that something, thought beautiful by one, may not be appreciated or valued by another. Also, I feel Miss Brill contains some embarassment to have the people's opinion affect her so much that she would put away an item she really loved. Finally, I believe the animal's crying is used to express sympathy for feeling unwanted and having it's beauty tucked away back into the box.

Blog 1: Bartleby

One of the most prominent literary techniques implored by Herman Melville in Bartleby the Scrivener, is foreshadowing. Early on in the short story, Melville claims that he didn't know much of Bartleby, though the aspects he does, he finds to be astonishing. He mentions knowing "..one vague report which will appear in the sequel," (Melville,642). Melville is hinting that he will reveal some kind of document that is fitting to the story later on. Turns out, nearing the end of the book, readers find Bartleby to have been "...a subordinate cleerk in the Dead Letter Office at Washington,"(Melville,675). Alas! Some of Bartleby's life and past have been uncovered. Aside from this, earlier in the short story, Melville uses characterization to describe Bartleby as being, "..pallidly neat.."(Melville 648). Now, upon finding out Bartleby was associated with dead letters, he uses "..pallid hoplessness.." to describe Bartleby yet again. Melville's use of charcterization not only for Bartlby, but other characters like Ginger Nut, Turkey, and Nippers, helps to convey their personality which is revealed in their treatment towards their job as a copyist, treatment to the lawyer, and Bartleby's strange persona. Overall, Melville noticeably touches on characterization and foreshadowing which tie into how the story unfolds, and the development of the characters.