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Well, I interpreted this book in many different ways. I found that there were many hidden messages embedded throughout the text. Mary Shelley wants suspense to be obvious, but at the same time, she wants the less known themes to play a significant role as well. Before I read this novel, I thought of Frankenstein as a BIG, immortal green scary monster,that kills. Now, I have a deeper understanding of the novel and of what Shelley is trying to get across to her audience. For example, Frankenstein is actually the creator of the monster that people identify as Frankenstein.
At the beginning, Victor was a man torn between his morals, and personal interests. He is brought up in a very religious background, that does not tolerate scientific discussions of evolution and other concepts that challenge tradition. As the novel goes on, I see multiple changes in Victor. He goes off to school, in hope to study natural philosophy, in which he is infatuated with to the highest degree. his morals change almost immediately when he arrives at the decision to create such a sin. The sin being, to take on the role of God and create life. He creates a monster void of any love-filled emotions.As the story twists, the monster realizes his agonizing want to feel love. He watches Felix’s family, and realizes how happy Felix is, and he thinks that only love can make someone happy. He envies those feelings and demands Victor to create a companion.
The monster can be seen as a child, for he acts as if he has blinders on. He obsesses over the one thing he wants, a companion. Just like any other kid, the monster begins to throw temper tantrums to get what he wants. However, his tantrums are different from a child’s, and goes on a rampage killing Victor’s love ones. He thinks that he will open Victor’s eyes to his feelings of loneliness. The theme, parenting comes into play as Victor attempts to gives in, and begins to create another monster. But, later he realizes what a mass destruction the two could be, and knows that it will only turn out for the worst. He then stops, like a good parent should, and doesn’t give into the tantrum. And thenĀ the text revisits the theme of religion as Victor stops in his tracks of creating another sin. But, in a way, the effect of his decision, causes him to pay for his original wrong doing.
I really enjoyed this novel. I was surprised at the deeper meanings this novel contained. I really like this time period, the style is different and more complex. I enjoyed finding the deeper meanings and really making sense out of the plot and how nature has an effect on the storyline.
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hey janie i think you went ALL OUT with this book. you are really good at finding references to different things. Yes it is good to understand the monster as a child and Victor as his parent. His creating and destroying can also be seen from a femenist lense, most women in the novel were passive “good women”. the woman monster posed an even greater threat toward Victor because he felt that he could not control her and they both would reproduce. The female has power over creation, while Victor has no place creating. along with the god position…
Comment byyea i too was interested in the deeper meanings to the ever famous Frankenstien.
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