Yes the creature committed several horrific acts of murder but was it really his fault? Could Frankenstein's coldness towards him been the cause for everything he did? Frankenstein is really the one to blame and label a villain in this story. Throughout the entire novel Frankenstein cared for no one but himself. He put on a front and claimed to be distraught by the deaths of his family members but was he really only worried because it was his fault? The creature deserves pity and Frankenstein should receive none.
If the creature had not been left to struggle on his own by Frankenstein he would not have been the monster he became. Love, kindness, and guidance was all the creature wanted and needed in order to live a life without death and despair. He was denied all of these things simply because of his appearance. Everyone was too quick to judge and it lead to a dark and depressing life for the creature.
However, one could argue that the creature had no self control and acted unreasonably. His anger went out of control before every murder that he committed so it's his fault because he couldn't control himself. Instead of being the bigger man with better morals the creature sunk to the same level as Frankenstein and killed innocent people for revenge. Still the argument always leads back to Frankenstein. If he hadn't abandoned the monster and refused responsibility the monster would have been happy. He wouldn't have felt the need to strike back and gain revenge; causing death and despair for all.
One could even go so far as to blame Frankenstein for all of the murders. If Frankenstein had accepted responsibility for his creation than none of the murders would have occurred. Frankenstein was even given a second chance to repair the damage he caused by creating another creation, but female, in order to comfort the monster. Yet again he refuses and only strengthens the anger and revenge that the monster feels toward him. Every bad action by the monster leads directly back to Frankenstein and his selfish sense of being.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Frankenstein 4
The monster is not a naturally wicked creature; he became bad because of his abandonment by Frankenstein and environmental factors around him. Much like a child, the creature was innocent and kind in the beginning of his life and was then forced to face the harsh realities of the world alone. One does not have angry feelings at birth, or in this case creation. Some horrible act creates that feeling of hatred and revenge that leads to an evil being.
To be brought into this world by someone and then abandoned by that same person can cause emotional trauma. When the creature is left behind by Frankenstein to fend for himself without any guidance, feelings of anger and hatred begin to arise. His confused and naive self is forced to survive and learn on his own. The creature has no one to direct him through life and help him when he becomes confused by all new, unknown things. His only coping mechanism is to lash out with anger when he is rejected time and time again by everyone.
Environmental factors such as society also brought about the wickedness of the monster. In the beginning of his life the creature witnessed the love and acceptance of a companion and family. Yet the only interaction he receives is hated and fear from all who come in contact with him. The creature must cope with prejudice and judgmental people who refuse to give him a chance. When no one understands you or how you're feeling, anger becomes the number one emotion which over rides practical thinking for the creature.
Like any human being the creature desired human contact and a sense of belonging to someone or something. When he is denied this in an unfair manor the creature becomes somewhat evil and wants revenge on the one who gave him this hellish life. It was not present in him from the beginning but grew because of bad parenting and negative environmental factors.
To be brought into this world by someone and then abandoned by that same person can cause emotional trauma. When the creature is left behind by Frankenstein to fend for himself without any guidance, feelings of anger and hatred begin to arise. His confused and naive self is forced to survive and learn on his own. The creature has no one to direct him through life and help him when he becomes confused by all new, unknown things. His only coping mechanism is to lash out with anger when he is rejected time and time again by everyone.
Environmental factors such as society also brought about the wickedness of the monster. In the beginning of his life the creature witnessed the love and acceptance of a companion and family. Yet the only interaction he receives is hated and fear from all who come in contact with him. The creature must cope with prejudice and judgmental people who refuse to give him a chance. When no one understands you or how you're feeling, anger becomes the number one emotion which over rides practical thinking for the creature.
Like any human being the creature desired human contact and a sense of belonging to someone or something. When he is denied this in an unfair manor the creature becomes somewhat evil and wants revenge on the one who gave him this hellish life. It was not present in him from the beginning but grew because of bad parenting and negative environmental factors.
Frankenstein 3
Frankenstein shares the guilt of the creatures crimes immensely throughout the novel. He created the creature and therefore every crime the creature commits is directly related to Frankenstein. Instead of caring for the creature and helping or comforting it, Frankenstein abandons it and doesn't take responsibility for his own creation. Frankenstein learns that being a coward and running away does not solve all of his problems with the creature. No matter what he will always be responsible for his creation and whatever actions the creature does is a reflection on Frankenstein.
From the beginning Frankenstein has shown how morally blind he really is. To go against the laws of nature and bring to life something that was once dead shows how Frankenstein's sense of morals are off. Once the creature is made Frankenstein deserts him all because of his physical appearance. Instead of attempting to comfort or be civil towards his own creation Frankenstein splits and leaves a lonely, confused creature to fend for itself in a world where people are judgmental. Frankenstein also remains silent about his creation which is another way in which his morals are corrupt. After the death of his brother, Frankenstein should have come out with the truth and proved the innocence of the poor girl Justine but instead he says nothing. Their deaths are on his conscience and he could have avoided all this guilt and sorrow if he'd come forward with the truth. His humanity is being stripped away with every decision he makes.
Most of Frankenstein's remorse is directed mainly at himself. Frankenstein had the power to come forth with the truth and prevent all of these deaths of innocent people but he didn't. His sorrow is not for them it's always about him. He has been alone and secluded for so many years that he doesn't feel any strong emotion for other human beings. Therefore you can't trust what Frankenstein says because every action he makes goes against it. He became so involved with his work on the creature that everything else became less important.
The monster could be the true inner thoughts and feelings that Frankenstein has but is too scared to admit. Frankenstein could easily be this man who thinks all too highly of himself which makes everyone around him and threat or enemy. The monster is simply that side of Frankenstein that he refuses to accept or believe exists and can blame the creature for everything instead of taking responsibility for himself and owning up to his own mistakes.
From the beginning Frankenstein has shown how morally blind he really is. To go against the laws of nature and bring to life something that was once dead shows how Frankenstein's sense of morals are off. Once the creature is made Frankenstein deserts him all because of his physical appearance. Instead of attempting to comfort or be civil towards his own creation Frankenstein splits and leaves a lonely, confused creature to fend for itself in a world where people are judgmental. Frankenstein also remains silent about his creation which is another way in which his morals are corrupt. After the death of his brother, Frankenstein should have come out with the truth and proved the innocence of the poor girl Justine but instead he says nothing. Their deaths are on his conscience and he could have avoided all this guilt and sorrow if he'd come forward with the truth. His humanity is being stripped away with every decision he makes.
Most of Frankenstein's remorse is directed mainly at himself. Frankenstein had the power to come forth with the truth and prevent all of these deaths of innocent people but he didn't. His sorrow is not for them it's always about him. He has been alone and secluded for so many years that he doesn't feel any strong emotion for other human beings. Therefore you can't trust what Frankenstein says because every action he makes goes against it. He became so involved with his work on the creature that everything else became less important.
The monster could be the true inner thoughts and feelings that Frankenstein has but is too scared to admit. Frankenstein could easily be this man who thinks all too highly of himself which makes everyone around him and threat or enemy. The monster is simply that side of Frankenstein that he refuses to accept or believe exists and can blame the creature for everything instead of taking responsibility for himself and owning up to his own mistakes.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Frankenstein 2
Acts of rebellion are present throughout the ages by a wide range of individuals. The myth of Prometheus is a prime example of such behavior and the tale of Frankenstein is a modern retelling of it; making Frankenstein a "Promethean character". There is a common theme present in both stories along with two main characters that experience an unfortunate fate because of their actions.
By creating the creature, Frankenstein goes against the natural laws of the world and how life is supposed to be made. He refuses to abide by the rules of life and creates man, essentially taking that power away from God just as Prometheus did when he created civilization and stole fire from Zeus. Frankenstein's obsession and passion with knowledge and the unknown are very similar to Prometheus who was also very intelligent and helped man create civilization. Eventually their ambition and hunger led to an unfortunate fate of misery and pain. For Frankenstein he was plagued with his abominable creature who killed everyone close to him and made his life a living hell. Prometheus was chained to rocks and had his liver eaten daily, done so by Zeus whom Prometheus betrayed. In the end both learned their lesson to not undermine the Gods and the natural order of the world.
The hunger and drive for more knowledge is what connects the two characters Frankenstein and Dr. Faustus. Their want for more leads both of them down a disastrous road which they can no longer make right. As both men acquire knowledge from books, they soon have an urge to learn even more; more than anyone else knows. The element of magic fascinates both men and so they go to extreme lengths to learn even more. Frankenstein surrounds himself with his work and completes a creation which haunts him for the rest of his life. Dr. Faustus makes an agreement with the Devil to learn more and acquire the power of magic for 24 years but must take is soul when the time is up. Their thirst for power blinded them from the truth and both experienced a gruesome fate because of it.
By creating the creature, Frankenstein goes against the natural laws of the world and how life is supposed to be made. He refuses to abide by the rules of life and creates man, essentially taking that power away from God just as Prometheus did when he created civilization and stole fire from Zeus. Frankenstein's obsession and passion with knowledge and the unknown are very similar to Prometheus who was also very intelligent and helped man create civilization. Eventually their ambition and hunger led to an unfortunate fate of misery and pain. For Frankenstein he was plagued with his abominable creature who killed everyone close to him and made his life a living hell. Prometheus was chained to rocks and had his liver eaten daily, done so by Zeus whom Prometheus betrayed. In the end both learned their lesson to not undermine the Gods and the natural order of the world.
The hunger and drive for more knowledge is what connects the two characters Frankenstein and Dr. Faustus. Their want for more leads both of them down a disastrous road which they can no longer make right. As both men acquire knowledge from books, they soon have an urge to learn even more; more than anyone else knows. The element of magic fascinates both men and so they go to extreme lengths to learn even more. Frankenstein surrounds himself with his work and completes a creation which haunts him for the rest of his life. Dr. Faustus makes an agreement with the Devil to learn more and acquire the power of magic for 24 years but must take is soul when the time is up. Their thirst for power blinded them from the truth and both experienced a gruesome fate because of it.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Frankenstein 1
For hundreds of years scientists have existed and are continuously making advancements in a multitude of different studies. From extremist thinkers such as Agrippa and Magnus to modern experiments like stem cell research, limits to what man should know and be able to do have been stretched throughout the years. Pushing these limits, however, has caused disruption amongst society due to certain peoples beliefs being overlooked. One persons morals is not the same as the next, which has caused the well known argument over science or moral beliefs.
The extent of what one will accept is based on their morals. Scientists like Agrippa, Paracelsus, Magnus, and Darwin all had radical and innovative ideas, which one needs in order to advance in their study. However, not everyone can agree and support their ideas because of their own moral beliefs. Scientists venture into the unknown, which most people fear and therefore they choose to disagree with their choices.
With that said, man should fear the power of science when it comes to the creation of life. Just as a parent is with its child, a creator would have immense responsibility for its experiment. The acts of the experiment are a reflection on the creator, whether they are good or bad. Although fiction, Frankenstein is a perfect example of someone who does not take responsibility for its creation and has no choice but to deal with the negative consequences that ensue.
Caution should always be taken by scientists when their creations begin to disrupt moral ethics. They must ask themselves is this achievement really for the greater good? Or will it turn disastrous like the tale of Frankenstein and his creature? Fear of the power of science can help to make a wise decision by looking at it from multiple angles and weighing the pros and cons.
The extent of what one will accept is based on their morals. Scientists like Agrippa, Paracelsus, Magnus, and Darwin all had radical and innovative ideas, which one needs in order to advance in their study. However, not everyone can agree and support their ideas because of their own moral beliefs. Scientists venture into the unknown, which most people fear and therefore they choose to disagree with their choices.
With that said, man should fear the power of science when it comes to the creation of life. Just as a parent is with its child, a creator would have immense responsibility for its experiment. The acts of the experiment are a reflection on the creator, whether they are good or bad. Although fiction, Frankenstein is a perfect example of someone who does not take responsibility for its creation and has no choice but to deal with the negative consequences that ensue.
Caution should always be taken by scientists when their creations begin to disrupt moral ethics. They must ask themselves is this achievement really for the greater good? Or will it turn disastrous like the tale of Frankenstein and his creature? Fear of the power of science can help to make a wise decision by looking at it from multiple angles and weighing the pros and cons.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)