Frankenstein (Carla L Greene)


 

quote + page number

questions/comments

“I arrived here yesterday; and my first task is to assure my dear sister of my welfare, and increasing confidence in the success of my undertaking.” pg 1, letter 1

I feel like the character, Frankenstein, really cares about his family and he finds in important to inform him of his happiness and how he is doing. E

“Heaven shower down blessings on you, and save me, that I may again and again testify my gratitude for all your love and kindness.” pg 3, letter 1

Again, Frankenstein is really grateful for his family. I feel like he wished the best for them and he has faith that things will go well for himself as well. E

“Well, these are useless complaints; I shall certainly find no friend on the wide ocean, nor even here in Archangel, among merchants and seamen.” pg 5, letter 2

I think that since he’s a scientist, Frankenstein might think he’s better than others..? Like the merchants and seamen. Either that, or he’s just really lonely where he’s at and has lost hope of being successful and doing well. P

“I dare not expect expect such success, yet I cannot bear to look on the reverse of the picture.” pg 6, letter 2

Okay, so I guess I was right about losing hope for success. He doesn’t want to expect success, but he can’t see it any other way..? I don’t really know, this kind of confuses me. It seems like a contradiction. CL

“But success shall crown my endeavours.” pg 7, letter 3

So, this tells me that Frankenstein is OVERLY confident. He is sure that his attempts will be successful. I feel like this could be foreshadowing a turn of events, where his success does not happen the way he wants it to. P

“What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?” pg 7, letter 3

For me, something that can stop my determination and keep me from persevering, is being let down. If something happens to me that is so hurtful, or just a complete failure, I will not want to try anymore. I do not want to be let down. C

“Two days passed in this manner before he was able to speak; and I often feared that his sufferings had deprived him of understanding.” pg 9, letter 4

Frankenstein is a caring individual. I think that he is pretty aware of what other people or things are feeling. A little part of Frankenstein does care about this monster, but I feel like he’s mostly just afraid that he has failed, especially if this being isn’t as advanced as he wanted it to be. R

“Yesterday the stranger said to me, “You may easily perceive, Captain Walton, that I have suffered great and unparalleled misfortunes. I had determined, at one time, that the memory of these evils should die with me, but you have won me to alter my determination…” pg 13, letter 4

Frankenstein wants to share this story of failure, even though it hurts him, just to protect other people from making the same mistakes? Q

“But when he entered, misery and despair alone welcomed him.” pg 15, ch 1

Now, the book is starting to have a less optimistic tone, Everything is starting to seem more negative and less focused on success. E

“My mother’s tender caresses and my father’s smile of benevolent pleasure while regarding me, are my first recollections.” pg 16, ch 1

I think the author is trying to emphasize how “normal” of a childhood Frankenstein had. His parents loved him, he had no big childhood trauma. He was raised with love. E

“He was a boy of singular talent and fancy. He loved enterprise, hardship, and even danger for its own sake.” pg 19, ch 2

I don’t understand this part, really. Why would someone enjoy going through hard times and danger? This doesn’t make sense to me. Q

“It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my enquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world.” pg 19, ch 2

Frankenstein wants to know everything about everything. I feel like he’s fascinated by the secrets of the universe and just discovering everything there is to know. He wants to know the physical, as well as the mental aspects of people and the way they work. He is a curious human being. R

“My departure was therefore fixed at an early date; but, before the day resolved upon could arrive, the first misfortune of my life occurred-- an omen, as it were, of my future misery.” pg 23, ch 3

I wonder what the omen is? Maybe the monster will be the omen and what will be causing the misery? Q

“It is so long before the mind can persuade itself that she, whom we saw every day, and whose very existence appeared apart of our own, can have departed forever--” pg 24, ch 3

This reminds me of my grandpa. I miss him so much and it’s hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that he is actually gone. It’s been 7 months and I still don’t truly believe it. Death is a sad thing and I could never imagine losing someone that you saw every single day. I’ve lost friends that mean a lot (who I saw everyday), but they aren’t gone forever… C

“In a thousand ways he smoothed for me the path of knowledge, and made the most abstruse enquiries clear and facile to my apprehension.” pg 29, ch 4

I don’t really understand this. All of those words are kind of confusing me and it seems like a bit of a contradiction. “Abstruse” means difficult to understand, buy how is something difficult to understand if it’s clear and simplistic? Q

“To examine the causes of life, we must first have recourse to death.” pg 30, ch 4

I think that the author is trying to say that in order to understand life, we have to use death. Life and death is a cycle and I feel like you need one to understand the other. Why do things exist, if they don’t eventually come to an end? Why do things die, if they were put on earth to exist? I feel like this quote might foreshadow to interrupting the cycle of life and death by doing things that might not normally take place in nature (like bringing something back to life). Q, E

“The different accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings of human nature.” pg 35, ch 5

I feel like the author might be trying to say that things that happen, happen. But it’s how you act towards them that makes all the difference. For example, I lost a few of my best friends. I could either choose to mope around and be sad about it, or I can just live my life and attempt to be happy. E, R, C

“I feel the greatest remorse for the disappointment of which I have been the occasion; but you will forgive me.” pg 39, ch 5

I think that it is bold for Frankenstein to assume that he will be forgiven. You can’t expect people to forgive you, it’s manipulative and just not right. E

“When my dearest aunt died, every one was too much occupied in their own grief to notice poor Justine, who has attended her illness with the most anxious affection.” pg 41, ch 6

This isn’t necessarily my life, but I do think that when a family member dies, the world stops. Every problem that could have existed comes to an end. I think that it is very realistic for people to only focus on the death and how to cope with it, instead of paying attention to problems that are still on-going (like a mental illness). I think that grief can make people selfish. R

“My own spirits were high, and I bounded along with the feelings of unbridled joy and hilarity.” pg 46, ch 6

I feel like this happiness will not be long-lived. I feel like things could potentially go wrong. This book has patterns of happiness being washed away by hardships and sadness. P

“Tears, unrestrained, fell from my brother's eyes; a sense of mental agony crept over my frame.” pg 52, ch 7

Frankenstein and his brother have a close connection. When he sees his brother cry, Frankenstein is hurt so so deeply. I think it’s sweet to have such a loving connection, but I don’t know what it’s like to be hurt when a sibling is suffering. C, R

“This speech calmed me.” pg 53, ch 7

I kind of relate to this. I feel like something as simple as words can really make a difference in a life. Kind of like Ted Talks. Those speeches are so inspiring and could really evoke the sense of calmness within an individual. C

“I passed a night of unmingled wretchedness.” pg 57, ch 8

Frankenstein’s happiness did not last long. He seems like he’s just a sad person and happiness is not a very common theme in his life. CL

“My passionate and indignant appeals were lost upon them.” pg 60, ch 8

This tells me that people don’t really pay much attention to Frankenstein… Even when he begs, what he says is not acknowledged. R

“Remorse extinguished every hope.” pg 62, ch 9

I feel like guilt can get rid of hope. When I’m guilty, I don’t really want to do anything. I feel like hope is fragile and any type of negative feeling can eradicate it. If you’re feeling bad about something, why would you want to have faith that good things will happen to you? C, R

“Sometimes I could cope with the sullen despair that overwhelmed me: but sometimes the whirlwind passions of my soul drove me to seek, by bodily exercise and by change of place, some relief from my intolerable sensations.” pg 64, ch 9

This kind of reminds me of myself. Sometimes, I find it really hard to deal with my feelings, especially since they’re so strong half the time. I feel like a way to help those deep feelings is just by changing your environment, kind of like trying something new. Being in a place that isn’t associated with negative connotations is really helpful. It lifts a weight off of your shoulders. C

“As I said this, I suddenly beheld the figure of a man at some distance, advancing towards me with superhuman speed.” pg 68, ch 10

I wonder what Frankenstein was thinking at this point. I would have been so scared if some type of monster charged me. I mean, what could you do if something obviously faster than you was coming? Q

“On you it rests, whether I quit forever the neighbourhood of man and lead a harmless life, or become the scourge of your fellow creatures, and the author of your own speech ruin.” pg 70, ch 10

The monster seems to be so manipulative… He is giving Frankenstein an ultimatum and is trying to get his way. I don’t know,  the whole situation is pretty sketchy. It must be really tough on Frankenstein to essentially determine whether people live or die. The monster could choose to do good on his own, but instead he’s putting all the pressure and all of the blame on Frankenstein. E, R

“‘Soon a gentle light stole over the heavens, and gave me a sensation of pleasure…” pg 71, ch 11

Everything in this book has some sort of hope/faith, but I feel like it’ll all come crashing down at some point. Sure, right now the monster is feeling pretty chill and hopeful, but it will all eventually be ruined by something, one way or another. Feeling good is not permanent. P, R

“‘Here then I retreated, and lay down happy to have found a shelter, however miserable, from the inclemency of the season, and still more from the barbarity of man.” pg 74, ch 11

The monster reminds me of an actual human. He is grateful to have a roof over his head, but it probably feels like something is still missing; he wants more. The weather is bothersome, which is a reasonable complaint if you’re living outside and human nature seems to be repulsive. The monster relates more to people than he’s given credit for. R, E

“‘The trait of kindness moved me sensibly. I had been accustomed during the night, to steal part of their store for my own consumption; but when I found that in doing this I inflicted pain in the cottagers, I abstained…” pg 78, ch 12 

This kind of reminds me of one of my ap psych readings. The reading was about morality and it gave different dilemmas and then they asked kids, of different ages, what they would do. One of the dilemmas was about this guy who’s wife had cancer and the only way of getting the cure was to steal it from the guy that made it, and he did. C

“‘My thoughts now became more active, and I longed to discover the motives and feelings of these lovely creatures…” pg 80, ch 12

Contrary to popular belief, monsters do have feelings! I feel like in this book the monster gives off the impression of being relatable and kind. He thinks of humans as “lovely” and he feels the need to learn about them. The monster is a good, kind, curious character at heart. E

“I ardently desired to understand them, and bent every faculty towards that purpose, but found it utterly impossible.” pg 83, ch 13

The monster is like Frankenstein; he wants to understand and know everything. But it seems to be more difficult for the monster to understand, because he has no prior knowledge or education involving people, or anything else. C

“‘Other lessons were impressed upon me even more deeply.” pg 85, ch 13

I feel like this is true for all living things. Depending on the individual, lessons can be taken to heart, or barely given a second thought. According to the monster, some of the lessons he learned seemed to be of some value. They probably stayed with the monster and were, more than likely, in the back of his mind constantly. R

“...and it was judged that his religion and wealth rather than the crime alleged against him had been the cause of his condemnation.” pg 86, ch 14

This is true of the whole world, honestly. Just think of what’s going on now, especially with our current “president.” The Muslim ban?? The whole religion of Islam was ostricized and banned from a whole country, just for beliving in a certain thing. Sure, Trump didn’t come right out and say it was because of religion, but he outright barred a whole group of people from entering the United States!! I highly doubt this whole ban was for security either, it’s just plain prejudice. Addressing the whole wealth thing, of course people who aren’t rich are more likely to be convicted of crimes than the wealthy. Poor people don’t have the means or connections to get them out of sticky situations. They are nobodies… Unimportant to society, so it makes sense to just blame them for all of our problems, right? It’s upsetting. C, R

“He loathed the idea of his daughter being united with a Christian…” pg 88, ch 14

It’s weird to think that at some point Christianity was the religion that everyone abhorred. Now, it’s disgusting to think that some, not all, Christians are prejudice against Judaism, or Islam, or Hinduism, etc. Christianity is the “normal” religion, that isn’t judged or outcasted (most of the time). In this book, people were against Christianity. I don’t know, it’s just odd for me to think about. C, R

“Satan has his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred.’” pg 93, ch 15

This quote gives me weird vibes. It’s kind of scary that evil can have followers. In this sense, the monster is comparing himself to satan, which is concerning. It’s especially odd when you find out that the monster has indeed killed people. So basically the monster is equating himself to satan, except for that he is alone and hated. R, E

“I could have torn him limb from limb, as the lion rends the antelope. But my heart sunk within me as with bitter sickness, and I refrained.” pg 97, ch 15

The monster is well aware of his strength, but I feel like, again, he is being manipulative. He is telling the audience that he could have killed this person, but he’s a good person simply because he chose not to. I don’t really like this attitude. I feel like the monster just wants praise and validation, for choosing the right thing… but that is not how life works. E

“Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed?” pg 97, ch 16

I feel like this quote is kind of disturbing. Getting rid of existence, whether it’s suicidal or homicidal, scares me. Death that takes place purposefully should not have a place in (human) life. It’s just sad and off-putting. “...extinguish the spark of existence…” bothers me, because life is so fragile… be grateful. C, E, R

“‘I too can create desolation; my enemy is not invulnerable; this death will carry despair to him, and a thousand other miseries shall torment and destroy him.’” pg 102, ch 16

I think the monster is just trying to hurt Frankenstein at this point. He hopes that this death will break him. The monster will do anything in his power to cause pain toward Frankenstein, because he gave him life, I guess? He knows that Frankenstein is capable of being pained, probably because he (the monster) has been studying human behavior, as mentioned before. The monster just has this undying hate toward his creator. E

“I will revenge my injuries: if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear, and chiefly towards you my arch-enemy, because my creator, do I swear inextinguishable hatred.” pg 104, ch 17

This monster is really annoying. Why does Frankenstein have to be in the middle of this whole situation? The monster is his own being and is perfectly capable of making its own decisions. He is so MANIPULATIVE. “If I can’t make people love me, I’m going to hate and probably kill everyone around me,” like okay?? Why is this Frankenstein’s problem? The guy gave you life, at least be a little bit more grateful. Even if the monster absolutely hates his life, maybe he should at least TRY making the most of it? Come on. I’m sorry that the monster hates his life and is pretty much unloved, but maybe he shouldn’t have killed people? That would have been a good idea. It’s not Frankenstein’s problem, if the monster really wanted to be loved, maybe he’s actually put effort forth. Q, R

“His words had a strange effect upon me.” pg 106, ch 17

Words are powerful things and they have so many meanings behind them. Sometimes the meaning is simple and other times a message is hidden. Even simple sentences, or stories can affect different people in different ways. R

“At these moments I took refuge in the most perfect solitude.” pg 108, ch 18

I feel like taking some time alone is really beneficial when dealing with a tough time. When I deal with tough things, like my dad, or my grandpa, or even myself, I enjoy being alone. It helps me think, or in some situations, it stops me from thinking. C

“My promise fulfilled, the monster would depart forever,” pg 110, ch 18

Yes, but where is the monster going to go? Especially if he’s homicidal and in need of constant validation that he’s doing well? I feel like this won’t end up well. P, Q

“The thatch had fallen in, the walls were unplastered, and the door was off its hinges.” pg 119, ch 19

For some reason, this quote reminds me of Lord of the Flies. Those little boys lived in trash conditions (in tents, I think?) In both situations, the individuals there are not living in the best conditions and probably have to fight even harder to survive. C

“But now I went into it with cold blood, and my heart often sickened at the work of my hands.” pg 120, ch 19

Poor Frankenstein. I feel bad for him. He was just trying to do good things and he made this amazing creature… but it just backfired. Imagine how brilliant it would be to create life with just your hands, and then have to regret it because you created a vicious murderer. That would be horrible. He must feel absolutely broken knowing that his creation was ultimately the demise of his family. E, R

“I burned with rage to pursue the murderer of my peace, and precipitate him into the ocean.” pg 123, ch 20

Again, I empathize with Frankenstein. He just wants to get rid of the thing that ruined his life. Frankenstein is angry, reasonably. I feel like Frankenstein thinks that if he gets rid of the monster, there will be justice and comfort in knowing that no one else will die because  of his creation. E

“The wind was high, and the waves continually threatened the safety of my little skiff.” pg 125, ch 20

Boats are scary and being in a small boat with a lot of wind and waves would be horrifying, at least for me. But, I feel like since Frankenstein has dealt with the scariness of the monster, normal scary things don’t seem as bad anymore. I think the author might be trying to say that facing one big fear, can make everything else look insignificant. E

“Why did I not die?” pg 130, ch 21

I think Frankenstein is sort of suicidal… I know this is a difficult topic to talk about. This man seems so hopeless and lost and he more than likely blames himself for all of the homicides that the monster committed. But when it comes down to it, it is not the scientist’s fault. He didn’t do anything wrong. He didn’t make the monster kill people. Frankenstein is so hard on himself and he truly believes that he deserves to die. E

“The cup of life was poisoned for ever…” pg 134, ch 21

This is just so negative, wow. Frankenstein really lost all hope over the monster, but who wouldn’t? The family died because of HIS creation, I feel like that’s not something that you can easily get over. R, E

“Yet I fear that the same feelings now exist that made you so miserable a year ago, even perhaps augmented by time.” pg 138, ch 22

This reminds me of depression. With depression, the empty/hopeless feelings never go away, I feel like they just change with time. And of course feeling so horrible is going to make you miserable, so it sucks. But when you don't get help from such deep feelings, they don’t just disappear, they stay with you. C

“Those were the last moments in my life during which I enjoyed the feeling of happiness.” pg 142, ch 22

Personally, I think that in a way, it’s good for Frankenstein to being going through a hardship. Tough times make people stronger and it makes all of the good feelings seem more valuable. Happiness will feel so amazing when you pull yourself out of a seemingly infinite hole. He may feel like this was the last time he enjoyed happiness, but the sunshine will come back, it always does. C, R

“But why should I dwell upon the incidents that followed this last overwhelming event?” pg 146, ch 23

I can sort of connect this to myself and my life. I have a whole attitude of “what happens, happens.” Things happen for a reason, so why should I spend my time moping and thinking about things (even though I do anyway).There’s always going to be worse, so why should I care about anything. I feel like the author is trying to make Frankenstein sound more optimistic by having him think that he’s been through the worst, so maybe he will be more positive when little things go wrong. C, E

“I broke from my house, angry and distubed, and retired to meditate on some other mode of action.” pg 149, ch 23

Honestly, this kind of reminds me of therapy. I feel like I was angry and sad and just generally unhappy, so I chose another mode of action, which happened to be therapy. Therapy could be equated to meditation, I guess. C

“I have sought one who would sympathise with and love me.” pg 157, ch 24

I feel like everyone wants to be loved and everyone wants people to understand them. But sometimes, that just doesn’t happen. You can’t expect people to validate you, or feel sorry for you. The only person in the world who truly has your back, is yourself. All other people do is break you and hurt you, so I don’t understand why Frankenstein would want that, especially since he already got his heart broken by the monster. C, R, Q

“‘I shall die, and what I now feel be no longer felt.”

This is sad to me. It breaks my heart that anyone could feel this way. Someone’s feelings are so powerful, that they would rather just not exist. That is shattering. This book has so many dark themes, a lot more than I thought it would. I feel like it has themes revolving around suicide and homicide and just plain hopelessness. It’s not just about a monster. There are a lot of internal battles being fought as well. R, E