"Recommended by her beauty, she had won the heart of the father of Safie, who married her. The young girl spoke in high and enthusiastic terms of her mother, who, born in freedom, spurned the bondage to which she was now reduced." (pg 111-112) This quote shows a reoccurring theme in which appearance is always a factor in peoples lives. Appearance being a major part of society guiding both men and women to be influenced in a certain way of dress or how they have to look. This quote is directly talking about how people look to those of beauty rather than those for being kind hearted and not the prettiest. This theme may not directly be inputted into a likely reality but still functions as a theme being of criticism on those who are supposed to be "perfect."
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ThemesA theme is considered to be an underlying meaning or lesson in a work of literature. It is mainly interpreted to act as a moral to be learned about a character or situation in the story or even a problem that is faced but has much more meaning than what is actually stated. For instance, a theme can range in how it is told, it can signify love, friendship, or affection to an idea of treating others the way you want to be treated or money cannot buy happiness. From the book, in chapter 9, the hidden theme of, things must be kept secret, was introduced. " This advice, although good, was totally inapplicable to my case; I should have been the first to hide my grief and console my friends if remorse had not mingled its bitterness, and terror its alarm, with my other sensations...." , this quote shows this theme because at this moment Victor is feeling extremely guilty with his conscious believing that his creation killed his younger brother, William making him keep this secret information to himself because if it gets out there would be big consequences. Another theme found throughout this book is one relating to relationships between family members and their views. Family plays an important role in most people lives and that really contributes to the fact that the theme of family is present throughout this book since Mary Shelley, herself, had a rough family life with disagreements. It begins in chapter 2 when Victor's father is against what Victor believes is true science. " A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book and said, "Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this ; it is sad trash." (pg 24). This really does describe how family is everything but they may not always agree with your choices and likes.
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AllegoryAn allegory is known as an abstract idea or principle that is mainly described through characters in all literary works, figures, and most major events. It is used as a symbolic device as well as metaphoric meanings. It conveys meaning in a way that is not so much literal giving the reader something to look for when understanding a line, verse, sentence or paragraph. Allegories present in this piece of literature, is seen as a story about the creation of a creature in human form that the leading character Victor made to prove that life is able to be recreated. The deeper meaning so far of this story is that it has to do with feelings related to family life for the author with being left and feeling of abandonment in how Victor leaves the creation as soon as it is able to move leaving him like his father did. On page 43, Victor describes " How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavored to form?". This quote directly interprets to Victors feelings of dislike toward his creation and how he will eventually leave it and the creation will get that feeling of abandonment that is so present in this book especially when dealing with treatment toward the creation/pieces. Another allegory found through the book is portrayed in chapter 15, when different literature was referenced to portray ideals of history of language and evils.
"I can hardly describe to you the effect of these books. They produced in me an infinity of new images and feelings, that sometimes raised me to ecstacy, but more frequently sunk me into the lowest dejection." (pg. 116) |
"Fortunately the books were written in the language, the elements of whichI had acquired at the cottage; they consisted of Paradise Lost, a volume of Plutarch's Lives, and the Sorrows of Werter." (pg. 116) The quote relates to a work called, Paradise Lost as well as other works that are similar. The meaning of this piece of literature being incorporated into this chapter is that it communicates to the reader that Pieces was considered an evil since he was somewhat like a monster and caused trouble in a similar way as the figure of satan described in Paradise Lost and that is why he eventually leaves Heaven in the other literature where it ties to Pieces leaving his home to find a different way of life. The symbolic meaning here being social value being different with influence of religion of people Pieces encounters really shows his potential as a being, either as a person or monster.
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"A fiendish rage animated him as he said this; his face was wrinkled into contortions too horrible for human eyes to behold; but presently he calmed himself and proceeded-" (pg.135). This quote is from The Monsters journey away from his creator and everyone involved with his creator. He acts this way in this scene because he has just encountered his creator and begins to ask him to create him a bride and he begins to get frustrated and bring out the anger that he really possesses. This really does help with the creation of the monsters Archetype of being an evil monster who is just very violent and ugly.
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ArchetypeAn archetype is a universally used symbol that refer to a concept of a term or behavior indicated by a prototype of others that is copied in a way of patterns copied for purposes of storytelling and understanding myths in relation to human experiences. They also are used as sorts of stereotypes based off interests and habits of characters. Introduced in the beginning of this book is a man named Robert Walton. He is presumedly a sailor who is intending on reaching the americas via ship by crossing over the north pole, which is a completely different way that most travelers go. The character of Walton is very compassionate and caring for others in the way he continues to send letters to his sister and he takes in a man he finds on his voyage who is almost frozen to death and soon finds out is Victor Frankenstein. A quote from the letters, "On perceiving me, the stranger addressed me in English although with a foreign accent. " Before I come on board your vessel," said he, "will you have the kindness to inform me wither you are bound?". This really portrays how welcoming not only this character is for being a sailor but also more intriguing to the reader. Then enters Victor Frankenstein as a character that will soon be known as some sort of mad scientist. We learn this once he starts to explain his reasoning to Walton as to why he is near the north pole on a dog sled. He begins to claim creation of a life form made of many people and shares his story of how he did it. The third archetype present in the book is of The Monster, who we call pieces. By his description he seems to be a hideous and ugly creation of a human made by Victor Frankenstein. Even the monster sees himself that way and as well as an evil being because he ends up murdering someone out of spite for his creator.
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