On the title page of Frankenstein I noticed that there is a excerpt from Paradise Lost. It says,

"Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay

To mould me Man, did I solicit thee

From darkness to promote me?"

This is very though provoking, and is perfect for the novel. I think that is applies to the novel because the monster is trying to be good, but is shunned by his creator, which eventually causing the monster to hate Victor for abandoning him and making his appearance hideous. Also, Paradise Lost in mentioned in Frankenstein more that once. The monster finds the book in a suitcase in he woods and Shelley uses excerpts from the novel in Frankenstein. Do you think that Paradise Lost influenced Mary Shelley in her writings? What do you think the excerpt means?

Symbols

As I have been reading the novel, I have noticed that fire seems to be a major symbol of Frankenstein. Such as when the monster finds a smoldering fire in the wilderness; he learns that the fire creates light in darkness, but is harmful when touched. Also the in the subtitle of the novel, Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus. Prometheus was a Greek Titan, who stole fire from the gods to give to humans. The titan was severely punished for his actions, every day a bird would eat his liver and his liver would grow back, and then the bird would come back. Just like Prometheus, Victor has done an unthinkable deed. Victor played the role of God, creating life; as a consequence, V. Frankenstein is for ever tormented by the monster he created. I think that Victor was more severely punished because he endured emotional pain, Prometheus only suffered physical pain. Which do you think is more painful? Have you noticed any other major symbols of Frankenstein?

Overwhelming Emotions

After Victor kills the female monster, he panics to dispose of the body. Victor takes rows into the Atlantic throws the remains of the corpse into the ocean. While resting in the boat, he is blown off course and the wind will not permit him to return to shore. Finally returning to town he is greeted by an angry mob, who tells Victor he is under suspicion of a murder the night before. The town's people take Victor to the local magistrate, claiming to have seen a boat like Victors' the night of the murder. Mr. Kirwin takes Victor to see the body found on the beach to see what effect it has on him; thinking that if Victor is the murder, he will react with great emotion. When he does see the body, who happens to be Henry Clerval, falls into convulsions and suffers a very long illness. After having a trial, Victor is found innocent of Clerval's murder. Have you ever been so emotional you've seemed hysterical, mad? Only reacting to the situation in your own way?

Frankenstein the play

Overall I really liked the play of Frankenstein. It was very much like the book; however, some sections of the play were not very believable. Such as when the monster has first come to life, and when the monster and Victor figure out that neither of them were supposed to kill the other. I know that it wasn't a Broadway production, but I would have like the play to be more realistic. During the play, I noticed that some of the dialogue from the novel was included into the play. All of the actors seemed to match their characters almost perfectly and the actors were extremely dedicated to their parts. I really enjoyed going to the Barter Theatre and thought that it was a five star play! What did you think of the play? was it to strung-out? What is you theatrical opinion?

The Monster is Intelligent?

After leaving Victor, the monster, is thrown into the wild...literally. The monster has to fend for himself finding food and shelter. He is like a child, having to learn all of the basics: hot, cold, light, dark, hunger, and thirst. In the wilderness he learns that a fire has a warming sensation, but is dismayed that the fire burns him. Unfortunately, the monster learns that humans are judgmental, twice he is judged as scary, evil, and a demon. Picking up on the fact that he is not welcomed around humans very quickly. Through these actions, I believe that Mary Shelley is trying to point out the flaws in our society. However, he immediately grasps the idea of feelings and emotions that his cottagers show while rooming with them. Even learning how to talk by listening to the family. He further extends his knowledge when he finds books in the forest. Forming ideals and opinions after reading them. Do you think that the monster is intelligent? will he keep forming his own opinions? But will he ever be accepted into society?

False Accusation

During Victor's recovery, he finds that his family deeply misses him and that his brother William has been murdered. Immediately departing from Ingolstadt, he arrives in Geneva to find the town closed for the night. Victor walks through the outskirts of town returning to the place of the murder, where he thinks he sees the monster. Deprived of sleep, Victor reaches the family home, where Justine has been accused of the murder. Justine confesses to the crime, but tell Elizabeth and Victor that she is innocent. Only to be executed shortly after. Have you ever falsely accused someone of doing something? or been falsely accused of something yourself?

Really? Is it that great?

In chapter five the monster is finally created, after two years of grueling work by Frankenstein! But Victor is abhorrent, after seeing the monster and examining its imperfections, to the thought or slightest reminder of the Creature. After all of Victor's work and time put into his magnificent creation he cannot bear the mention of it? I think this is because he imagined it to be a super race, a perfect person...but it wasn't and it never would be. This drove Victor into madness, forcing Henry to care for him during his illness. Have you ever thought something to be much greater than it really is? or it ever will be?

In the beginning...

In the Letters, Capt. Robert Walton is distraught by the thought of glory on his quest to the North Pole. He seems to be trying to prove himself for his failures: self-educating himself. Only to remember that he will have no one to share his "enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy." Throughout his letters he keeps reminding his sister, Margaret Saville, that he may not come home and if he does it may not be for many months. Almost asking her not to be too hopeful for his safe return.

During Chapter 1, Victor Frankenstein begins to tell Capt. Walton his story. Telling of his ancestors, birth, childhood, his parents, and adopted sister. When he speaks of his adopted sister, he shows great affection for her and says that Elizabeth was "his to protect, love, and cherish." She was always more than a sister to Victor, beginning when his mother decided from the moment of Elizabeth's adoption they would one day marry. How would a marriage to your sister turn out? If Capt. Walton does not succeed on his quest, how will Marget be affected?