"I tried to think about Gatsby then for a moment but he was already too far away and I could only remember, without resentment, that Daisy hadn't sent a message or a flower." (pg. 183)
I thought the ending was a little unexpected. I did not expect anyone to die. It was shocking to find out that Daisy was the one to kill Myrtle. However, I was not surprised that Gatsby would take the blame for it because he truely loved Daisy. And after Gatsby was murderer for something he did not do, Tom and Daisy did not even have the decency to send flowers. Tom was partially the blame for Gatsby's murder because he lead Wilson to believe that Gatsby had an affair with his wife and ran her over with his car. But Tom did not care about Gatsby and he just packed up and left town with Daisy. I could not believe that Daisy left with Tom and that she did not attend Gatsby's funeral. Daisy was supposedly in love with Gatsby, but she would not even attend his funeral or send flowers after he was murdered for the crime she committed. I think this sums how self-abosorbed the characters were.
Monday, April 30, 2012
The Great Gatsby (9) - Symbol
"Standing behind him Michaelis saw with a shock that he was looking at the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg which had just emerged pale and enormous from the dissolving night." (pg. 167)
The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are an important symbol. The billboard had a constant presence in the story. Whenever they went into the city, Nick mentioned something about the eyes. Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's eyes symbolize God. They are always present and watching the characters' action. But they are only watching; they do not interfere in the characters' lives. Dr. Eckleburg watches the characters have affairs and even Myrtle's death, but does not step in to stop any of it. God acts in the same way - He is always watching over us but never takes away our free will. Wilson seems to realize this when he said, "God sees everything." as he looked at the billboard of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg.
The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are an important symbol. The billboard had a constant presence in the story. Whenever they went into the city, Nick mentioned something about the eyes. Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's eyes symbolize God. They are always present and watching the characters' action. But they are only watching; they do not interfere in the characters' lives. Dr. Eckleburg watches the characters have affairs and even Myrtle's death, but does not step in to stop any of it. God acts in the same way - He is always watching over us but never takes away our free will. Wilson seems to realize this when he said, "God sees everything." as he looked at the billboard of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg.
The Great Gatsby (8) - Dramatic Irony
"'Wreck!' said Tom. 'That's good. Wilson'll have a little business at last.'" (pg. 145)
This quote is a perfect example of dramatic irony. Tom comes across the wreck but he cannot see what happened and he says the most insensitive thing possible. The reader knows that Wilson's wife Myrtle was just killed, but Tom does not. Tom assumes that it was just a car crash and people would need auto repairs so it would be good business for Wilson. Tom did not learn that Myrtle was killed until he pushed his way through the crowd to see what happened. After he learned what happened, he probably wished he could take back what he said. Then the reader also learns that it was Daisy that killed Myrtle, which is also ironic because Myrtle was Tom's mistress.
This quote is a perfect example of dramatic irony. Tom comes across the wreck but he cannot see what happened and he says the most insensitive thing possible. The reader knows that Wilson's wife Myrtle was just killed, but Tom does not. Tom assumes that it was just a car crash and people would need auto repairs so it would be good business for Wilson. Tom did not learn that Myrtle was killed until he pushed his way through the crowd to see what happened. After he learned what happened, he probably wished he could take back what he said. Then the reader also learns that it was Daisy that killed Myrtle, which is also ironic because Myrtle was Tom's mistress.
The Great Gatsby (7) - Humor
"'...I just remembered that today's my birthday.' I was thirty. Before me stretched the portentous menacing road of a new decade." (pg. 143)
I found this statement to be a little humorous. Nick doesn't even realize that it is his own birthday. He was so caught up in the drama around him that he forgot about his birthday. And when he remember, we was not excited at all. Remembering his birthday only seemed to add to his misery. Turning thirty was another miserable event to add to his life. I thought it was funny at first, but then I felt sorry for Nick. It is sad that he views his birthday with melancholy.
I found this statement to be a little humorous. Nick doesn't even realize that it is his own birthday. He was so caught up in the drama around him that he forgot about his birthday. And when he remember, we was not excited at all. Remembering his birthday only seemed to add to his misery. Turning thirty was another miserable event to add to his life. I thought it was funny at first, but then I felt sorry for Nick. It is sad that he views his birthday with melancholy.
The Great Gatsby (6) - Secrecy
"When I asked him what his business was he answered 'That's my affair'..." (pg. 95)
Secrecy is central to this book. Almost everyone has secrets. Tom is having an affair with Myrtle. Daisy loves Gatsby. But the character with the most secrets is Gatsby. No one really knows what he does for a living and he does his best to keep it a mystery. In the quote above, Nick askes Gatsby what his job is and he becomes defensive, basically telling Nick to mind his own business. There were a bunch of wild rumors about Gatsby, but no one knew if the rumors were true or not and Gatsby did not say anything to disprove them. Each character's secrets led to mystery and unhappyness.
Secrecy is central to this book. Almost everyone has secrets. Tom is having an affair with Myrtle. Daisy loves Gatsby. But the character with the most secrets is Gatsby. No one really knows what he does for a living and he does his best to keep it a mystery. In the quote above, Nick askes Gatsby what his job is and he becomes defensive, basically telling Nick to mind his own business. There were a bunch of wild rumors about Gatsby, but no one knew if the rumors were true or not and Gatsby did not say anything to disprove them. Each character's secrets led to mystery and unhappyness.
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Great Gatsby (5) - Foreshadowing
"They shook hands briefly and a strained, unfamiliar look of embarrassment came over Gatsby's face." (pg. 78)
This quote is from chapter 4 when Nick is eating lunch with Gatsby in the city and they run into Tom. Tom mentions to Nick that Daisy is upset that he has not come over lately, then Nick introduces Mr. Gatsby to Tom. Gatsby seemed a little uneasy when he met Tom and he disappeared a few minutes later. I think this is a little bit of foreshadowing because Gatsby reaction to Tom made it seem like he knew him for somewhere. I am not sure if Gatsby recongnized Tom or not, but it seem like he did. So I think they will meet again later in the book and it will not be very pleasant. Then later in chapter 4, Gatsby revealed to Nick that he knew Dasiy and he wanted to meet with her. I think this will cause problems between Gatsby and Tom because Tom will not want Daisy seeing another man.
This quote is from chapter 4 when Nick is eating lunch with Gatsby in the city and they run into Tom. Tom mentions to Nick that Daisy is upset that he has not come over lately, then Nick introduces Mr. Gatsby to Tom. Gatsby seemed a little uneasy when he met Tom and he disappeared a few minutes later. I think this is a little bit of foreshadowing because Gatsby reaction to Tom made it seem like he knew him for somewhere. I am not sure if Gatsby recongnized Tom or not, but it seem like he did. So I think they will meet again later in the book and it will not be very pleasant. Then later in chapter 4, Gatsby revealed to Nick that he knew Dasiy and he wanted to meet with her. I think this will cause problems between Gatsby and Tom because Tom will not want Daisy seeing another man.
The Great Gatsby (4) - dialect
"I thought you knew, old sport. I'm afraid I'm not a very good host." (pg. 52)
Dialect is a distinct variety of a language that differs from the standard language. At times, Gatsby seems to have his own dialect because he used phrases that are uncommon during that time. He says "old sport" all the time and it is kind of strange because it is a phrase that someone from his generation would not commonly use. The phrase makes him seem like he knows more than other people and gives him a feeling of authority. He uses this phrase as a sign of his wealth and superiority. Many social groups seem to have their own dialect that set them apart from others and the wealthy are no exception. Each group's dialect reflects their behaivor and manner by which they live. Gatsby's use phrases like "old sport" also reflect his manner. At one point, Nick is frustrated by Gatsby becasue of his use of the phrase. Nick does not like Gatsby assumption that Nick will do what he wants. However, Gatsby's actions make him seem more realistic.
Dialect is a distinct variety of a language that differs from the standard language. At times, Gatsby seems to have his own dialect because he used phrases that are uncommon during that time. He says "old sport" all the time and it is kind of strange because it is a phrase that someone from his generation would not commonly use. The phrase makes him seem like he knows more than other people and gives him a feeling of authority. He uses this phrase as a sign of his wealth and superiority. Many social groups seem to have their own dialect that set them apart from others and the wealthy are no exception. Each group's dialect reflects their behaivor and manner by which they live. Gatsby's use phrases like "old sport" also reflect his manner. At one point, Nick is frustrated by Gatsby becasue of his use of the phrase. Nick does not like Gatsby assumption that Nick will do what he wants. However, Gatsby's actions make him seem more realistic.
The Great Gatsby (3) - Symbol
"This is a valley of ashes-a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens, where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke..." (pg. 27)
As Nick went to the city with Tom one day, he described a valley of ashes about half way between the West Egg and New York. It is a piece of desolate land where industrial ashes were dumped. Above is Nick's description of the grey land and the dust above it. This valley of ashes is a symbol of the decay of the American dream. The extremely wealthy people indulge themselves for pleasure with no regard for anyone else, which led to the decay. I think its location between the West Egg and New York also help reinforce the idea of social and moral decay because people viewed the city as an opportunity for money and pleasure. Wealthy people would live lavish lives on the West Egg and go into the city for more pleasure. The valley of ashes between these two place represent how people's pursuit of wealth lead to the decay of the American dream for the poor or middle class.
As Nick went to the city with Tom one day, he described a valley of ashes about half way between the West Egg and New York. It is a piece of desolate land where industrial ashes were dumped. Above is Nick's description of the grey land and the dust above it. This valley of ashes is a symbol of the decay of the American dream. The extremely wealthy people indulge themselves for pleasure with no regard for anyone else, which led to the decay. I think its location between the West Egg and New York also help reinforce the idea of social and moral decay because people viewed the city as an opportunity for money and pleasure. Wealthy people would live lavish lives on the West Egg and go into the city for more pleasure. The valley of ashes between these two place represent how people's pursuit of wealth lead to the decay of the American dream for the poor or middle class.
The Great Gatsby (2) - Setting
"Twenty miles from the city a pair of enormous eggs, identical in contour and separated only by a courtesy bay, jut out into the most domesticated body of salt water in the Western Hemisphere, the great wet barnyard of Long Island Sound." (pg. 9)
The setting of this story is very important. So far most of the story takes place on the West Egg, where Nick lives. Across the bay, is the East egg which is very similiar in shape to the West Egg. However, even though they are similiar in shape, they are completely different in every other aspect. The East Egg is more respected and elegant. The West Egg represents the newly weathly and some millionaires that waste money. As I mentioned before, Nick lives on the West Egg next to Mr. Gatsby. Nick labels his house as an eyesore compared to Gatsby's mansion. In addition to the East and West Eggs of Long Island, part of the story takes place in New York City. The city represents money and pleasure, since Tom goes to the city to have an affair and have a good time. So each setting reflects on a different aspect of society during that time period.
The setting of this story is very important. So far most of the story takes place on the West Egg, where Nick lives. Across the bay, is the East egg which is very similiar in shape to the West Egg. However, even though they are similiar in shape, they are completely different in every other aspect. The East Egg is more respected and elegant. The West Egg represents the newly weathly and some millionaires that waste money. As I mentioned before, Nick lives on the West Egg next to Mr. Gatsby. Nick labels his house as an eyesore compared to Gatsby's mansion. In addition to the East and West Eggs of Long Island, part of the story takes place in New York City. The city represents money and pleasure, since Tom goes to the city to have an affair and have a good time. So each setting reflects on a different aspect of society during that time period.
The Great Gatsby (1) - Characterization
"...I'm inclined to reserve all judgements, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores." (pg. 5)
Nick is the narrator of this story and he begins by telling the reader a little about himself. The quote above tells us that he reserves judgement of others. This characteristic drew many people to him. Some people were curious and entertaining while others were very boring. He said that people came to confide in him even though he didn't want them to because he didn't judge them. To me, this characterizes Nick as quiet, open-minded, and reflective. He likes to keep to himself, but his personality draws people to him. It drew Mr. Gatsby to him and lead him to confide his secrets in Nick. I think he is a perfect narrator because others find it easy to confide in him.
Nick is the narrator of this story and he begins by telling the reader a little about himself. The quote above tells us that he reserves judgement of others. This characteristic drew many people to him. Some people were curious and entertaining while others were very boring. He said that people came to confide in him even though he didn't want them to because he didn't judge them. To me, this characterizes Nick as quiet, open-minded, and reflective. He likes to keep to himself, but his personality draws people to him. It drew Mr. Gatsby to him and lead him to confide his secrets in Nick. I think he is a perfect narrator because others find it easy to confide in him.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Frankenstein (10)
"Oh, Frankenstein! generous and self-devoted being! what does it avail that I now ask thee to pardon me?" (pg. 163)
Really! Now the creature is sorry for actions. I'm not really sure if I believe that he is sorry. He did not try to apologize or ask for forgiveness until Victor died. I think if he was truely sorry he would have stopped killing people and asks for forgiveness sooner. The creature tells Walton that envy and jealously were the reasons for his actions. Even though that part of his explanation may be true, I do not believe that he was truely sorry for his actions. I think that he no longer had a purpose or reason for killing when Victor died because he only killed people Victor loved and ther was no one left to kill.
Really! Now the creature is sorry for actions. I'm not really sure if I believe that he is sorry. He did not try to apologize or ask for forgiveness until Victor died. I think if he was truely sorry he would have stopped killing people and asks for forgiveness sooner. The creature tells Walton that envy and jealously were the reasons for his actions. Even though that part of his explanation may be true, I do not believe that he was truely sorry for his actions. I think that he no longer had a purpose or reason for killing when Victor died because he only killed people Victor loved and ther was no one left to kill.
Frankenstein (9) - Repetition
"I shall be with you on your wedding-night." (pg. 123)
The above quote was repeated many times in the last half of the novel. The repetition was used to emphasize the importance of the phrase. The creature said this to Victor when Victor destroyed the female creature he was creating. Victor understood this statement to mean that the creature was going to kill him on his wedding night. However, the creature meant he wasgoing to kill Elizabeth because if he had to be lonely, he was going to force Victor to be lonely too. But Victor wastoo self-absorbed to realize this and Elizabeth was killed on their wedding night.
The above quote was repeated many times in the last half of the novel. The repetition was used to emphasize the importance of the phrase. The creature said this to Victor when Victor destroyed the female creature he was creating. Victor understood this statement to mean that the creature was going to kill him on his wedding night. However, the creature meant he wasgoing to kill Elizabeth because if he had to be lonely, he was going to force Victor to be lonely too. But Victor wastoo self-absorbed to realize this and Elizabeth was killed on their wedding night.
Frankenstein (8) - Nature vs. Nurture
"I am malicious because I am miserable." (pg. 104)
A major theme of the novel is nature vs. nurture. In the beginning, the reader is led to believe that the creature was evil from creation because of Victor's reaction. However, the creature argues that he was good in nature. He became evil because of the way he was treated. The creature believes his actions were caused by his loneliness and misery. The creature was kind and took care of the DeLaceys even though they did not know it. He did not turn against humans until people attacked him. First, the DeLaceys ran him off and then he was shot when he saved a little girl. He claimed this was the reason for his evil actions. So the question is whether it was nature or nurture that made the creature evil?
A major theme of the novel is nature vs. nurture. In the beginning, the reader is led to believe that the creature was evil from creation because of Victor's reaction. However, the creature argues that he was good in nature. He became evil because of the way he was treated. The creature believes his actions were caused by his loneliness and misery. The creature was kind and took care of the DeLaceys even though they did not know it. He did not turn against humans until people attacked him. First, the DeLaceys ran him off and then he was shot when he saved a little girl. He claimed this was the reason for his evil actions. So the question is whether it was nature or nurture that made the creature evil?
Frankenstein (7) - Death
"As night approached, I found myself at the entrance of the cemetery where William, Elizabeth, and my father reposed."
Death, death, death. First William died, then Justine, followed by Henry, Elizabeth, and Victor's father. Finally Victor died and the creature is going to die. There were so many deaths is this novel. One of the themes of the novel is the effects of death. Death caused despair and depression, especially for Victor. Victor did not handle death very well. Everytime some one he loved died, Victor became ill and led him to seek revenge. Eventually, Victor's desire for revenge led to his own death. And finally, the creature felt guilty about the murders so he killed himself.
Death, death, death. First William died, then Justine, followed by Henry, Elizabeth, and Victor's father. Finally Victor died and the creature is going to die. There were so many deaths is this novel. One of the themes of the novel is the effects of death. Death caused despair and depression, especially for Victor. Victor did not handle death very well. Everytime some one he loved died, Victor became ill and led him to seek revenge. Eventually, Victor's desire for revenge led to his own death. And finally, the creature felt guilty about the murders so he killed himself.
Frankenstein (6) - Education/Knowledge
"While I improved in speech, I also learned the science of letters as it was taught to the stranger; and this opened before me a wide field for wonder and delight." (pg. 84)
When the creature came to life, he was like a child and did not know anything. Therefore, the creature spent the first year of his life learning through observation of others. He started to learn simple words for objects by watching the DeLaceys, but he had a hard time understanding emotions. Learning became easier for the creature when Safie showed up to live with the family because they had to teach her their language. So as Felix taught Safie French, the creature learned it as well. He listened to Felix read Ruins of Empires and learned about ancient empires. Then, he continued to learn different aspects of life by reading books that he found in the forest. From these books, the creature learned about death and suicide, admiration and love, and Adam and the devil. After gaining all this knowledge about the past and humans, he began to question his life. Where he came from and why he was different? His knowledge only led to more questions and eventually violence.
When the creature came to life, he was like a child and did not know anything. Therefore, the creature spent the first year of his life learning through observation of others. He started to learn simple words for objects by watching the DeLaceys, but he had a hard time understanding emotions. Learning became easier for the creature when Safie showed up to live with the family because they had to teach her their language. So as Felix taught Safie French, the creature learned it as well. He listened to Felix read Ruins of Empires and learned about ancient empires. Then, he continued to learn different aspects of life by reading books that he found in the forest. From these books, the creature learned about death and suicide, admiration and love, and Adam and the devil. After gaining all this knowledge about the past and humans, he began to question his life. Where he came from and why he was different? His knowledge only led to more questions and eventually violence.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Frankenstein (5) - The Creature
"I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous." (pg. 69)
My first impression of the creature was that he was a monster, given Victor's reaction when he first saw him. However, when Victor said he knew he killed his brother because he was present at the murder site, I did not think the creature killed William. I did not think the creature had any reason to kill Victor's brother. But, as I learned more about the creature and how he was treated, I started to think he probably did kill the boy. The quote above provides the reason for the creature's actions. He was treated poorly by everyone he encountered just because of his appearance. First, a man screamed and ran off at the sight of him. Then, people in the village attacked him and chased him out of the village. He did not understand anything and was like a baby, learning to walk and talk. I felt sorry for him as he told his story, but as he made it apparent that he was mistreated and people were going to pay for it, I started to lose sympathy. I think the creature killed William and I am interested to see how Victor will respond if the creature tells him he did it.
My first impression of the creature was that he was a monster, given Victor's reaction when he first saw him. However, when Victor said he knew he killed his brother because he was present at the murder site, I did not think the creature killed William. I did not think the creature had any reason to kill Victor's brother. But, as I learned more about the creature and how he was treated, I started to think he probably did kill the boy. The quote above provides the reason for the creature's actions. He was treated poorly by everyone he encountered just because of his appearance. First, a man screamed and ran off at the sight of him. Then, people in the village attacked him and chased him out of the village. He did not understand anything and was like a baby, learning to walk and talk. I felt sorry for him as he told his story, but as he made it apparent that he was mistreated and people were going to pay for it, I started to lose sympathy. I think the creature killed William and I am interested to see how Victor will respond if the creature tells him he did it.
Frankenstein (4) - Guilt
"Thus the poor suffer tried to comfort others and herself. She indeed gained the resignation she desired. But I, the true murderer, felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom, which allowed of no hope or consolation." (pg. 59)
Guilty - that was the verdict for Justine. She was found guilty for William's murder. However, Victor knew she was innocent, but he couldn't prove it. Victor saw the creature at the site of his brother's murder for the first time since it ran off. He knew as soon as he saw the creature that it killed William, but he could not save Justine without evidence. So, Justine was killed for the crime and that left Victor feeling guilty. Victor blamed himself for his brother's death because he created the monster that killed him. But, then he also felt guilty for Justine's death because she was wrongfully killed. After Justine was killed, Victor was filled with so much guilt that he could not sleep and he wandered a lot. I think his sense of guilt will lead him to try and destroy his creation so it can't cause any more harm.
Guilty - that was the verdict for Justine. She was found guilty for William's murder. However, Victor knew she was innocent, but he couldn't prove it. Victor saw the creature at the site of his brother's murder for the first time since it ran off. He knew as soon as he saw the creature that it killed William, but he could not save Justine without evidence. So, Justine was killed for the crime and that left Victor feeling guilty. Victor blamed himself for his brother's death because he created the monster that killed him. But, then he also felt guilty for Justine's death because she was wrongfully killed. After Justine was killed, Victor was filled with so much guilt that he could not sleep and he wandered a lot. I think his sense of guilt will lead him to try and destroy his creation so it can't cause any more harm.
Frankenstein (3) - Alienation & Solitude
"The summer months passed while I was thus engaged, heart and soul, in one persuit.... And the same feelings which made me neglect the scenes around me casued me also to forget those friends who were so many absent, and whom I had not seen for so long a time." (pg. 33)
Victor seems to have a way of alienating himself when he gets caught up in something. For example, when he was working through the creation process, he isolated himself. He did not interact with people in the community and forgot about his friends and family back home. The quote above shows that the only thing he though about was creating life. He did not even spend time outside during the summer or write to his family. He was only focused on making his discovery even to the point where his "person had become emaciated with confinement." Then after he created life, he still isolated himself because he was terrified by the creature he created. He was so upset that he became ill, but he still did not write to his family to let them know how he was doing. Even though his friend Henry was taking care of him, Victor did not really interact with anyone until he received a letter from Elizabeth. The letter snapped him out of his solitude and he finally wrote back to his family.
Victor seems to have a way of alienating himself when he gets caught up in something. For example, when he was working through the creation process, he isolated himself. He did not interact with people in the community and forgot about his friends and family back home. The quote above shows that the only thing he though about was creating life. He did not even spend time outside during the summer or write to his family. He was only focused on making his discovery even to the point where his "person had become emaciated with confinement." Then after he created life, he still isolated himself because he was terrified by the creature he created. He was so upset that he became ill, but he still did not write to his family to let them know how he was doing. Even though his friend Henry was taking care of him, Victor did not really interact with anyone until he received a letter from Elizabeth. The letter snapped him out of his solitude and he finally wrote back to his family.
Frankenstein (2) - Foil Characters
"... I found even in M. Krempe a great deal of sound sense and real information, combined, it is true with a repulsive physiognomy and manners .... In M. Waldman I found a true friend. His gentleness was never tinged by dogmatism, and his instructions were given with an air of frankness and good nature..." (pg. 29)
Victor's two professors, M. Krempe and M. Waldman, are foil characters. They contrast quite a bit in character and personality, especially in Victor's point of view. M. Krempe was conceited and had "a repulsive physiognomy and manners." He discouraged Victor in his studied on ancient philosophy. He even mocked Victor for spending so much time studying those ancient philosophies. M. Waldman, however, encouraged Victor. He was kind and benevolent and became a "true friend" to Victor. Waldman was really the one who helped him most because he introduced Victor to his laboratory and the different machines. Victor used the knowledge that he learned from these two men and used it to help him create his creature.
Victor's two professors, M. Krempe and M. Waldman, are foil characters. They contrast quite a bit in character and personality, especially in Victor's point of view. M. Krempe was conceited and had "a repulsive physiognomy and manners." He discouraged Victor in his studied on ancient philosophy. He even mocked Victor for spending so much time studying those ancient philosophies. M. Waldman, however, encouraged Victor. He was kind and benevolent and became a "true friend" to Victor. Waldman was really the one who helped him most because he introduced Victor to his laboratory and the different machines. Victor used the knowledge that he learned from these two men and used it to help him create his creature.
Frankenstein (1) - Frame Story
"I see by your eagerness and the wonder and hope which your eyes express, my friend, that you expect to be informed of the secret with which I am acquainted; that cannot be: ..." (pg. 31)
A frame story is a story within a story and Frankenstein is an example of this. The story begins with Walton writing about his journey and on this journey he meets a stranger. The stranger then begins to tell Walton his story, shifting the focus of the book. So, the book shifts from Walton's story to Victor's and the reader kind of forgets about Walton, until Victor reminds the reader that Walton is listening to Victor. The quote above is the excerpt where Victor reminds the reader that Walton is present. He is telling Walton his story to try to prevent Walton from making the same mistakes he made. The purpose of the frame story is to have Victor teach Walton a lesson about ambition and the search for knowledge now that he is an older, probably wiser scientist.
Another story is also told within Victor's story when the creature tells Victor his story. The purpose of this is to learn about the creature and his first few years of life. Victor did not know see the monster for almost two years, so he had no idea what he did. Therefore, in order to get a sense of the creature, he had to explain his story to Victor. As the creature continues telling his story, the reader will learn more about him and his actions.
A frame story is a story within a story and Frankenstein is an example of this. The story begins with Walton writing about his journey and on this journey he meets a stranger. The stranger then begins to tell Walton his story, shifting the focus of the book. So, the book shifts from Walton's story to Victor's and the reader kind of forgets about Walton, until Victor reminds the reader that Walton is listening to Victor. The quote above is the excerpt where Victor reminds the reader that Walton is present. He is telling Walton his story to try to prevent Walton from making the same mistakes he made. The purpose of the frame story is to have Victor teach Walton a lesson about ambition and the search for knowledge now that he is an older, probably wiser scientist.
Another story is also told within Victor's story when the creature tells Victor his story. The purpose of this is to learn about the creature and his first few years of life. Victor did not know see the monster for almost two years, so he had no idea what he did. Therefore, in order to get a sense of the creature, he had to explain his story to Victor. As the creature continues telling his story, the reader will learn more about him and his actions.
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