"Like one, on a lonesome road who, Doth walk in fear and dread, And, having once truned round, walks on, And turns no more his head; Because he knows a frightful fiend Doth close behind him tread."
~ Frankenstein, page 36 (Coleridge, Ancient Mariner)
So once again, I found myself looking in the themes section for what to write about, and I had a minor epiphany. Well, maybe not so much an epiphany, but just some observations about the alienation/solitude theme. I realized that not only is Cornelius pretty much in solitude the whole time, but every time Victor is caught up with him, he is dragged into that alienation. When Robert Walton finds them in the Antarctic (or wherever they are), they are completely alone. Except for the dogs. When Victor is first creating Cornelius, he neglects his family and practically everybody else because he is so devoted to that endeavor. Even the idea of Cornelius just running around in the wild makes Victor crazy and distances him from his family and peers. Cornelius is the epitome of lonely and misunderstood, which is kind of a shame, because he seems like a pretty nice person monster thing, so when Victor associates with him, he therefore is dragged into that isolation. It's like in high school when you move into another clique and then certain people avoid you because of it. Only this time, those certain people are, you know, everybody.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover - Novel Blog 3 (Frankenstein)
"I had admired the perfect forms of my cottagers - their grace, beauty, and delicate complexions: but how was I terrified, when I viewed myself in a transparent pool! At first I started back, unable to believe that it was indeed I who was reflected in the mirror; and when I became fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am, I was filled with the bitterest sensations of despondence and mortification."
~ Frankenstein, page 80
When I was looking at the list of themes in the packet we got for the book, I was really surprised that appearance wasn't one of them. I think that the relationship between physical appearance and personality is something that comes up often. First is when Victor creates Cornelius. He is so appalled by his abhorrent looks that he runs away from him multiple times and assumes that he is some kind of monster. When we get to read chapters 11 and 12, we know that Cornelius isn't actually a bad thing; he has a full gamut of emotion and even tries to work for a family that he admires from afar. He feels sympathy and wants to make other people happy (which is a lot more than can be said for most humans). Victor didn't even try to learn about him. He feared what he didn't understand simply because he looks ugly. It's like all Disney movies - you can easily tell who is good and who is evil based on appearance; the good people are always beautiful, the bad are always fat or ugly. That's what's wrong with our society - we teach children from a very young age how to spot a bad person - does he look nice? Real life is a little more complicated than that.
The other example is quite the opposite - Elizabeth. Victor's mother picked her up off the street because she was a beautiful "celestial" - looking child. While Elizabeth possesses both beauty and a compassionate personality (unlike Cornelius whose personality and appearance was incongruous), her character still represents the idea that looks are equivalent to disposition or intentions. This whole Disney notion is what drives the plot of Frankenstein and is ultimately what motivates Cornelius to do the horrible acts he does; the people cannot get past his appearance and judge him accordingly. (Okay, all these are assumptions made from previous foreshadowing in the novel and things we have kind of talked about in class; I'm not actually sure what happens.)
~ Frankenstein, page 80
When I was looking at the list of themes in the packet we got for the book, I was really surprised that appearance wasn't one of them. I think that the relationship between physical appearance and personality is something that comes up often. First is when Victor creates Cornelius. He is so appalled by his abhorrent looks that he runs away from him multiple times and assumes that he is some kind of monster. When we get to read chapters 11 and 12, we know that Cornelius isn't actually a bad thing; he has a full gamut of emotion and even tries to work for a family that he admires from afar. He feels sympathy and wants to make other people happy (which is a lot more than can be said for most humans). Victor didn't even try to learn about him. He feared what he didn't understand simply because he looks ugly. It's like all Disney movies - you can easily tell who is good and who is evil based on appearance; the good people are always beautiful, the bad are always fat or ugly. That's what's wrong with our society - we teach children from a very young age how to spot a bad person - does he look nice? Real life is a little more complicated than that.
 |
| Seriously. Pick one and tell me he/she is not hideous. |
Foreshadowing - Novel Blog 2 (Frankenstein)
"I had determined, at one time, that the memory of theses evils should die with me, but you have won me to alter my determination. You seek knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been."
Frankenstein, page 13
Foreshadowing occurs several times in the novel. The first is in the quote above, before Victor dives into the real story of how he created Cornelius. He warns Robert Walton that knowledge and wisdom can lead to destruction and misery as his did. This lets us readers know that something went wrong with the creation, which will be totally clear in the next couple of chapters. Another instance of foreshadowing is when Victor has just created Cornelius and he goes to sleep, only to dream of Elizabeth. He imagines her dying a horribly just like his mother had recently; this foreshadows her imminent death (well, I'm not completely sure; it hasn't happened yet, but it seems likely). The third instance is when Cornelius is narrating and he says that he isn't going to tolerate the actions of his enemies. This is warning us of what happens when he comes in contact with people later and the destruction he causes. These are only three times foreshadowing occurs in the novel, but I'm sure they won't be the last times before it ends.
Frankenstein, page 13
Foreshadowing occurs several times in the novel. The first is in the quote above, before Victor dives into the real story of how he created Cornelius. He warns Robert Walton that knowledge and wisdom can lead to destruction and misery as his did. This lets us readers know that something went wrong with the creation, which will be totally clear in the next couple of chapters. Another instance of foreshadowing is when Victor has just created Cornelius and he goes to sleep, only to dream of Elizabeth. He imagines her dying a horribly just like his mother had recently; this foreshadows her imminent death (well, I'm not completely sure; it hasn't happened yet, but it seems likely). The third instance is when Cornelius is narrating and he says that he isn't going to tolerate the actions of his enemies. This is warning us of what happens when he comes in contact with people later and the destruction he causes. These are only three times foreshadowing occurs in the novel, but I'm sure they won't be the last times before it ends.
Discovery - Novel Blog 1 (Frankenstein)
"I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man."
~ Frankenstein, page 1
Frankenstein was originally published in 1831, so Mary Shelley obviously had some big ideas for the book. (Really, how does an 18 year old girl come up with this??) People didn't have the technology we do today, but the idea of creating life (from nothing, not procreation) has been with us for a while. I think a big part of the novel is discovery and exploration - not only with Robert Walton's letters about his escapades at the start, but throughout the book as well. Victor's incessant desire for education and knowledge reflects this, as does the monster who is product of his ambition (who shall now be called Cornelius). During chapters 11 and 12, Cornelius describes his experiences discovering the world around him after his birth. It's human nature to want to learn more about how everything functions - and one day, we may create life from nothing. The speed at which technology is advancing suggests that that day is probably closer than expected; think about how much we have progressed in the last 100 years. Although our first attempts at playing God may not yeild super humans who have perfect grammar (I imagine them more like the Stewie and Brian clones on Family Guy), it could happen soon. I believe that our inclination to learn, explore, and discover will lead us to do the great things that Mary Shelley wrote about in the 19th century.
~ Frankenstein, page 1
Frankenstein was originally published in 1831, so Mary Shelley obviously had some big ideas for the book. (Really, how does an 18 year old girl come up with this??) People didn't have the technology we do today, but the idea of creating life (from nothing, not procreation) has been with us for a while. I think a big part of the novel is discovery and exploration - not only with Robert Walton's letters about his escapades at the start, but throughout the book as well. Victor's incessant desire for education and knowledge reflects this, as does the monster who is product of his ambition (who shall now be called Cornelius). During chapters 11 and 12, Cornelius describes his experiences discovering the world around him after his birth. It's human nature to want to learn more about how everything functions - and one day, we may create life from nothing. The speed at which technology is advancing suggests that that day is probably closer than expected; think about how much we have progressed in the last 100 years. Although our first attempts at playing God may not yeild super humans who have perfect grammar (I imagine them more like the Stewie and Brian clones on Family Guy), it could happen soon. I believe that our inclination to learn, explore, and discover will lead us to do the great things that Mary Shelley wrote about in the 19th century.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Watch These. - Drama Blog 3 (A Raisin in the Sun)
Overall, I have really liked this book. I think the thing I like best about it is that none of the characters are annoying. There are some I don't like (cough WALTER cough cough) but I can definitely tolerate reading about them and I can sympathize with them regardless. The book is so real and honest, but it also incorporates life's lighthearted, humorous moments too. I feel like there have been a lot of really good movies set in this era (20'a to 60's) that are focused on the Civil Rights Movement, slavery, and on African -American families in general.
We read Their Eyes Were Watching God last year in Sander's class, and it wasn't too bad. Not my favorite though, personally. (I don't have a video for this one; I couldn't find a good one :( )
I've never seen The Color Purple, but I've heard it's a great play and movie.
I read The Secret Life of Bees a couple years ago for a book report, and it turned out to be really good, even though I had to write several papers on it.
The Help is the newest movie about the Civil Rights Movement Era, and it evokes a whole gamut of emotion from hatred to humor to fervor for justice and change. It's fantastic.
We read Their Eyes Were Watching God last year in Sander's class, and it wasn't too bad. Not my favorite though, personally. (I don't have a video for this one; I couldn't find a good one :( )
I've never seen The Color Purple, but I've heard it's a great play and movie.
I read The Secret Life of Bees a couple years ago for a book report, and it turned out to be really good, even though I had to write several papers on it.
The Help is the newest movie about the Civil Rights Movement Era, and it evokes a whole gamut of emotion from hatred to humor to fervor for justice and change. It's fantastic.
Surroundings - Drama Blog 2 (A Raisin in the Sun)
"MAMA: What is it you want to express?
BENEATHA: Me! Don't worry - I don't expect you to understand."
~A Raisin in the Sun, page 48
Our environment is what shapes and defines our personalities not only when we are younger and developing, but also when we are older. Setting can effect people so much, even to the point that is changes their dispositions. In Raisin in the Sun, the setting particularly affects both Mama and Beneatha.
Mama is affected by the setting because she feels trapped. The apartment she lives in must be shared with many of her extended family members - her grandson Travis even sleeps on the couch every night. The tiny apartment just isn't enough room for her, which is why she puts the down payment on the house. She also probably feels trapped in a stereotype. Throughout the play, the family members (aside from Beneatha) are trying to assimilate into the middle-class American culture. The apartment is a symbol of not being able to escape the "black" ways of life, when all Mama wants is to have a good, rich life for her family. (I'm not saying they are oppressed in the apartment... but they are oppressed in the apartment.)
Beneatha is different from all the other family members. She is the most educated and has the most experience with travel. Beneatha considers moving all the way to Africa during the play. This already shows a contrast in her and her family - while her family is trying to integrate into "white society," Beneatha is completely embracing her culture. Beneatha, like Mama, feels trapped in her setting; however, she feels trapped in an environment full of ignorance and desire to assume a false, "better" identity.
BENEATHA: Me! Don't worry - I don't expect you to understand."
~A Raisin in the Sun, page 48
Our environment is what shapes and defines our personalities not only when we are younger and developing, but also when we are older. Setting can effect people so much, even to the point that is changes their dispositions. In Raisin in the Sun, the setting particularly affects both Mama and Beneatha.
Mama is affected by the setting because she feels trapped. The apartment she lives in must be shared with many of her extended family members - her grandson Travis even sleeps on the couch every night. The tiny apartment just isn't enough room for her, which is why she puts the down payment on the house. She also probably feels trapped in a stereotype. Throughout the play, the family members (aside from Beneatha) are trying to assimilate into the middle-class American culture. The apartment is a symbol of not being able to escape the "black" ways of life, when all Mama wants is to have a good, rich life for her family. (I'm not saying they are oppressed in the apartment... but they are oppressed in the apartment.)
Beneatha is different from all the other family members. She is the most educated and has the most experience with travel. Beneatha considers moving all the way to Africa during the play. This already shows a contrast in her and her family - while her family is trying to integrate into "white society," Beneatha is completely embracing her culture. Beneatha, like Mama, feels trapped in her setting; however, she feels trapped in an environment full of ignorance and desire to assume a false, "better" identity.
My Generation - Drama Blog 1 (A Raisin in the Sun)
"Now - you say after me, in my mother's house there is still God."
~ A Raisin in the Sun, page 51
It's natural for people to mature when they age and then become out of touch with younger generations - the things they used to care about seem insignificant compared to their present values, and this is consistent with most everyone in general. There are several different examples you can pull from A Raisin in the Sun.
One is between Mama and Beneatha. One of the fights they had revolved around religion. Spirituality is definitely an ongoing struggle and personal journey for each individual person. It seems that with age, people in general become more devout and religious. Beneatha renounces the existence of God, but Mama will not have it in her house. I think that when people are younger, they doubt and they want to explore and learn new things about the world. Beneatha's denial of God isn't necessarily lasting - she will probably recognize those values as she ages.
Another is between Mama and Walter. They both want to invest the money into something that will help the whole family, but there are definitely different motives for each one. Mama wants to buy a new house - the house will give all of them space to live and feel more liberated than in their tiny apartment; ultimately, it would benefit the whole family and improve the family dynamic. Walter wants to invest the money in a liquor store. While this would give the family more opportunities, Walter considers the fastest, easiest way to get what he wants (instant gratification), and the main goal is more money. Mama values hard work and a reward that would be helpful to everyone; this shows how family-oriented older generations are.
~ A Raisin in the Sun, page 51
It's natural for people to mature when they age and then become out of touch with younger generations - the things they used to care about seem insignificant compared to their present values, and this is consistent with most everyone in general. There are several different examples you can pull from A Raisin in the Sun.
One is between Mama and Beneatha. One of the fights they had revolved around religion. Spirituality is definitely an ongoing struggle and personal journey for each individual person. It seems that with age, people in general become more devout and religious. Beneatha renounces the existence of God, but Mama will not have it in her house. I think that when people are younger, they doubt and they want to explore and learn new things about the world. Beneatha's denial of God isn't necessarily lasting - she will probably recognize those values as she ages.
Another is between Mama and Walter. They both want to invest the money into something that will help the whole family, but there are definitely different motives for each one. Mama wants to buy a new house - the house will give all of them space to live and feel more liberated than in their tiny apartment; ultimately, it would benefit the whole family and improve the family dynamic. Walter wants to invest the money in a liquor store. While this would give the family more opportunities, Walter considers the fastest, easiest way to get what he wants (instant gratification), and the main goal is more money. Mama values hard work and a reward that would be helpful to everyone; this shows how family-oriented older generations are.
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