- Do you think that Frankenstein went too far in his quest for knowledge? Did he have a good motive for his project? Did he have adequate knowledge to begin his project? Did he consider possible consequences of his actions?
- How is Frankenstein affected by what happens after he abandons the creature? Why does he call himself the "true murderer" of William? Do you agree with Frankenstein that he bears some responsibility for the death?
Add the line(s) that stood out to you and your explanations.
Read chapters 11 - 13 for Friday.
17 comments:
I do not think that frankenstein went to far for his knowledge. I do think that knowing as much as he did and wanting to be a successful scientist, that he should have done more to find out about his project. He makes it seem like he just through it together and then left it alone. I don't think that he was thining about what was going to happen after he finished his creation. He should have thought ahead to know what he was going to do next. Dr. Frankenstein should not have got scared and ran awsay from his creature. He should have been enthused about it and figured what the next step was to making it better. Frankenstein is so scared of this creature that he is not thinking about anything but getting away from it. When he decides to go home he just leaves it running about on it's own and the doctor does not know what is going to happen with it or what it will do. Frankenstein thinks he is the true murderer of William becaue he feel that his creaure that he created is the one who killed William. If Frankenstein had not invented this thing then William would have never been murdered. If the creature is thw one who killed William it is not frankensteins fault. Just becaue he is the reason this monster is walking about does not mean that he is the reason it killed William. Although the Doctor should not have just left it the way he did he should have stayed to figure out what was going to happen after it became alive. He should not blame himself for William's deathe and neither should Elizabeth.
Regarding the fist set of questions, my answer to all of these is no. Frankenstein was purely motivated by passion and did not stop once to think about what he was doing. His motive and knowledge for creating the monster came from a bunch of "alchemists" whose methods were considered by many outdated. I do believe that he went too far and did not consider the consequences of his actions. My proof for my beliefs lies in one of the quotes that caught my attention last night. Frankenstein feels guilty and say's, "[s]leep fled from my eyes; I wandered like an evil spirit, for I had committed deeds of mischief beyond description horrible..."(86) This shows that he now regrets his actions and feels as if his actions were morally wrong and possibly that he went to far. This also applies to the second question regarding his feeling responsibility for the death of his brother and Justine. Victor feels horrible and falls into a kind of depression that causes him to take leave and go into seclusion. He calls himself the "true murderer" because he feels that it is his he who created the beast and therefore it is he who is the murderer. He states that he has left his family "exposed and unprotected to the malice of the fiend whom [he] had let loose among them."(87) I believe that he not only holds some responsibility but all for the death of his brother and Justine. After spending so much time and energy in creating this being, he turns his back and runs even after seeing is smiling and attempting to talk to him. Having spoken of his creature being beautiful before it comes to life, I find it appalling that he is disgusted by something he feels is ugly that is obviously attempting to show human emotions. But that is beside the point. I feel that because he turned his back on the creature and did nothing to fix the situation, that it is entirely his fault that his brother and friend are dead. Another line that caught my attention is when Frankenstein reflects on his feelings towards the creature. "My abhorrence of this fiend cannot be conceived. When I thought of him I gnashed my teeth, my eyes became inflamed, and I ardently wished to extinguish that life which I had so thoughtlessly bestowed. When I reflected on his crimes and malice, my hatred and revenge burst all bounds of moderation...I wished to see him again, that I might wreak the utmost extent of abhorrence on his head and avenge the deaths of William and Justine."(88) How could one feel such hatred towards something they created? The creature obviously does not know any better for it has never had anyone to teach it. This quote can also apply two the questions I answered above. Frankenstein obviously did not consider the consequences and feels horrible about what happened.
1. 1. I do feel that Frankenstein went to far in his journey for knowledge. When he first arrived at University his professors mocked him for the literature he had based his ideas off of. This should have been a sign to him to abandon this course of action and begin new studies. I feel that he was well educated because of his desire to create life and he was a very intelligent youth. However, I do not feel that he considered the consequences of his actions because he was so driven by his desire to answer the questions of life.
2. Frankenstein falls into an illness after he returns to the apartment to find his creation gone. He is wracked with disappointment and grief. He believes he is the “true murderer” because he was the creator of the monster that killed his little brother out of revenge. I do feel that he shares the responsibility for William’s death; he shouldn’t have created the monster in the first place without considering the consequences and he should not have abandoned it after bringing him to life.
The lines that stood out to me were, " Two years had now nearly elapsed since the night on which he first received life, and was this his first crime? Alas! I had turned loose into the world a depraved wretch whose delight was in carnage and misery." (74) This intrigued me because because it is just now at this point that Frankenstein contemplates the actions of his monster. It is also and interesting thought to ponder what else the monster has done in these 2 years and how he has survived on his own.
The story seems to have taken a turn for the worse. Frankenstein now is depressed, angry and experiencing strong feelings of guilt due to his actions. Any action that leads someone to a life of these emotions is not a positive step. I do think that Frankenstein took his quest for knowledge too far. The pain he is experiencing, at this point in the story, is not worth any type of gain. I think that part of the reason his project has become so devastating for him is because he didn’t have a good reason to be doing the experiment in the first place. If he had started the project for a valid reason, beyond his own curiosity, the devastating affects of his creation may not have had such a affect on him. In one way I do believe that he had adequate knowledge to begin his experiment and in another way I do not. The fact that he could create life proves that he had the scientific knowledge to conduct such a high level project, yet the fact that he abandoned it and left it to society when it was complete proves that he was not mature enough or knowledgeable enough to deal with the severe consequences of his actions. I don’t think that Frankenstein looked at all sides of the project before he began and I don’t think he at all considered the consequences of his actions. I felt that Frankenstein was too immature to take on the responsibility of creating life, thus when the project went wrong he fled and started jumping to unsound conclusions. “The mere presence of the idea was an irresistible proof of the fact.”(73-74) In this quote he has immediately decided that the death of his brother was at the hands of his monster.
After Frankenstein flees from his creation his entire life is flipped upside down. Frankenstein becomes ill with fear and grief. Through Williams nursing and months of time Frankenstein begins to return to his normal rituals, yet he does nothing with his scientific ability. Then as time progresses a great tragedy occurs at his home. After he finds out his brother had been murdered he quickly returned to his home to comfort his family. It is when he returns home that he has his second contact with his monster. He almost instantaneously believes that his monster caused the death of his beloved brother. He calls himself the “true murderer” of William because he gave life to the creation that cut short the life of his young brother. I do agree with Frankenstein that he is partially responsible for the death of William. Not only did he create the life that took William’s, but he abandoned the creature that he created. I don’t think that Frankenstein would have felt the guilt he did had it not been partially his fault. He says “I bore a hell within me which nothing could extinguish.”(84) This quote solidified for me the extreme feelings that he was experiencing and the pain that he himself had created.
This response is late because I was checked out before fifth period today. I had an appointment in Grants Pass.
I most definetely believe Frankenstein went too far in his quest for knowledge. In my opinion creating human life is not meant for other humans. Victor's want to answer the questions of life becomes too overpowering. I don't believe his motive was right, he seemed to become power hungry and gaining this new knowledge consumed him, he was doing it merely to benefit himself, not the creature or anyone else. Though Frankenstein was very well educated he still dwelled on his old outdated teachings when conducting his experiments. Even after he was told that they had been long surpassed, he continued to follow these old methods. What's suprising to me is that he is successful in being able to bring his creation to life despite his ignorance. The Dr. was very irresponsible in the planning of what would happen after he completed his task and that was a horrible mistake. He didn't consider the consequences if things went wrong, and that left him unprepared when he was dissapointed with the outcome of his project. Frankenstein is overcome with guilt and sadness after leaving the monster and then learning of this misfortunes it's caused. "The blood flowed freely in my veins, but a weight of despair and remorse pressed on my heart which nothing could remove." (86) After the monster kills his brother Victor is alive in body, but harly in spirit. He is the "true murderer" because he was the one that created the one who enacted the crime, which really leaves him at fault. Frankenstein is definetely responsible equally, if not more than the moster, for William's death, because he is the one that lacked the common sense to think his actions all the way through.
oh yea... mine is late because we had cougar pals today!
Ok-so I guess I forgot to read chapter ten last night, well I think I fell asleep and forgot that I had not finished it. Anyway, now that I have read it all the way through I have a couple things to add to my above comment. So I guess the monster really did know better and I kind of find it shocking that he can talk, but my feelings towards Frankenstein's guilt have not changed. Also, I found another quote that shows that even Frankenstein believes that he did not think his actions through. On page 95 when he encounters the "fallen angel" (I love that so much more than montser!,)he say's "...come on, then, that I may extinguish the spark which I so negligently bestowed." This answers many of the questions posted especially because he is plainly admitting that he was "[negligent]" in doing what he did.
My comment is late because I left for a golf tournament this morning. I wrote my comment the first time and for some reason it did not publish it and it was erased. So I had to start a new one.
1. I do think that Frankenstein went too far in seeking knowledge. His want for power and his emotions overrun his judgement throughout the whole story so far. He never thinks anything through. He should never have been trying to create life like he was in the first place. The one thing that I can not get my mind around is why he makes his monster so much bigger and stronger than he or most human beings. This allows the monster power over other individuals. He had been told that his studies were out dated but he continued to pursue them instead of listening to his instructors. Victor is very selfish in my opinion. There was no motive other than his want for knowledge. He never once considers what might happen after the monster comes to life. Frankenstein did not thing about the possibilities of something going horribly wrong and he putting himself and his family at danger by creating this being, let alone something of it’s size and power. But he created the monster to be that way. “Remember thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine, my joints more supple.” It is obvious that this monster could do some damage, and he knows it.
2. Frankenstein goes sort of into this depression and becomes almost even crazier. He hates what he has created and he runs from it. I am not sure if it is out of fear, horror, repulsion, or a combination of the three, but he can not stand to the sight of his creation. “ I had begun life with benevolent intentions and thirsted for the moment when I should put hem in practice and make myself useful to my fellow beings. Now all is blasted… I was seized by remorse and the sense of guilt, which hurried me away to a hell of intense tortures and such as no language can describe.” This makes it obvious how he feels about the monster. His guilt and heart-sickness make him his mood gloomy and depressed. He thinks of himself as the real murder of William because first of all, he is the one who brought life to the hands that strangled his own brother. They are a life that would not exist if he would not have made it. Plus, he left his monster and shunned him so it gave the monster no choice but to retaliate. All he wanted was to be accepted, but Frankenstein would not allow it. It was his fault the monster acted in such ways. I do agree that it is Frankenstein’s fault, actually most of it is. If he never would have created the monster it couldn’t have happened, or at least if he would not have left it to escape where other people are and would have been kinder to the poor monster, he might not have acted that way. He gave the monster motive and power.
The quote that I found interesting was. “For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness.” This is the only time I have ever heard of the doctor consider what the monster might be feeling or give him some concern. Ever since he brought it to life all he did was feel repulsion. I find it odd that he never before thought of this. He was it’s creator and this is what he wanted, so why did he never give him the time of day before he ran from the monster’s ugliness.
I do believe that Frankenstein went to far in his experiments because he was not able to deal with the repercussions of them. He only started his experiments because of his own curiosity, and therefore had no reason for doing them outside of his interest in science. His knowledge outweighed his ability to deal with his own genius. Although he took his areas of study to new extremes, he was not able to deal with the end result of them. He also did not think of the consequences for actually completing his work, which is coming back to haunt him.
After his creation is complete his whole way of living is suddenly turned upside down. His love for science is abruptly altered and even thinking of his areas of study, cause him to feel uneasy. After he receives news of his brother Williams’s murder, he quickly returns home and discovers that his brother’s murderer is but the monster that he abandoned. He then feels horrible guilt because he is responsible for having created the thing that in turn killed his brother. Because of this he refers to himself as the “true murderer”. I do agree with Frankenstein in the fact that he is responsible because not only is he accountable for the birth of the monster, but also running out on it, leaving it all alone to fend for itself.
“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.” (89) This quote stood out to me because it summarized how Frankenstein felt during and after the creation of his monster.
This is posted late because I had fifth period cougar pals today.
I do not believe that Frankenstein went to far in his quest for knowledge, because someone was bound to do it sometime. However I do think that he could have started with something smaller, rather than going straight to a large humanoid. As for Frankensteins motive, personally I feel that he did it for his own curiosity and not for any benefit to mankind. I think that while Frankenstein was very intelligent, and certainly had enough knowledge in science, that he was not as mentally aware of himself as he should have been. Frankenstein certainly did not consider the consequences because if he had, he most definitely would not have run away after he brought his creation to life. Not to mention that his curiosity overwhelmed him.
Once Frankenstein abandons the creature, he immediately suffers because of his actions. He is no longer able to stomach the thought of science, that which he loved so much. The merest mention or sight of anything relating to it makes him nervous. After he abandons the monster, his brother is murdered. Frankenstein believes that his creation is the murderer, and immediately blames himself. After all if he had not created this abomination then his brother would be alive, or so goes his reasoning. I certainly agree with Frankenstein, that he is partially responsible for the death of his brother. If he had not run away, and had spent time and effort on his creation it most likely would not have committed murder. Yet at the same time, his creation has the ability to think and learn so it might have committed murder in the end regardless.
"I had been the author of unalterable evils, and I lived in daily fear lest the monster whom I had created should perpetrate some new wickedness." This quote stood out to me because it emphasizes the guilt that Frankenstein feels. Not to mention that is illustrates the fact that Frankenstein considered no possible consequences.
I had cougar pals during fifth period, which was why i was not able to complete this assignment during school time.
I feel that Frankenstein went wrong by creating the monster in the first place. It seemed as if he was taking the science of nature into his own hands and playing the role of a higher power of which responsibility he could not handle. There is no justification for his obsession with the experiment, Frankenstein became intoxicated with curiosity for his project, even putting it before his own health. As for a motive for this monstrosity; Victor's original intent was to create a beneficial donation to the scientific community by creating a new form of life. His success was simultaneously disasterous. After Frankenstein abandons the monster, he is constantly haunted by what horror he has stumbled upon. Victor experiences nightmares, and the thought of the monster never leaves his mind. Frankenstein is the true murderer of William, for if he had not irrationally abandoned the monster, he could have gained control of it. Because of Frankensteins ignorant actions, Justine is executed for the murder. There is now enormous guilt on Frankenstein which leads him to the edge of suicide. However, at this point the monster appears only to be a static character with ill intentions, I foresee that to change in the chapters to come.
Frankenstein had an unsatisfying thirst for knowledge and did pursue his search for knowledge in a legitimate way. However, I believe that he did rush into his project in a reckless manner, he let this project consume him and even though his motives were good, he did not plan ahead. Obviously his knowledge was not adequate, or else he would have been able to prevent his horrors. He blindly drove down a road of no return without ever questioning his decisions. Clearly his healthy thirst for knowledge turned quickly into a gruesome obsession.
Once it is to late Frankenstein realizes the errors of his ways and instead of dealing with them he runs. This works for a while, he even starts to forget about it, but soon his horrors catch up with him. The death of his brother is directly related to Frankenstein’s creation and abandonment of a deadly beast. These realities soon hit him signify the start of many woes to come. Frankenstein clearly feels responsible when he states, “Now all was to be obliterated in an ignominious grave, and I the cause!” ( 78) Frankenstein is almost entirely to blame for these horrible events. It was bad enough that he started the experiment, but then for him to abandon it and think his problems would just go away was ignorant and stupid. If not all of the blame rests on his shoulders, a good portion of it does.
This was late because I had Cougar Pals Fifth period.
This is late because I had cougar pals and then a baseball game.
I think that Frankenstein did go too far in his quest for knowledge because he did not fully understand the consequences of his actions or that he was actually creating a human being. He was clearly well educated and knew very much about science and human anatomy but he failed to see understand the moral issue of creating life un-naturally. Even if Frankenstein had considered the consequences of creating life himself he would most likely continued his project because he was so determined and was passionate and almost obsessed with his work.
After Frankenstein abandons the monster he goes home and tries to forget about the monster. He is afraid of facing the responsibility that the monster brings and wishes he hadnt created such a grotesque monster. While he is away, his brother is murdered and he returns to town. Frankenstein knows that the monster is really responsible for the death of his brother rather than Justine but is afraid to speak up because of his fear of being mocked and hated for creating such a beast. Frankenstein definitely is at least somewhat responsible for justine and his brothers death. If he had been more responsible and caring for the monster and had not abandoned it, it would never have been an issue at all. Because of Frankenstein's lack of responsibility for his actions, two people he knew died.
"This state of mind preyed upon my health, which perhaps had never entirely recovered from the first shock it had sustained. I shunned the face of man... solitude was my only consolation- deep, dark, death-like solitude."(86) This quote stood out to me bacause it shows how terrible Frankensteins life has become and how much remorse he feels for creating the monster. The creation of the monster ruins Frankensteins lifeand makes him crazy and suicidal.
So I apologize for this being late, it wasn’t done Thursday because of the cougar pal meeting, and although I’ve already done this once I wasn’t ready to post it and stupidly neglected to email it to myself in order to quickly correct it. Anyway, I definitely believe that Frankenstein went too far in his quest for knowledge, learning and experimenting is one thing, however playing God is another. Especially since he just went from nothing, to bringing a human to life. Generally, scientists would start with something smaller, a mouse, a rabbit, or even a sheep. I don’t think that anyone has a good enough motive to play God, but that is just my religious belief. I understand that he wanted to reach uncharted territories, but constructing a man, and brining him to life is going way too far. I think that he had enough knowledge to begin this project, however like I stated before, it probably would have been better to start out on something smaller. By starting out with something smaller he could then have more control over the experiment, observe the subject’s behavior, symptoms, and habits. Overall not a good idea to go straight to constructing a human. Not only did he neglect to take his time, but he didn’t think of the consequences of his actions. He made the creature into a super human! Standing at eight feet tall, how could he have expected to control this subject? If you’re going to just jump right into building a human at least make it one that you can easily subdue if necessary. Also, what kind of brain capabilities did Victor expect this creature to have, did he not think that he might have the mentality of a frightened two year old? Did he not think that he would have to care and nurture his creation like it was his own child? Did he simply think that the creature would rise and say, “Wow, Frankenstein, good job on building me . . . I think I’m going to go into town to buy a loaf of bread, need anything?” Clearly Frankenstein did not think of the consequences, and by neglecting the monster, left him with emotions that he didn’t understand. Leaving him to flee in search of understanding. Definitely a poorly thought through experiment. When Frankenstein abandons the creature, he begins to live in fear, avoiding contact with his home at all costs. Living in a pathetic existence, frail and weak, he has to flee to Geneva not only to console his family, but to gain back a bit of sanity. Frankenstein is the true murderer of William because he created the monster, which wouldn’t have been so bad if he had only stayed with him, nurtured him, and taught him right from wrong. Though instead, he feared him, and was ashamed of him. The lines that stood out to me were (page 84) “Anguish and despair had penetrated into the core of my heart; I bore a hell within me which nothing could extinguish.” This line stuck out to me because if he felt so guilty than why wouldn’t he at the least explain to Justine and Elizabeth what he had done? Even though they might not believe him at least he had tried. I suppose that it also stood out to me because at that moment I could feel the burden that he was carrying, his guilt, his anger, his fear, were all conveyed very clearly to me. “...when I placed my head upon my pillow, sleep crept over me; I felt it as it came and blessed the giver of oblivion,” (page 91) the wording in this sentence was just so beautifully accomplished, I guess that’s why I remembered it after my reading.
Frankenstein might have gone a little too far in his risk taking when deciding to create a monster, but I wouldn't say it was a bad thing. He was a scientist on the verge of a possible break through--he couldn't have just played it safe. If everyone did that, there would never be any new discoveries. It might have been a little selfish and in vain, however. I don't think he knew enough about what he was doing, but his plan was probably to learn from whatever was to happen after the creation. Consequences were not thought of because he figured he could control whatever just as easily as he could create it.
Frankenstein feels he is the 'true murderer' of William because he believes his monster is guilty of the action. He knows he created it and neglected it. I don't know if I would hold him completely responsible because he did not design the creature to be a murderer, however, he should have felt an obligation to keep tabs on the creature. His mistake was letting it wander by itself.
Frankenstein is very upset after hearing the news of the deaths. He feels somewhat guilty, but more than anything, he feels anger and hatred. The line that stood out to me most was on page 95 when he is confronted with his creation. He says to the creature, "The tortures of Hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes." That is incredibly harsh. This line really showed me just how much he detests what he created.
1.) Frankenstein's quest for knowledge was a little too extreme. His idea has probably been pondered by many but the pursuit of creating life is immoral. Frankenstein’s thirst for knowledge was more towards power and his own selfishness. Seeing as Frankenstein did create life shows that he did have enough knowledge to pursue his task. Although he did not have faith in his ability to give life because after his creation is brought to life he doesn’t know what to do. This shows that he did not expect his experiment to work.
2.) After Frankenstein abandons his creation everything that he used to live for becomes unimportant and he is tormented with guilt, hatred and fear. He considers himself the “true murderer” of William because his abandoned creation is blamed for his death. I do think Frankenstein should bear the responsibility of William’s death because he created a monster and released him upon the world. Frankenstein says “ When I thought of him I gnashed my teeth, my eyes became inflamed, and I ardently wished to extinguish that life which I had so thoughtlessly bestowed.”(88) This line shows Frankenstein knew he was responsible for William’s death because his experiment was thoughtless and uncontrolled.
I deffinately think that Frankenstein went way too far i his quest for knowledge, because he was trying to recreate life which no one except God can do. Although for his project he had a good motive and a kind heart but he went about it in the wrong way by studying the science of washed up occult scientists. He was so caught up in the fact that he was giving life to something that was inanimate thathe never considered the possible consequences of it and that maybe the "secret of life" was meant to stay a secret.
After he abandons the creature he starts back to his normal way of life before he created the monster, until hew hears of his brothers death. I think that he is releived to not think about the monster anymore. Frankenstein beleives that he is the true murderer of William because he is the one who created the monster and he is the reason the monster killed William, the monster did it out of his hatered for Frankenstein. I totally think that Frankenstein bears the responsibility for WIlliam's death, because if Frankenstein wouldn't have made the monster,or if he wouldn't have neglected the monster than the monster wouldn't have killed William out of his rage for Frankenstein.
A line that stood out to me was "My tail was not to announce publicly; its astounding horror would be looked upon as madness by the vulgar."(77)The reason it stood out to me was here is where Frankenstein chickens out in telling the court that Justine is innocent and it really makes me mad because he could have at least attempted to save her, but the self image he had built for himself stopped him and he let an innocent person die.
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