requesting to edit my frankenstein paper

[lboogie]

i still have to put in a conclusion but here's what i've got so far. any comments would be great!


The concept of human nature is extremely unique and different human experiences influence our character. In the preface of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, she states, “I have thus endeavoured to preserve the truth of the elementary principles of human nature, while I have not scrupled to innovate upon their combinations” ( ). Her goal was to bring some inventive ideas concerning human truths into light. Specifically, Frankenstein and the Creature illustrate our inner evils. Surrounding the life and death of Justine Moritz, her presence in the novel helps communicate the idea that Frankenstein and the Creature are reflections of each other, revealing some insightful truths about flaws of human nature.

It is fairly ironic that Frankenstein, being a human being, showed almost inhumane characteristics. When Justine was wrongfully convicted for William Frankenstein’s murder, this character made an interesting transition from being self-centered to self-loathing. “Justine died; she rested; I was alive. The blood flowed freely through my veins, but a weight of despair and remorse pressed on my heart, which nothing could remove it” ( ). In spite of his feelings of grief, he did not end up confessing that he knew who killed his brother. This questions whether or not his reasons for his guilt were for the right reasons. He was too concerned about being seen in a negative light that he let Justine die for a crime that she did not commit. Frankenstein perfectly illustrates the human flaw of selfishness.
For a majority of the novel, Victor flees from ethical responsibility. "I felt as if I had committed some great crime, the consciousness of which haunted me. I was guiltless, but I had indeed drawn a horrible curse upon my head, as mortal as that of crime” ( ). He is unable to recognize that fact that he truly is responsible for Justine’s death. This may make it difficult for readers to sympathize with this character as he does not want accept the blame for his actions.

Frankenstein creates this creature that is originally filled with the honorable human characteristics: the instinct to love and to be kind. Similar to a newborn child, it gained knowledge from its experiences from the world around it. “I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? You, my creator, abhor me…” ( 103 ). Because its creator or “father” abandoned it, it soon began to experience feelings of anger and hatred towards the world. Once the creature learned that humans would always treat him terribly, it replicated the immoral behaviour of its creator.

Forming a comparison between God and Victor, it says, “I remembered Adam's supplication to his Creator. But where was mine? He had abandoned me, and in the bitterness of my heart I cursed him” ( ). The Creature was mistreated but, on the other hand, the Creature was devious enough to murder William and frame Justine for it. Like Frankenstein, the Creature brings about the issue of whether or not the Creature deserves sympathy. The creature asks its Creator to make a mate for him and promises to runaway. “…one as deformed and as horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species, and have the same defects. This being you must create” ( ). It is almost a form of manipulation as the Creature essentially professes its benevolence and longing to be accepted by humans and yet, kills innocent people. Frankenstein creates this monster that in a way, emulates the self-absorbed part of him.

[hillwalker]

You cover most of the elements of the novel and have chosen your quoted examples well. But I feel you have become somewhat side-tracked…

Firstly I would suggest changing the opening statement – there are no degrees of uniqueness. Something is either unique or not unique; so ‘extremely unique’ is an erroneous expression.

You also seem to place great import on the role of Justine in the novel. I don’t subscribe to your assertion that ‘her presence in the novel helps communicate the idea that Frankenstein and the Creature are reflections of each other, revealing some insightful truths about flaws of human nature’. The monster is certainly a reflection of the dark side of Frankenstein’s psyche but I think this is revealed in many other ways throughout the story.

Frankenstein feels self-loathing when he realises the monster murdered William rather than remorse (for Justine’s wrongful conviction). And he did not let Justine die in order to avoid appearing in a negative light if I remember rightly. His retreat was to escape the guilt he felt in creating such an abomination – the guilt of making humanity’s baser instincts manifest.

Another element you have only touched upon briefly is the the fact that Frankenstein stole the ability to create mankind from God. And like Prometheus in myth he is punished for it. Not for allowing Justine to die but for creating something then abandoning it.
All the monster’s vices stem directly from being rejected by its ‘father’ or creator… Frankenstein’s failing is that he has declined the responsibilities that come with the act of creation (or pro-creation). So the moral of the tale perhaps is the monster should be absolved of its sins in the same way God supposedly absolves us of ours. He is an innocent party who did not ask to be born.

H

[lboogie]

thank you so much. i forgot to write down the essay topic. I'm supposed to explain Justine's importance in the novel.

[hillwalker]

thank you so much. i forgot to write down the essay topic. I'm supposed to explain Justine's importance in the novel.

Which does make a difference :-)

H

[hellsapoppin]

''inventive ideas ''

creative ideas might be a better phrase - inventive usually refers to constructive inventions rather than ideas; creative is more suited to ideas