Question!

As we learn the true intentions behind the monster's actions, we begin to feel for the horrendous existence of the beast. The monster wishes to be alive as much a student wishes for homework; death would be his true solace. This idea of sympathizing with a monster peaks during the following lines,

"My person was hideous and my stature gigantic. What did this mean? Who was I? What was I? Whence did I come? What was my destination? (page 152 in e-text, 91 in printed text)

Can one not feel for this miserable wretch? He is distraught; dead inside, knowing nothing of what he is or what his origin comes from.  His name warrants fear. We have names for people in this condition; at risk. If a comrade found this passage scribbled in a notebook, one would hope they would reach out to the individual. The monster is lost and feels as though he has neither option nor binding condition. He simply is.

Much like the monster, youth question what their meaning is. In their last year of high school, many face large questions that most are not ready for. Moments ago, you expected them to ask permission to go to the bathroom. Now, you expect them to choose a path to success. Colleges are many. So are scholarships. 

Grades are good. We want you. Major?

Engineering.

Wonderful. We make good ones here. Do you like math?

No.

They why be an engineer?

It makes people stop asking the same damn question over and over. I have no clue what I want to do.

Just go undecided. Problem solved.

I spend money without direction. Sounds like you make out better than I do.

No No. We have a plethora of counselors that work day and night to better you and find you a major. We'll just focus on gen ed classes for your first year.

What happens after that?

Hopefully we will have something picked out. We do a great job.

I'm sure. Why don't I just join up instead?

Well, that would be very brave. Yes indeed. Why would you do that?

Because it would give me a purpose. Something to do. A direction.

So very patriotic of you.

Not really. It would simply pass the time.

That doesn't seem like a good idea.

Yeah. It's pretty terrible actually.

Long Silence

Back to majors, what interests you?

I like everything really. But, you know. Liking everything is sorta liking nothing. Get me?

No, I don't. I don't understand.

If I like everything. I can't pick just one.

Sure you can. We will help you pick one.

I hope so.

What do you mean you hope?

I'm not convinced.

So all your work these past years was for...

I like what I do. I didn't do it for your damn school.

Oh, I didn't mean for that to come the way it did. That sounded pretty narcissistic didn't it.

Yep.

Well, looks like were done here.

Yep. Thanks for you time.

No problem. Hey, do try to think about your future. Alright?

Future?I'm just trying to get through the week. I juggle so much and it all pulls me in different directions. There is only so much I can do, and I've worked so damn hard for it all. I love what I do, and once its gone I... I don't know.

It will work out, have faith.

Oh, I do. Lots of it. That's all I've got.

At that moment, the student walked out of the room, down the hall, out of the building, and into their car. The car bends at the hands of the diver and drives out off the parking lot. The student now heads toward the next stage of life

not

    knowing

           what

                    the

                               hell

                                           I

                                                  am

                                                         going

                                                                    to

                                                                              do.

A Sense of Morality

To be responsible for the demise of another is truly a terrible realization. Without Frankenstein's creation, William would still be alive. The monster is (though to be) responsible for the death. What does this say for the monster's creator? What are the consequences for the doctor? 

One can almost look at this situation the same way a parent looks at their child how has committed a foul deed. Is it possible to loose all love for your offspring because of what they have done? I feel as though this situation is not an easy one to come to terms with. Parents almost always unconditionally love their child (one should hope). However, they may not always understand the motivations behind what they do. 

Victor is not the monster's father. He is its creator.; his God. Weather Victor realizes it or not, he is responsible for what he has brought to this earth. With that in mind, the next course of action for Victor lies in his sense or morality; he will either let the evil run rampant or put an end to the monster's miserable existence. 

Mortality Rules

Mortality is something that all living people are confined by. Mortality confines us; we must play by her rules or we will perish. When we bend her meaning, she strikes back will little hesitation. We are simply the puppets of her game.

When I read Apples and Franky (link at bottom) brings an interesting idea to light, being that the best things in life sit upon the boarder of refinement and rot. I feel that this truth is almost universal - certainly when applied to the ethics of Dr. Frankenstein. The good doctor is merely completing the work of another professional that couldn't carry out his work. Dr. Frankenstein literally uses rotting flesh to build his masterpiece, but at what cost?

He fundamentally disobeys mortality's confinement; he plays God. His hours, days, and years spent not only constructing his piece, but studying about his craft have been in vain. His work has completely wasted away in his hands, and he has little to show for it. The normal procedure of sickness, dying and ultimate death, and has taken been evaded.To spite mortality is to spite mankind's role in the universe. Without the possibility of death, life is less meaningful. 

Without meaning. 

We have? 

Our purpose? 

We live?

Life?

Link to poster's blog: The Flaming Scandals of Cat Lady

Link to post used : The-sweetest-things-in-life-sit-atop 

Going a Little too Far (nothing to do with Frank)

As I wait for my my music to complete its download, I posed a question to myself; why do I feel compelled to do nothing while (insert something here) to download. Am I not worthy of multitasking? Am I dependent on the screen that displays progress I front of me. 

From that instant, I decided to break free of my technological dependency. I will now become something different. Someone who had no need of electronics. Be gone you damned demons! I curse you to unending rain and water logged-ness! Next time I see you I will drop you in a bucket of watery substance! 

Wait... But that means no more iPhone...computer...ps3...IPOD.


Nope. Never mind. I will just write blog post when I have a loading bar from now on.


AF

Color Me

The reality of Walton's situation is twisting around him (regardless of the storyteller that is present). The first color on our palette represent the ever-present cold that penetrates past the hull of the ship. With ice constantly marching forward at an ever steady rate, Walton and his crew do what any man would do in this situation; keep the hellish cold from penetrating their souls, and ending their endeavor.

The next color represents one of the most important yet trouble some aspects of isolation within a group. I envision Walton and his friend speaking; letting time pass whilst the man recounts his deeds. The crew appears in good spirits, but as the hellish cold finds its way into the ship, the crew will rely upon one another's kinship to keep their collective spirits afloat. This color appears warm appearance, but when one looks deep into its nucleus they will find that it is not as warm as first thought.

As the doctor tells us of his past, we learn of his plans to continue the work of his professor. The Doctor is consumed by this; "Such were the professor’s words... enounced to destroy me." (pg 45, Frankenstein) The Doctor will not let anything impede his progress. His intense passion warrants red, but his maniacal perseverance darkens his passion into something barley recognizable. Thus, the typical color of passion has become darkened; less wholesome. Brown.

After two years, we learn that the Doctor is still steadfast in his pursuits. His passion is still darkened, but we empathize with the Doctor.; "Two years passed in this manner[.] [I am,] heart and soul, in the pursuit of some discoveries which I hoped to make." (Pg 50) Reading these line, I feel compelled to accept the doctors work. It is as if the Doctor is a performer that absolutely and unconditionally loves his craft. We, as a crowd looking on from the sidewalk, see the man juggling eighteen chainsaws whilst playing a kazoo to Metallica's Enter Sandman. We appreciate the effort put into the work, don't truly understand it. Therefore, the color of dark passion has been lightened, and we as an audience feel for the Doctor.

Finally, we have the future of the Doctor's story. With a bleak outcome hinted at the end of Walton's last letter home, we as readers anticipate a story wracked full of terrible monsters and villainous deeds. The bleakness is portrayed through the palette's last color, or lack there of. Sand depicts perfectly what I expect from the story; much angst and many upset villagers. I expect the monster to have little joy in his/her/its life; it too will be full of angst and upset villagers.

Robert Walton's Northern Passage Playlist

Narration for an epic voyage is a given. Musical works play loud within one's mind but none can compare to an ipod with some gargantuan diamond encrusted headphones that are way, way ahead of their time. 

Jon Gomm's Everything

     This song embodies the sentiment of the second letter home. Gomm's musical work defines the meaning of going all in. This voyage is Everything to Walton. His search for sailors, boat, and supplies will but more than just his wallet at risk; the place he is going could (and probably will) kill him. However, Walton would have this on his ipod to remind him of his investment (and hopefully the reward). 

 

John Butler's Ocean

     The harsh environment of the North Pole is as unrelenting as the tear-jerking-heart-stings-pulling-awesome-part of this song. Butler's fingers break into a fury at about the five minute mark. The unmerciful wind whips the side of Walton's boat just as Butler's hand make sweet music to one's ears; without fatigue. But, Walton would use this song as an escape form this howling wind outside. As the wind strikes the bow, Walton tunes into the Ocean and escapes into a world filled with warm emotion. Even on the coldest and most hellish of nights, Ocean will sooth Walton's soul, and envelope the adventurer in warm embrace. 

Otis Redding (Sittin' on) The Dock of a Bay 

     As Walton sits and speaks to the man that boarded the ship, I envision the two chaps sitting on a bench within the ship sharing a cup of 'joe/tea with each other. The pair is passing time the same way mankind has for centuries; story telling. This song would be playing in the background from Walton's ihome super deluxe due to its bright and conversation starting qualities. Walton would enjoy the tune and warm up to the traveler. (The pair would eventually become the best of friends and open a martini bar in Ecuador because of the low cost of living.)