Just a Crazy Thought...

While reading, I came across a passage that sounded eerily familiar.

"Are you happy while I grovel in the intensity of my wretchedness? You can blast my other passions; but revenge remains-- revenge, henceforth dearer than light or food! I may die; but first you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery. Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful. I will watch with the wiliness of a snake, that I may sting with its venom. Man, you shall repent of the injuries you inflict."" (Shelley 149).

Does anyone remember reading "Now Where Have I Seen Her Before?" from Foster's How to Read Literature Like a Professor? He talked about how characters have certain traits that are similar to traits found in other characters in completely different texts. With this in mind, I came to a conclusion.

The monster in Frankenstein is Celie from The Color Purple.

Both the monster and Celie were oppressed by someone who had authority over them. Eventually, both Celie and the monster became fed up with their treatment and vow that their oppressors will pay for what they have done.

"Until you do right by me, everything you think about gonna fail," sounds a lot like "I may die, but first you, my tyrant and tormentor shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery."

So what do you all think? Are there any other characters that share the same traits with the monster? (Make sure you use your evidence!)

Consider this as well...

The Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  In many instances, this is twisted into, “Do to others as they do to you.”  What are the real life results of both “rules”?  How does it affect relationships, both in the short term and the long term?  Discuss this topic using your observations, your readings, or your personal experiences.

Consider this too...

Does consistent rejection and attack justify revenge?  What should be an individual’s response be to repeated injustice?  Discuss this topic, using your observations and your personal experience.

Consider this...

How does Shelley show that evil is learned through society? 

Contemplate this as well...

"The Ways We Lie"

Read the essay above. Which is the greater wrong: telling a deliberate lie or withholding the truth?  Are the consequences the same or different?  What justification, if any, is there for doing either?  Discuss your viewpoint using evidence from your personal experience, your reading, or your observations.

Contemplate this too...

Why is it so difficult for us to accept responsibility for what we have done? Why do we run away from the consequences of our own bad judgement? Using specific evidence from your personal experience, your readings, or your observations, discuss the consequences of not facing up to your choices.

Contemplate this...

How does Shelley focus the story on relationships rather than science or nature, concerning the creature's coming to life?