Skip to main content

What are some ideas for an essay addressing the following question? "With reference to Frankenstein, discuss how physical locations are represented...

You might discuss the effects of nature on Victor (and on his creature); they respond with a great deal of emotion to their natural surroundings. After the deaths of William and Justine, the Frankenstein family goes to the valley of Chamounix, and Victor says that "These sublime and magnificent scenes afforded me the greatest consolation that I was capable of receiving. They elevated me from all littleness of feeling; and although they did not remove my grief, they subdued and tranquillized it." Again and again, he describes the natural beauty of their surroundings as "sublime," as having an effect on his mind and heart which is the result of nature's overwhelming grandeur and power. Further, he says, "The sight of the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect of solemnizing my mind, and causing me to forget the passing cares of life." It is as though Victor's spirit and his heart are refreshed and renewed by nature.

However, the scene in which he next sees his creature is as volatile as the emotions the sight of him engenders. The "icy and glittering peaks shone" as the monster "bounded over crevices in the ice" with "superhuman speed." The "cold gale" blowing down from the mountains chills Victor's skin just as the sight of his monster chills his heart. Here, the violence of Victor's antipathy toward the creature matches the violence of the natural setting: it is harsh and bitter, just like Victor's emotions at this moment.


Back at home, in Geneva, Victor's health is "much restored," as it declined somewhat after his confrontation with the monster on the ice. He says that "the fresh air and bright sun seldom failed to restore me to some degree of composure [...]." His father pressures him to marry Elizabeth now, and Victor must beg for time so that he can fulfill his promise to create a mate for his creature. He leaves Geneva to travel, but as "the slave of [his] creature," he is insensible to the charms of the natural beauty around him as he and Clerval see Europe. When Victor is healthy, and unsaddled by grief, he is able to enjoy nature; more than that, nature seems capable of elevating him spiritually and emotionally. However, when he is burdened or guilt-ridden, the beauty of nature seems to only make him feel worse.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...
Post a Comment
Read more