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Frankenstein: The Unexpected Intelligence

“Frankenstein” is not merely a tale of a man’s hubris in attempting to play God but is also a profound exploration of human nature and the intricacies of communication. Volume II delves deep into the complexities of creation, responsibility, and society’s reaction to the unfamiliar. Among the many themes interwoven into its narrative fabric, the role of language stands out, particularly in the context of the Creature’s quest for identity and belonging. The quote, “By degrees I made a discovery of still greater moment. I found that these people possessed a method of communicating their experiences and feelings to one another by articulate sounds… I distinguished several other words, without being able as yet to understand or apply them; such as good, dearest, unhappy” (188), offers a glimpse into the Creature’s journey of self-discovery and his introduction to the human world of language. Here, the Creature realizes the power of language not just as a tool for communication but as a defining aspect of humanity. He starts understanding emotions, relationships, and societal constructs by tapping into spoken words.

Language becomes the Creature’s gateway to understanding his emotions, the world around him, and the human society he desperately wishes to be a part of. In these lines, the Creature’s discovery of words like “good,” “dearest,” and “unhappy” underscores the duality of human experience: the capacity for both profound love and deep sorrow. For the Creature, these words are not merely abstract concepts but real emotions he experiences in his interactions with the world. Furthermore, the Creature’s engagement with language signifies his intense desire for human connection. It’s a testament to the innate human need to communicate, to express oneself, and to be understood. This desire is tragic when juxtaposed against the Creature’s reality, where he is rejected and misunderstood at every turn. His quest for knowledge, symbolized by his pursuit of language, is intrinsically tied to his search for acceptance.

The Creature’s experience with language also mirrors that of many immigrants or outsiders trying to assimilate into a new culture. The initial struggles of comprehension, the yearning to fit in, and the eventual understanding or misunderstanding of cultural nuances through language are experiences shared by many who find themselves in unfamiliar terrains. Yet, there is a darker side to this engagement with language. As the Creature becomes more fluent, he becomes more aware of his isolation and difference. While a tool of empowerment, language also serves as a cruel reminder of the barriers that separate him from humanity. Through language, he comprehends the depth of his rejection and its reasons—Frankenstein’s creature thus positions language at the heart of human experience. The Creature’s journey underscores the transformative power of words, revealing how language can uplift, connect, isolate, and even devastate. Through the Creature’s eyes, readers are prompted to reflect on their relationship with language and how it shapes their understanding of self and others.

In conclusion, the excerpt I took a liking to from “Frankenstein” shows me that the creature has a deep and unknown intelligence that Frankenstein did not expect. Words become both a blessing and a curse for the Creature, illuminating human existence’s wonders and woes. The realization that this creature that was thought to be a monster has a deeper understanding of human nature and a love for the discovery similar to his creator, Frankenstein. Outward appearances do not solely determine intelligence and depth. Instead, they often lie hidden, revealed only through an individual’s character and actions.

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The Story of Victor Frankenstein and His Monster

Frankenstein’s story begins with Mary Shelley talking about the origins of “Frankenstein” and his monster, how it originated when Percy and Mary Shelley were in Geneva, and she had the idea to write a story that not only horrifies but also creates a sense of mystery in the aspects of human nature.

A man named Robert Walton writes to his sister, Mrs. Saville. The first of the letters is written from St. Petersberg on December 5th, discussing his plans to travel to the North Pole. The second letter, written on March 28th, is still delving into his preparations for his journey farther North into the unforgiving cold. He talks about his impatience and the weight of not having a companion who shares his excitement about the expedition. He has learned from the locals but is still warned by them of his journey ahead. The third letter, written on August 7th, is from the North Pole and discusses the trip’s challenges. Admitting the journey has been dangerous, he remains enthusiastic, but he still wishes he had someone who sympathizes with his thirst for knowledge. His fourth letter from August 5th, 9th, and 19th talks about his ship becoming trapped in ice, the spotting of a giant figure on a sled, and the discovery of a man named Victor Frankenstein. Upon bringing Victor onboard, Walton and Frankenstein form a bond as Walton is eager to know what Frankenstein has experienced and why he was on the ice. These letters can be seen to draw a similarity between Frankenstein and Walton on how unchecked lust for knowledge can lead to trouble.

The first two chapters delve into Victor’s childhood. The first chapter discusses his family’s history in Geneva, Switzerland. It talks about his parents, Alphonse Frankenstein and Caroline Beaufort, and how they led a great life and are always helping others, with Victor praising their virtues and how they shaped his life. The second chapter dives deeper into his childhood and his sister, Elizabeth, who was adopted after her mother’s death. The chapter delves into how Victor and Elizabeth form a deep connection. Victor forms a friendship with a schoolmate named Henry Clerval, showing that Victor grew up in a privileged and loving family environment. The third chapter discusses Victor later in life and his developing interest in ancient natural philosophy, namely Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus. His father, however, dissuades Victor from these topics as they are outdated; it does not work as Victor’s passion only increases. Victor’s excitement grows magnitudes when he witnesses the power of lightning during a storm when a local explains the scientific principles behind it, thus igniting his passion for the modern sciences.

Chapter four concerns Victor’s life as he leaves for the University of Ingolstadt after his mother succumbs to scarlet fever. At the University, Victor meets a professor named Krempe who belittles Victor’s past studies; however, another professor named Waldman inspires him. Waldman’s influence starts Victor’s exploration of the more profound mysteries of life and the boundaries of contemporary science.

Chapter five is a crucial part of Victor’s life after having pursued the essence of life with the creation of reanimating life after death. This creation, this monster, fills Victor with disgust, fear, and horror, with yellow eyes, shriveled skin, and incredible stature. Victor, realizing what he has created, causes him to flee from his new creation—the night is only followed by nightmares and a deterioration of his mental state.

Chapter six starts with Victor being bedridden due to the stress and shock of the monster he created. Henry Clerval, who arrives at the University, helps him recover while Victor avoids the topic of his horrific creation. During his recovery, Victor receives a letter from Elizabeth containing information about the home and her concerns and talks about the people they know. This letter, however, reminds Victor of the life he left behind in Geneva and the normalcy he lost.

Chapter seven talks about a letter from his father about the unfortunate news that his youngest brother, William, has been murdered. Victor, upon hearing this news, hurries back home to Geneva. On this journey home, Victor detours through the Alps, and when he nears the location where William was killed, he catches a faint glimpse of his creature, Frankenstein’s monster; upon this discovery, he realizes that his monster could be his brother’s killer. When he arrives home, however, he discovers that a family servant, Justine Moritz, has been accused after a locket was found on her.

The story underscores the problematic journey of unchecked ambition, the anguish of creation, and the inevitable consequences of playing God.