“Frank” Symbolism

1. Frankenstein’s Monster “Frank” Symbolism Patrick Wu, Jonathan Jackson, Tannon Yu, Jonathaniel Asistente, Natasha Mehta, Swetha Ramamurthy

2. Prompt • 2009- A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

3. Literal Meaning of the Prompt The prompt is asking for an explanation of how an important symbol relates to the work as a whole. Definition:: Symbol -- Anything that stands for or represents something else

4. Relation to the Novel • The most prevalent symbol in the novel is the creature. • He symbolizes - • The product of human advancement in science • The culmination of Frankenstein’s quest for knowledge • Victor’s hubris in trying to create life • Initial human goodness and innocence • Corruption of innocence upon encountering injustice

5. Quote #1 Analysis • “Beautiful! –Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same color as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shriveled complexion and straight black lips” (Shelley 35). • Although Frankenstein intended the Creature to be beautiful, he was blind to the consequences of his actions and the ugliness of his creation. This demonstrates how the products of advancement in science aren’t always what they are expected to be. I’M THE BOMB!!

6. Quote #2 Analysis • “This was then the reward for my benevolence! I had saved a human being from destruction, and as I recompense I now writhed under the miserable pain of a wound which shattered the flesh and bone. The feelings of kindness and gentleness, which I had entertained but a few moments before, gave place to hellish rage and gnashing of teeth. Inflamed by pain, I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind” (Shelley 101). • This excerpt illustrates the innate goodness of the Creature, which was corrupted by the violent and narrow-minded actions of humans against him. Although outwardly perceived as a monster, his actions are filled with benevolence, sometimes more so than that of humans. The Creature doesn’t become a monster until the cruelty of mankind gives him no reward, while committing vengeance for these atrocities is more satisfying. This represents an ideology that people are innately good and become monsters by perceiving the evil of others and learning from that evil.

7. Significant Moment #1 The birth of the creature presents one of, if not the, most significant moment in the novel. Symbolizing innocence of birth and corruption of age, the creature is the pivotal dynamic character of Shelly’s Frankenstein, and his birth sets the stage for the rest of the events that occur within the story. In regards to Victor, the creature is also a symbol of the epitome of scientific advancement. However, because Victor had expected the creature to be beautiful, his creation also represents the disappointments of science and the negative consequences of attempting to utilize a power normally only bestowed upon God. SO UGLY!

8. Significant Moment #2 • The expulsion of the creature from the house of De Lacey’s family marks a significant turning point in the novel. • Upon being spurned by the humans he has grown to so greatly respect, the monster essentially ceases to attempt to fit in with human society and undergoes a transition from innocence to malignity. • This moment marks the destruction of the creature’s last hope of living among humans, and it represents the corruption of innocence upon encountering injustice.

9. Literary Device- Imagery • The impact of the symbols Shelley used stems from the reader’s perception of the description she gave of the symbol. • Describes the extent to which science can harm society • Explains how the Creature did not meet Frankenstein’s expectations • Emphasizes the Creature’s initial innocence through descriptions of his reactions to nature “Soon a gentle light stole over the heavens, and gave me a sensation of pleasure. I started up and beheld a radiant form rise from among the trees. I gazed with a kind of wonder. It moved slowly, but it enlightened my path” (Shelley 71).

10. Literary Device- Allusion • Shelley alludes to classic novels to form direct comparisons between characters in Frankenstein and characters in other novels so the reader better understands motive and development of character. • Compares the creature to Adam in Paradise Lost • Symbolizes the creature’s own pursuit of knowledge • Describes the struggles that each character bore throughout the novel • God’s creation is like Frankenstein’s creation “It moved every feeling of wonder and awe, that the picture of an omnipotent God warring with his creatures was capable of exciting. I often referred the several situations, as their similarity struck me, to my own. Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being in existence” (Shelley 92). #THESTRUGGLE

11. Literary Device-Point of View • By changing the perspective from different characters, Shelley demonstrates how the creature can be seen as someone who wants to belong and then someone who is a menace to the human race. From Frankenstein’s point of view, blinded by the fact that he was creating new life, he couldn’t see the disfigured face in front of him, his creation. From the Creature’s point of view, he was abandoned and only seeks to be accepted by the others he found himself to be surrounded by. • “Beautiful… His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful… but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast…” (Shelley 35). • Using Point of View like a rhetorical question, Shelley forces the reader to question whether the Creature is wrongfully hated so quickly by his creator or whether the creator should of disposed of the Creature after realizing that playing God and creating artificial life was against human rights. • “I entered; but I had hardly placed my foot within the door before the children shrieked… the whole village was roused; some fled, some attacked me…” (Shelley 74). • From the Creature’s eyes, he entered the village in curiosity and was aggressively assaulted by the local residents. He didn’t deserve the treatment he received, and is an example of how his innocence will slowly turn rot.

12. 6-Step Thesis • 1. The creature symbolized. • 2. The mercurial creature effectively symbolized. • 3. In Frankenstein, the mercurial creature effectively symbolized throughout the novel • 4. In Frankenstein, the mercurial creature, the product of Victor Frankenstein’s folly, effectively symbolized throughout the novel • 5. In Frankenstein, the mercurial creature, the product of Victor Frankenstein’s folly, is effectively symbolized throughout the novel as an illustration of the consequence of scientific advancement. • 6. In Frankenstein, the mercurial creature, the product of Victor Frankenstein’s folly, is effectively symbolized throughout the novel as an illustration of the consequence of scientific advancement, exhibiting a shift from innocence to bitterness when exposed to human injustice, expressing hatred towards Victor for being punished for his creator’s experimentation, and representing Mary Shelley’s fear of women becoming unnecessary if life can be created without female contribution.

13. Citation PICTURES • Background – http ://s438.photobucket.c om/user/lpagan7687/media/green-lightning.jpg.html • “Monster President” - http://classicmoviemonsters.blogspot.com/2011/10/frankenstein-for-president.html • “Vintage Frankenstein” - http://cuantohipster.com/tag/frankenstein • “Cute Frankenstein” - http://www.redbubble.com/people/bigmranch/works/9115282-cute-baby-halloween-frankenstein?p=sticker • “Sheldon Science” - http://dwpgaming.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html • “Mean Monster” -- http://www.pumpkinnook.com/halloween/frankenstein.htm • “Deathly Hallows” - http://cricket2cricket.wordpress.com/2011/07/16/deathly-hallows-is-rowling-wearing-darwins-shoes/ • “Green Light” - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y5Dla9R8T8 • “Apple and Snake”- http://www.firstpres-elcajon.org/Devotions • “Jedi Order” - http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/artists/148777413?view_mode=2 • “Spock” - http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Vulcan_salute • “Augustus Waters” - http://okayaugustuswatersokay.tumblr.com/post/54945461629/saddle098-you-put-the-killing-thing-right • “Einstein Time Magazine” - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass–energy_equivalence • “Angels and Demons” http://aaronmritchey.com/2012/02/24/holy-action-angels-and-demons-on-film/ • “Frankenstein Flower” - http://www.cafepress.com/+frankenstein_holding_a_flower_large_poster,628042240 • “Stars” - http://onebigphoto.com/stars-in-the-sky-sweden/ • “The Struggle Creature” - http://interestingliterature.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/frankenstein-the-most-misread-novel/ • “Creature and Fire” http://l3rokeneye.deviantart.com/art/Frankenstein-FIRE-159196219 • “Adam and Eve Paradise Lost” - http://www.ksb.org.za/Summary/sermons/2012/20121225-greatest-day.htm • “What if..Meme” - http://www.quickmeme.com/Frankenstein-keanu/?upcoming • “ Monster is Loose” - http://www.filmsite.org/fran3.htm MUSIC Spotify.com QUOTES: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley