Comments on: Frankenstein: some thoughts

By: Lizzy

Lizzy — Sun, 06 Nov 2005 17:07:34 +0000

Even though im taking frankenstein for “academic”reasons this year, really enjoyed reading this book, it is full of quotes, interpretations and studies on human psychology and relationships and It’s surprising how something so old and far from our time can still be related to our lives and the society today. It is indeed a scary book: prejudices are scary, and so is loneliess and alienation. We all feel sorry for the monster when we read the story, but we can identify ourself in him…how many times have I felt that way? Also, the background of the novel is interesting: Mary Shelley’s life(and the fact that she was only eighteen when she wrote the book!) and how the novel relates to women, scientific progress, religion and humans. It might not be the most exciting book I’ve read but it’s definitely very interesting, well written and a classic that must be read! =)
oh n by the way im going to have exams soon about Frankenstein(yes the scientist, not the monster!) and I’ll keep my fingers crossed!hehehe

By: Kim Anderson

Kim Anderson — Sat, 29 Oct 2005 05:46:11 +0000

So much of modern literature is concerned with the question: “what makes us human?” Frankenstein is no exception. Certainly, Dr Frankenstein is seeking to ‘become like God’, creating life. His efforts only serve to make him less than human, spurning his pitiful creation, endangering his loved ones, becomming driven by revenge and rage.

Clearly, men aren’t ready for the kinds of dilemmas posed by taking on the role of God. I think your analogies to cloning and stem cell research are apt. And doesn’t it really go back to questions of abortion and birth control. Somehow, modern men think that fundamentally they are 100% in control of who is and isn’t born.

By: kendrakoo

kendrakoo — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 21:35:46 +0000

I loved reading Frankenstein in a theory class two years ago. I was shocked by the seriousness of the nested narratives, and like yourself, awaiting the “It’s alive! It’s alive!” tone of it.

Another interesting factoid, I heard that Mary Shelly, Byron and (some other literary great) were vacationing together when they decided to have a “scary storytelling contest.” Shelly’s Frankenstein won.

By: Bryce

Bryce — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 10:21:37 +0000

Sounds like an interesting read. I should add it to my list of books I should have read years ago.

By: David

David — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 08:54:14 +0000

what a downer

By: Manders

Manders — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 23:06:52 +0000

Frankenstein, ever since I first read it last year, was a book about the need for human relationships, too. Frankenstein gets so obsessed with revenge that he cuts himself off from other people and dies almost crazy; the monster kills other people because he’s been cut off from them. “It is not good for man to be alone,” indeed.

Now, should Frankenstein have created a female? I’m never sure how to answer that.