Frankenstein Seminar Prep by Jenna Knecht

Frankenstein

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:13:16 UTC

Accountability

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:13:38 UTC

Good vs. Evil

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:14:27 UTC

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:19:40 UTC

"Could the daemon who had (I did not for a minute doubt) murdered my brother also in his hellish spot have betrayed the innocent to death and ignominy? I could not sustain thee horror of my situation, and when I perceived that the popular voice and the countenances of the judges had already condemned my unhappy victim, I rushed out of the court in agony. The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore my bosom and would not forego their hold" (Shelly 57).

Running from responsibility and unchecked power.

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:24:33 UTC

Victors failure to take accountability led to his downfall as he kept his creation a secret. The guilt that he lived with drove most of his life afterwards - by running away from his problems (the monster) from the beginning, Frankenstein set himself up for a life of regret. He ended up blaming himself for the deaths among his family later on.

Frankensteins life after his creation touches on the abuse of power within science and exploration as well as the consequences of avoiding responsibility and running from our problems. Frankenstein used his knowledge to create something he couldn't control, failing to tell others about it and leaving this monster as a liability. By running from the monster, he left it in isolation which only caused more anger. This led to the murders of Frankensteins family which not only ruined their lives, but Frankensteins life as well.

Was Frankensteins pursuit of knowledge worth it? Is it better to know something that hurts you or not know at all?

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:25:31 UTC

If Frankenstein never uncovered knowledge on how to bring the monster to life, would he have been better off? Is the knowledge he gained worth it in the end?

Human needs for connection

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:27:15 UTC

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:31:50 UTC

"Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind? You, my creator, would tear me to pieces, and triumph; remember that, and tell me why I should pity man more than he pities me? You would not call it murder, if you could precipitate me into one of those ice-rifts, and destroy my frame, the work of your own hands. Shall I respect man when he contemns me? Let him live with me in the interchange of kindness; and, instead of injury I would bestow every benefit upon him with tears if gratitude at his acceptance" (Shelly 104).

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:36:46 UTC

Frankenstein thinks he is doing good by running from the monster and failing to immerge him into society. He thinks that by failing to create more beings as such he is stopping the creation of a destructive and shunned creature. However, in reality, Frankensteins actions are evil and leave the monster uncivilized in a world that he does not know how to navigate. Even more, Frankenstein has left the monster isolated which is causing the monster pain and longing. Oftentimes, humans think they are doing good when they are actually committing evil. On top of this, something that is good for the greater good (society) can seem evil to one (the monster).

Can something still be good if it hurts someone? If somethings good for the greater good but evil to certain people is it acceptable?

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:38:46 UTC

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:43:11 UTC

"What I ask of you is reasonable and moderate; I demand a creature of another sex, but as hideous as myself; the gratification is small, but it is all that I can receive, and it shall content me. It is true, we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another. Our lives will not be happy, but they will be harmless, and free from the misery I now feel" (Shelly 105).

Power of companionship

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:45:48 UTC

The monster would rather suffer with someone than suffer alone - he even promises to stay away from humanity and live hidden if he can be with someone. The need for human connection is part of the hierarchy of needs, playing a crucial part in life. The monster was born into an isolated environment, shunned since his creation. However, he has watched others with compansions and began to crave this. Clearly, this need for connection and relations in innate and a crucial part of life. He even promises to stop killing people in Frankensteins life and in general. Out of everything that the monster can demand of Frankenstein, all he wants is a life with a partner.

If the monster were created with a partner, would he have committed the same violence?

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:46:24 UTC

What power does human connection or isolation play in the human experience? How does it affect our behavior?

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-03 01:47:02 UTC

jennaknecht0 — 2025-01-05 20:30:31 UTC

Humans are meant to connect with one another and find a purpose in this. Even from a young age, children form relationships with their parents, teachers, peers, etc. Throughout every stage of life, we are meant to form relationships and coexist. Connections can be just as important to our health as eating healthy, exercising, etc. Social connection has even been shown to boost life expectancy and reduce health risks.