Chapter+11

Chapter 11

The Creature's Tale...

"We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone." -Orson Welles //Kelsey Pelletier- 1st// //Rachel Middleton- 1st//
 * Contributors:**

The Creature begins to tell the story of his birth and how he sees the world. People run from him when they see him and he realizes that he is different from others and he goes to hide near a cottage with a family that he observes.


 * Allusions:**

//Paradise Lost//

"But I was enchanted by the appearance of the hut: here the snow and rain could not penetrate; the ground was dry; and it presented to me then as exquisite and divine a retreat as Pandaemonium appeared to the daemons of hell after their sufferings in the lake of fire," (Shelley 95). Pandaemonium is the name of the kingdom Satan and his troops create in Hell. The Creature is comparing himself to Satan for one of the first times in the novel and comparing his little hut to a whole kingdom because of how much better it is in comparison to him being alone in the woods with no shelter (Shelley 207).

//The Bible: Genesis//

In the Creature's first memories he discovers life in a similar order to that of creation in the first book of The Bible. First he sees light and darkness, then he walks on land and soon discovers water. Then he discovers plants, such as berries. Then he perceives the sun and the moon. Finally, he recognizes birds and meets man. This allusion emphasizes the similarity between the indescribable and seemingly impossible creation of the Creature and God's creation of the world (Shelley 207).


 * Motifs/Symbols:**

Nature Light/Darkness- In Frankenstein, light symbolizes knowledge and discovery. Since the world is a place filled with unknown secrets and hidden passages, reaching the light always seems to be the primary goal for Frankenstein as well as the creature. The concept of light and darkness, though intrinsically simple, is one that the Creature must learn (SparkNotes).

Fire- Fire represents the more dangerous part of light. When the creature saw fire for the first time, he was marveled by the light, but it also hurt him when he touched it. Fire also refers back to the second title, "A Modern Prometheus," (SparkNotes).

Parallelism/ mirror images: This idea is so important to the novel that even the Creature realizes its importance very early on in his being. //See "Significant Quotes."//


 * Themes:**

Rejection/Isolation- The reoccurring idea of rejection and isolation is seen through the creature because the creature feels rejected by everyone, including his creator (Victor). People that come into contact with the creature run away from him instantly, which makes the creature feel neglected and ashamed. All the creature wants is to find companionship but every human being rejects him because of his outward appearance, not his kind and gentle personality. **Misunderstanding leads to rejection and isolation.**


 * Character Development:**

After his "birth," the Creature becomes more independent; for example, he learns to avoid people, feed himself, provide shelter, and use fire to his advantage without hurting himself. He also begins to realize that he is different from everyone else and alone.


 * Significant Quotes and explanations:**

//"... the uncouth and inarticulate sounds which broke from me frightened me into silence again," (Shelley 93).//

This quote shows that the Creature realized early on that there was something wrong or frightening about him. It also shows his desire to learn language.

//"The silver hair and benevolent countenance of the aged cottager won my reverence, while the gentle manners of the girl enticed my love," (Shelley 97).//

This quote demonstrates that the Creature is not inherently evil; instead, he is capable of civilized feelings, respect, and even love.

//"Nothing could exceed in beauty the contrast between these two excellent creatures. One was old, with silver hairs and a countenance, beaming with benevolence and love: the younger was slight and graceful in his figure, and his features were moulded wit the finest symmetry; yet hi.s eyes and attitude expressed the utmost sadness and despondency." (Shelley 97)// This quote reinforces the motif of parallel images, using old Mr. DeLacey and his son as examples. The Creature believes that this contrast is beautiful and desirable and perhaps sees himself in this idea to be most similar to the younger of the two, identifying with his "sadness and despondency," and wishing someone would look upon himself with love and care.


 * Art Gallery:**




 * MLA Citation**

Works Cited

 Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.

 SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on Frankenstein.” SparkNotes.com. SparkNotes LLC. 2007. Web. 1 Dec. 2010.