Progress on Frankenstein, Part 4

[bunnyboo]

Oh, it’s getting good. Well, uh, better, that is to say. The book's been consistently good.

Victor’s meeting with his creation—after years of abandonment—is wonderful. I could quote the entire conversation here, it’s that good. But, despite wanting to up my word count, I won’t—just a few small pieces that I thought were most meaningful and interesting. (This ends up being a lie. – Bunny, having finished the post)

“…you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound [Note: The language reminds me of the Bible. Direct reference to the relationship between God and Satan? Makes sense with the Paradise Lost quote at the beginning.] by ties only dissoluble by the annihilation of one of us. You purpose to kill me. How dare you sport thus with life? Do your duty towards me, and I will do mine towards you and the rest of mankind. [Note: Victor thought that his creation (and its progeny) would have duty towards him, but not the other way around. The creature suggests a mutual relationship.] …I entreat you to hear me before you give vent to your hatred… Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself… But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. [Note: A creation superior to its creator? That’s… un-Biblical.] I am thy creature [Note: emphasis mine.], and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me. …be not equitable to every other and trample upon me alone, to whom thy justice, and even thy clemency and affection, is most due. [Note: Another mention of justice and prejudice interfering with it. It first comes up when Frankenstein meets his unattractive and rude professor who he later warms up to when given the chance, and this is repeated with Justine’s trial—she’s discriminated against because she’s a servant and grew up poor. Even this exchange is a mini-trial, where Victor the creator is asked to judge his creation and “pass judgement.”] Remember that I am thy creature; I ought be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed… I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous. [Note: emphasis mine. Big ‘ol theme, comin’ through! Though the idea that the creature is dependent on his creator for happiness is… interesting. Kind of a parallel between them—Victor assumes fate won’t let him be happy, but he’s the cause of his own misery; the creature (rightly) attributes his unhappiness to his creator, but that is changeable.]

“…These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings. If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do… Shall I not then hate them who abhor me? …it is in your power to recompense me, and deliver them [mankind] from an evil which it only remains for you to make so great, that not only you and your family, but thousands of others, shall be swallowed up in the whirlwinds of its rage. [Note: Victor and his creation are not so different after all. They blame outside forces for spurring them into terrible actions. The creation could choose to not seek bloody revenge—especially not against people who, presumably, never actually wronged him (but probably would hurt him if they had the chance.)]

“Let your compassion be moved, and do not disdain me. Listen to my tale; when you have heard that, abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me. The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they are condemned. [Note: emphasis mine. Again, bringing up justice and judgement. Does this count as divine judgement if the person who created you (God, scientist, parent) judges you? Victor is taking on God’s role, but his creation is more like Adam, Satan… or Lilith.] …You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Yet I ask you not to spare me; listen to me, and then, if you can, and if you will, destroy the work of your hands." [Note: Not only does the creation doubt Victor’s physical capability to destroy him, it (he?) also doubts his spiritual and mental capabilities as well. Didn’t God promise not to kill everyone with another flood after Noah’s big adventure? Not sure if that’s relevant, but it popped into my mind from my casual understanding of Christianity.]

Dang. And that’s not even diving into Victor’s part of the conversation. There’s so much good stuff here, not just thematic things either—the imagery and the use of language is stunning. The creature is articulate, educated, but still has this feral edge to him that I can’t quite place. I think he’d make a good companion to Walton from the prologue letters, don’t you think?

I think the creation’s actual tale is worth keeping to a separate post. See you then!