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Frankenstein

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Start date: October 1, 2018

Finish date: October 31, 2018

Why we're reading this: Revisit the Shelf Classic Read, October 2018

Previous Group Reads:
Revisit the Shelf Classic Read, October …more
[close] Revisit the Shelf Classic Read, October 2018

Previous Group Reads:
Revisit the Shelf Classic Read, October 2016
Revisit the Shelf Classic Read, October 2014
Old School Classic Group Read, October 2013

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Aug 08, 2017 Candi rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: classics-shelf, dogdaysofsummer2017, horror-creepy

3.5 stars rounded down

"His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. 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 a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion, and straight black lips."

I was 3.5 stars rounded down

"His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful. 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 a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion, and straight black lips."

I was more than just a little excited to pick up this enduring and quite popular classic, gothic horror novel for the second time. I was convinced that this would go straight to my favorite books of all-time shelf. After all, my lukewarm reception to it more than twenty-five years ago was probably a bit unsound, lacking the appreciation it so deserved. Well, I am not here to say that I disliked the book. Not at all. But I feel somewhat sorry to say that I can’t honestly give it a place on my cherished books list. I also feel a bit isolated by the fact that nearly all of my Goodreads friends have rated this at least a star or two higher than my own 3.5 rounded down to 3 star rating!

Okay, now that I have that guilty feeling expressed and out of the way, I will just try to ‘quickly’ mention my thoughts on the book. I think just about everyone here knows the gist of the story. Remember, this is not my first reading so I absolutely didn’t go into it with the expectation that it would match the feel of the film or television adaptations! In fact, when I began reading, I was immediately mesmerized. The beginning portion of the book, with the bleak and desolate description of the arctic landscape and the first glimpse of the gigantic creature by Captain Walton, revealed Mary Shelley’s exquisite writing skills. I loved the way we are introduced to the monster’s creator, Victor Frankenstein. We learn of his story as told by him to Walton. His narrative and that of the monster are woven cleverly together so that we fully comprehend the feelings of both the creator and his creation. Like their fellow humans, Frankenstein sought knowledge while Walton additionally sought adventure. At what point does mankind’s challenge of nature and power cause destruction and ruin? Frankenstein thirsted to push the limits of man’s wisdom by daring not only to learn but to create – a power perhaps reserved for some being or entity outside the realm of our own jurisdiction. "A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs."

His arrogance must have consequences, of course. He ultimately rejects that which he has created. His creation is then cast aside by others as he is judged by his ghastly appearance rather than his character. He is left alone and isolated from any kind of companionship or love. The essence of the creature suffers and he takes on those inner characteristics which humanity has carelessly bestowed him with – he becomes a monster. Both creator and monster suffer as a result of their individual actions and consciences. Victor Frankenstein laments: "Anguish and despair had penetrated into the core of my heart; I bore a hell within me, which nothing could extinguish." The monster bemoans: "Remember, that I am thy creature: I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Every where I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend."

Undeniably, there is a strong message within this book, and it is delivered quite clearly by Shelley’s powerful writing. This aspect of the novel definitely appeals to me. As do the descriptions of the scenery – the majestic Alps, the serenity of the Rhine river valley, and the stark and relentless ice of the arctic. What caused my rating to dip further than I had hoped was the endless wailing of Victor Frankenstein. Much of the narrative became rather repetitive, resulting in my wish to hurry along to the end. So I suppose it is fair to say that while the moral of the story and the brilliance of Mary Shelley are to be commended, especially given the time in which this was written, my ultimate enjoyment was a tad diminished. Of course, her ideas have relevance even today, as mankind still seeks that which is just beyond its grasp. ...more

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Dec 24, 2017 RebecaH rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I had always been fascinated by the story of the "monster", the daemon and its creator: a scientist who played to be God. Yet my only approach to this story had come from movies and tv shows that seemed to focus more on the special effects and makeup to visually portray the deformity of the creature rather than any philosophical quest behind the creation itself. How tremendously surprised was I when I realized how beautifully written is Mary Shelley's book and how well she addresses all those et I had always been fascinated by the story of the "monster", the daemon and its creator: a scientist who played to be God. Yet my only approach to this story had come from movies and tv shows that seemed to focus more on the special effects and makeup to visually portray the deformity of the creature rather than any philosophical quest behind the creation itself. How tremendously surprised was I when I realized how beautifully written is Mary Shelley's book and how well she addresses all those ethical underlying concerns. She portrays complex characters, a Doctor who did not fully realize the implications of his childhood reveries and a creature who is not guilty of his existence, yet who is repudiated by everyone for his living.

Shelley and her writing have been to me the most pleasant discovery of 2017, her talent is undeniable and even more considering her young age when she wrote it. Kudos to another great female writer!

Some of my favorite quotes:

"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world."

"'Hateful day when I received life!' I exclaimed in agony. 'Cursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God in pity made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image, but my form is a filthy type of your's, more horrid its very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and detested."

"For a few moments I gazed with delight on her dark eyes, fringed by deep lashes, and her lovely lips; but presently my rage returned: I remembered that I was for ever deprived of the delights that such beautiful creatures could bestow; and that she whose resemblance I contemplated would, in regarding me, have changed that air of divine benignity to one expressive of disgust and affright."

"Oh! Be men, or be more than men. Be steady to your purposes and firm as a rock. This ice is not made of such stuff as your hearts might be; it is mutable, cannot withstand you, if you say that it shall not. Do not return to your families with the stigma of disgrace marked on your brows. Return as heroes who have fought and conquered, and who know not what it is to turn their backs on the foe." ...more

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