Extra Credit- Fake News Report

The Onion:  "Real-Life Frankenstein" Story

http://www.theonion.com/video/medical-miracle-man-lives-thanks-to-heart-stolen-f,14186/

The Monster's Song

Frankensteins impact.

After reading this novel and how intrigued I was about how Mary published it anonymously due to the time period and because of all the debates that came about, from who should take credit to "nineteenth century critics not wanting to believe that Mary was even that good" (preface x), I was curious as to what kind of impact did Frankenstein have on the literary world as well as the fact that a young women wrote it. What i found about the impact it had was that it completely opened the doors during the romantic movement for Gothic literature. Once Frankenstein was published it was the first of a dozen Frankenstein novels by different authors, from "Frankenstein unbound" to "The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein", all based on the original Mary Shelley's version whether it be from a different point of view or about the background of other characters. To me after researching and reading this book, i believe that with the extreme help of her mother, Mary even opened the gateway for women writers on into the twentieth century. It will forever be a classic.

Frankenstein

In the beginning of this book, it was hard to follow on who was the speakers, or who was being talked about but once the story it self began it was a lot easier to follow.
When i was reading the four letters that Robert Walton was writing to his sister, Margarette Saville, i noticed that even with Robert's exploration accomplishments, his moods were so back and forth.
The first letter he was so up beat and excited to fill his sister in on what was to happened and where he was and going to be. "to commence this laborious voyage with the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat with his holiday mates, on an expedition of discovery up his native river" (pg.7-8).
The second letter, his mood completely flip flops. He's feeling lonely and isolated as if he has no one friend in the world. He also acts as if hes too good for his shipmates besides from being their captain. "these are useless complaints; i shall certainly find no friend on the wide ocean, nor even here in Archangel, among merchants, and seaman"(pg.10).
The third letter, Robert is back to high spirits and very confident in the way the voyage is going. Not even a good incident had come their way, yet.
The fourth letter he reports that the ship is stuck in ice with no land for miles until the get a glimmer of hope, once the man like creature is seen on the sled, that land is not as far away as they thought. He not only saved a mans life, that man ended up fulfilling the captains one wish, having a friend.

Frankenstein II - Jade Youngblood

Overall, Frankenstein was a good book. In my opinion, Frankenstein was, for the lack of a better word, wimpy. Creating a monster is scary business, but he fainted all the time. When he found out that Clerval was dead, he had a panic attack. He had a fit, then “A fever succeeded to this. I lay for two months on the point of death:” (Shelly 122) I know I seem mean, but really? He's in a coma like state for two months because he feels guilty. He could have avenged Clerval in that two months. Then he would have been able to enjoy his life with Elizabeth.

I feel bad for Elizabeth. All she wants is her fairy tale ending with Frankenstein, and instead she gets killed on her honeymoon. Talk about an unfair life.

Also, I was kind of disappointed at the ending. I know it was a tragedy, so everyone had to die at the end, but I was hoping for a big fight seen. I know that seems awful, but it would have an interesting scene.

It was sad when the monster decided to kill himself. His life was filled with hate, revenge, and alienation. “A frightful selfishness hurried me on, while my heart was poisoned with remorse. Think ye that the groans of Clerval were music to my ears? My heart was fashioned to be susceptible of love and sympathy;” (Shelly 153) He hated himself for everything that he had done. That is so sad. I think he felt like he did not have a choice. No one would love him, so he gave them a reason not to. I know I've said this before, but I think if Frankenstein would have made the monster a mate, both of their sufferings would have ended.

Frankenstein

Something that just keeps coming into my mind over and over in this book is in the beginning when Frankenstein's brother, William, was murdered by Frankenstein's creature. While this made me feel bad for Frankenstein's loss, I couldn't help but be frustrated at the same time. I couldn't believe that he allowed Justine to be put to death for a murder she did not commit. He just sat back and let someone he cared about die because of something he created. I understand that he didn't realize what consequences creating this monster would present, but he should have taken the blame for the things he caused. He saw the "daemon" one night and realized he was the murderer of his brother. He said, "Nothing in human shape could have destroyed that fair child. He was the murderer! I could not doubt it." (Shelley 48). He knew in that moment that it was his creation that killed his brother, but yet he sat quietly in the trial for Justine. In a way, he also betrayed his cousin, Elizabeth. She was so distraught over thinking Justine killed William, and then finding out that she was dying innocent, but he didn't bother to tell her either.

After the trial, even though he knew Justine was getting the death penalty, he still didn't leak a word. He simply said, "Thus the poor sufferer tried to comfort others and herself. She indeed gained the resignation she desired. But I, the true murderer, felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom, which allowed of no hope or consolation." (Shelley 57). He tried to convince people that she was innocent, but he tried to convince all the wrong people. The jury are the ones who mattered and he said nothing during the trial.

Monster Theme

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley did a exceptional job with this book Frankenstein. Her writing style can be described as very creative by some, and slow by others. One might say that she started the book off in a slow manner with all the letters and details. However one might also say that this is the only way the book could be started, and the character, Walton, to be introduced properly. I believe it was important to give a background of Walton to show what he had been through.
Once Walton's voyage begins, it is clear that he has been waiting for it for quite some time. He is very eager. He is also shown to be a hard worker. Others on the ship look up to him, after all he is the captain. This leadership role he has taken on becomes apparent when the master said, "Here is our captain, and he will not allow you to perish on the open sea." (Shelley 13).
This open sea voyage shows a lot about Walton's personality and character. Not only is he the "captain" but he is the captain of a difficult, tricky voyage. The ship is at one point there was ice "stretched out in every direction, vast and irregular plains of ice, which seemed to have no end." (Shelley 13). One might say under conditions like that, that it would be a daring voyage and shy away, but Walton stays in control. Walton is clearly adventurous and is not afraid of much.
Walton also has a softer side. During the voyage it becomes apparent that he is lonely. Then they pick up a stranger, later to be identified as Frankenstein. Walton longs for a best friend on his voyage, and he finds a friend in Frankenstein.

Frankenstein

At first I found it difficult to read this novel. After reading more I found the reading very interesting and am finding myself reading more and more, and anticipating the next events.

“ From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the most comprehensive of the term, became nearly my sole occupation. “ (Shelley 29)

After Victor left home for Ingolstadt he becomes highly fascinated with the sciences, more in particular the human anatomy. He was interested in where people come from and what happens when we die.

Victor became so intrigued by creating human life he started neglecting and shadowing himself with his work. “ I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest health.” (Shelley, 34.) He shadowed himself away from his family. He worked so hard with his only concentration being his work. Victor becomes soon becomes lonely.

Victor soon realizes that his creation is not what he thought it would be. “ “How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I endeavored to form? “ (Shelley 34)

Victor didn’t intend on creating a monster. He was merely in my opinion trying to create a friend. Feeling the loneliness of his family weighed a toll on him. He soon finds out that “knowledge” has it pros and cons.

Frankenstein I believe is ashamed of what he has created. To devote all of your time to creating someone and for it to not to our likings can be depressing and frustration. He worked so hard to create this being and is more disappointed in himself.

When he returns to his apartment he finds joy in the fact the monster is no longer there. He isn’t concerned with the monster’s whereabouts or his disappearance. He doesn’t find any emotions that could or would be concerned with the monster’s whereabouts or his state of mind. I found that to be insulting to himself and his creation.

Frankenstein - Jade Youngblood

While reading the story Frankenstein, my overall thoughts are pity for the monster. He had no choice on being brought to life, but he is still mistreated and unloved. He tries going into towns but everyone was scared of him; he tried befriending the small family in the cottage but they ran away. The poor guy was just trying to make best of what he was given. When the monster was begging Frankenstein to make him a mate, it broke my heart. “Our lives will not be happy, but they will be harmless, and free from the misery I now feel. Oh! My creator, make me happy; let me feel gratitude towards you for one benefit!” (Shelly 99) The monster is not asking for anything but a friend and partner. He tried explaining reasonably to Frankenstein that he was only acting out because of loneliness.

I cannot decide how I feel about Frankenstein. My first reaction would to be angry with him for the way he treats the monster that he created. But another part of me pities him. He spends years out of his life creating this thing and the moment it becomes life he abhors it. It is sad to think that he wasted all that time when he could have been studying different subjects or could have gotten married to Elizabeth. I also feel bad for him because of his inner turmoil. “I looked towards its completion with a tremulous and eager hope, which I dared not trust myself to question, but which was intermixed with obscure foreboding of evil, that made my heart sicken in my bosom.” (Shelly 114) Not only does he blame himself for the murder of his little brother, he is in constant fear of whose blood will be on his hands next. I think he should have finished creating the lady monster. I can understand his fear of her being evil, but I think it would have worked out for the best.

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994) trailer

this is a trailer from the 1994 version of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Nightwish - Ocean Soul

Extra Credit #1 - Jade Youngblood

It seems silly, but the end is the best part!

Frankenstein Song - Jade Youngblood

I chose this song because it gave me the creeps, isn't too over the top, and I could easily imagine Frankenstein walking out to this.

Kings Of Leon - Use Somebody

Frankenstein

I found it difficult to get interested in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" at first. It was just hard to find interest in the letters at the beginning of the book. However, once I got past the letters, I became very interestedand even found myself having trouble putting it down. What I love about this book is the incredible quality of vivid descriptions Mary Shelley used in her writing. I can get completely lost in a book when I can have a mental picture of what is happening in the story, and this book definitely gave me mental pictures. For example, Mary Shelley states, "I looked on the valley beneath; vast mists were rising from the rivers which ran through it, and curling in thick wreaths around the opposite mountains, whose summits were hid in the uniform clouds while rain poured from the dark sky, and added to the melancholy impressions I received from the objects around me" (Shelley 64). This line gives me an idea of exactly what the valley and rivers look like that Frankenstein is telling the readers about. Another line in the book that I believe has good description is when she described Frankenstein's creation. She wrote, "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 the same colour as the dun white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion, and straight black lips" (Shelley 34). These are only a couple of examples of the descriptions in this book and I'm sure there are more to come.

The Barrelmaker Brimful of Love

I thought this story was very interesting, but it certainly didn't turn out the way I expected it to. What I found so surprising was the way she agreed to go ahead and sleep with Master Chozaemon in the end of the story just because she was accused. After the lady of the house accused her of sleeping with him, Osen said, "My sleeve is already wet with tears. Having suffered the shame, there is nothing left to lose. I shall make love to Chozaemon and teach that woman a lesson" (Saikaku 602). After she said this, she and Master Chozaemon made a promise to make love to each other. I also find it humorous how they went about doing this. I cannot seem to understand why they went to her bed, where her husband was sleeping soundly. I know that during this time period you could be put to death if you cheated on your husband, but the reason I thought this was so surprising is because of these two lines in the beginning of the story: "Once when a lighthearted fellow pulled her dress she responded with a full-throated shriek, leaving the man to bewail this unfortunate turn of events. After that no man would ever speak flirtingly to her" (Saikaku 591). These lines make it sound as though she would never fool around with any men, and yet she cheated on her husband to be with Master Chozaemon.

Mary Shelley

For this blog I wanted to do something different. Although the story is interesting, I wanted to focus this discussion on the author and the reactions to the story. The Novel Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus was written by Mary Shelley. Shelley started the novel when she was eighteen after traveling t o Europe with her stepsister and not so yet husband Percy Shelley. It wasn’t until the age of twenty-one when the novel was published. Shelley father was who William Godwin, writer of An Enquiry into Political Justice, and Mary Wollstonecraft a feminist who wrote A Vindication of Women’s Rights. (Preface 8.)

When the novel was first published it was done so anonymously. Research shows that in the first edition was perceived to be written by her husband Percy Shelley. It wasn’t until the second edition was published she revealed herself as the author.

When the book was first published reviews were not so much on Shelley’s favor due to no acknowledgment of who the author was. That however didn’t stop the success of the novel. Some viewed the novel “ impressive with a high idea of the author’s original genius and happy power of expression,” (Scott, Walter.)

However some viewed the story as “ a tissue of horrible and disgusting absurdity.” (Quarterly Review.)

People who opposed the novel saw it as degrading. They believed t attack her integrity as a woman. The Literary Panorama and National Register attacks the novel as a "feeble imitation of Mr. Godwin's novels" produced by the "daughter of a celebrated living novelist" (Enotes 414).

Despite all negative feedback Frankenstein has become one of the “popular texts for literature courses, and Mary Shelley has come to be known as a major writer and something of a culture hero,” (Preface 11.) Shelley’s book has opened doors to genres such as horror, science fiction, and romance.

Frankenstein

Walton is clearly passionate about going on the expedition he is about to embark on. He talks about, "the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat with his holiday mates, on an expedition of discovery," when referring to the journey(Shelley 8). He is clearly adamant about going on this expedition. It seems as though he has worked rather hard to get where he is, and his hard work ethic is continuing on the expedition. Walton says in his letter, "I often worked harder than the common sailors during the day, and devoted my nights to the study of mathematics, the theory of medicine, and those branches of physical science from which a naval adventurer might derive the great practical advantage." (Shelley 8). One can see that Walton is serious about what he does and that he is a very hard worker. He also strives to learn more and know as much as he can, even if it does not come easy.
Walton might be so hungry for an expedition like this because he has wanted it since he has been a child. However, he was not allowed to when he was a child, because his father died at sea and his uncle did not see it fit that Walton share his father's fate (Shelley 8). Walton says, "This expedition has been the favourite dream of my early years." which shows how long he has wanted it (Shelley 8).
Shelley does a good job of opening the story by creating and showing Walton's emotions.

Barrelmaker of Love by Jade Youngblood

I really enjoyed this story. Even though the title of the story is The Barrelmaker Brimful of Love, I would say that Osen is the main character of the story. I would consider Osen a very lucky girl. She was sent off by her parents to be a servant, which is unlucky, but she was blessed with fair masters. On page 591, it states, “Later she was allowed free access to the inner storeroom where all the fine things are kept.” I think her charming personality and beauty also played a factor in the privileges she received. After she marries the cooper; she seems to be the perfect wife. The story made me believe that it would end happily ever after. But, like in all good stories, a twist happens. After the rumor mill started, Osen decided to get even. I can understand. If someone spread rumors of infidelity about me, I would be mad too. What I don’t understand is why she tried to act out on her revenge in the house where her husband was. Common sense is a needed attribute when trying to cheat on your husband.
The old, magical lady was very interesting to me. “However, as she sank lower and lower in the social scale she learned the lesson of karma and she thought more about the future life.” (592) I can tell a lot about the old woman from the line in the story. The story says she was an abortionist. According to this quote, abortionists were very low members of society. This probably prevented her of marrying anyone. So why would a lonely, old, former abortionist want to help a random guy that she met at a festival? I think she wanted to help the cooper to redeem herself. I don’t know what made her decide that she had the skill set to become a matchmaker, but I can’t blame her for trying.
Another character in the story is the cooper. I fell a little sorry for the cooper. He pines over Osen, sending her hundred of love letters. Then he goes on a road trip with her and has to fight for her the whole way. He finally gets to marry the girl of his dreams (how many times does that happen?) only for her to cheat on him and kil herself. I would say that the cooper is the nice guy that finishes last in this story.

BACK TO LIFE (MONSTER CARTOON)

gulliver

In this i think the auther was already prety much a little offbalance but brelint. He used the difrent types of creatures and pepole to represent the world and show how we treat each other so difrently due to language and looks and that we all think if u do not look like me u are no good. i just wonder if it was dur to he was not all ther mentally or what type of drug was he on when he wrote this. Most great art or litature was done under the influnce of some drug or alchol or by a mentaly unstable person. but i enjoyed the tale very imensly and it is lot difrrent from the cartoon i watched growing up wich i suppose u take any thing and turn it into a serris for kids it will take a lot diffrent look from what the auther wanted. guliver was so wanting adventure he left a prgentet wife to go explore. When he was put on the island do u think he ate some kind of hulagnic plant and dreamed it all and is telling of what he dreamed or do u think the auther is say he actually exprenced all the creatures and tiny people. it is kinda simular to "Alice In Wonderland" execpt the mention of the drugs. It makes u think wich happened a unintened high or was it real. I wonder why he all ofsuden decides to call the horse his master dose he fell he has become a slave swift gives me support for this when he says "The Auther at his master's comands," seams like he has became a slave of some sort.

Gulliver's Travels by Jade Youngblood

Although there were parts of Gulliver's Travels that I did not enjoy, overall it was well written with an interesting plot line. The first question that comes to mind in the story is did Gulliver do anything to deserve a mutiny? And if he did, what was it? Of course there's no way of knowing the answer to this question without knowing how he treated the crew and any major disagreements.

I also think Gulliver (well, Swift) was very descriptive. I really enjoyed that, especially when it came to the Houyhnhnm's speech. He described his surroundings well enough that I could picture it in my mind and he went into great detail of the conversations he had with his master. After class discussion, I do understand the Enlightenment satire. While I was reading, I kept thinking, “What is he making fun of in this?” Now I know.

I did not like Gulliver's attitude, (or in my opinion, Swift's attitude.) When Gulliver was asked to leave the Houyhnhnm's land, I felt sad for him - no one likes being unaccepted. I can also understand wanted to find a deserted island to finish his life on. (This would have been the best option for him) I do not understand how he acted towards the human race. He was a human, no matter how bad he did not want to be. Don Pedro saved his life, but Gulliver still thought he was too good to wear brand new clothes made by “Yahoos.” “He accoutred me with other necessaries, all new, which I aired for twenty-four hours before I would use them.” (Swift 478) His behavior towards his wife was especially heinous. “I began last week to permit my wife to sit at dinner with me, at the farthest end of a long table; and to answer (but with the utmost brevity) the few questions I ask her.” (Swift 482) That line made me so mad!

Over all, Gulliver's Travels was not too bad, but Gulliver's pride made it hard to enjoy the story fully.

The Barrelmaker Brimful of Love

The Barrelmaker Brimful of love was very interesting to me. Osen the main character of the story was portrayed as an innocent girl at the beginning of the story, but at the end was portrayed into society as a typical women, betraying her husband, and doing the inevitable. Osen was sent away by her father at a young age, and was sent to work due to her family’s short comings. She was looked highly upon by the family whom she was sent to work for, she did everything they wanted and needed to make them happy. I think she found satisfaction within in herself through pleasing others and ensuring their happiness. But although doing this she had no idea of what love was or how it felt. She was afraid of the opposite sex because she had no dealings with them their fore she didn’t know how to conform to their advances. Osen soon found out through the old lady who was a former abortionist, that someone had an interest in her. The old lady gathered this information from the copper during the cleaning of the well. “The one I love does not live far away. I love Osen, the maid of the house here. I have sent her a hundred letters without getting a word in reply (Saikaku 592). The women took it upon her self to get the two of them together. She came up with this embellished, dramatic story that she told the family of the bad comings would come to the family after he died, if he couldn’t be with Osen. This story had many different interesting points to me that caught my interest. Eventually Osen fell in love with the copper and they married and had children. Osen lived for this man, she ensured that his every need was met, and talked about him constantly. Her life revolved around his happiness, nothing came before him. I don’t necessarily like the way that the story ended. But I guess since she was so aroused by what her husband meant to her then she felt that she needed to take her life because she betrayed him. I also don’t necessarily agree with the decision she made on trying to have relations with the Chozaemon especially in her home, but at the same time I can understand how she felt to be accused of something that was not inexistent.

Barrelmaker Brimful of Love

I think the story was very interesting.The way Old Nanny arranged for Osen and the cooper to be together. She tricked the family Osen worked for and also had a talk with Osen about the cooper.Old Nanny made Osen think she's the reason she was going to die early,knowing Osen would feel bad and agree to meeting the cooper.Normally two people were arranged to marry and wouldn't really love or want eachother, but Osen and the cooper were good together.The newly weds proved quite compatible and their luck was good.(Saikaku 600) Some of the story really reminds me of todays' society. The situation that reminds me of society of today is when Osenis accussed of committing a harsh sin and crime, when she only was there to offer her services.(Saikaku 601)Osen told her "The master was taking some bowls down from the shelf and one fell on me. That's how it happened."But the lady didn't believe her.(Saikaku 602) After constantly being accussed she decided she might as well do just what she is being accussed of. My sleeve is already wet with tears. Having suffered the shame, there is nothing left to lose.I shall make love to to Chozaemon which soon resulted in a secret exchange of promises between two. (Saikaku 602) Alot of times thats what happen in todays society, a person dosen't have to be at all attracted to someone, but if they are constantly being accusses, they do things out of hatred.

Barrelmaker

When i read the wonderful story there are things in this story that being a person going into teaching history that i see that most people do not see or know about the Japanese culture. I see a love story trenched in the traditions of a proud people who pride themselves on honorable life. Osen is describe as a beautiful and intelligent woman who's parents had to send her off to work so they could pay there taxes. She becomes a valuable asset to the master and mistress she is working for. The local barrelmaker falls in love with her from affair. This is so prominent of the culture of japan most do not get the chance to fall in love and marry who they want but in a rare chance this couple dose. i think the author dose a wonderful job of showing how they the nanny use belief in helping the barrelmaker land his love with the family she worked for. Saikaku shows this belief or supertion when he writes "About the same time a series of further misfortunes overtook the household. The great cauldron rusted so that its bottom fell out ; there was a sudden change between breakfast and supper in the taste of the prepared bean-paste; and lightning struck the roof of the storehouse," (Saikaku). There are other talk of the beliefs and traditions of the people at this time. When Saikaku tells of Osen attempted affair and what happens he tells us "Osen, realizing that it was a hopeless situation for her plunged the blade of a carpenter's plane into her hart and died." he is showing how she has dishonored her husband and she by killing herself this way was to die dishonorable to herself so she would not have to go through a trial and be executed. as in most of the old stories this is based upon a true story. though some parts are made up it is drenched in truth and rituals from the time.

Barrelmaker Brimful of Love

This reading I found to be very interesting. I was able to read and find enjoyment in it. A section that aroused my interest was near the ending of the reading.
Osen, the homemaker and main character of the story seemed to have everything she wanted. She was a wife, mother, and even when she bore two children. She loved her husband so she "did not forsake her husband," (Saikaku 600.) One wonders why she would commit a sin such as adultery.
It takes place when Osen attends the anniversary of Chozaemon, the yeast maker's father's celebration of his homegoing of fifty years. Osen was "on friendly terms with these people ,and dropped in to offer her services." (Saikaku 601.) She was confronted by the yeast maker's wife with the unexpeted. Osen was accussed of commiting a harsh sin and crime. She calmy gave an explanation to what caused the suspicion. Her explanation to the wasn't believable. She remained her innoncence even with the constant accusations until it became unbearable. "My sleeve is already is already wet with tears. Having suffered the shame there is nothing else to lose. I shall make love to Chozamon and teach that woman a leson." (Saikaku 602.)
One finds it difficult to understand why a woman would come to such a decision. Was the risk of vacating her life a pleasure to her? A life she desperately wanted and yearned for.
While the mice were away Osen decided to play. She carelessly shared a bed she shares with her husband, with a stranger. She carelessly gets caught, and decides to end her life.
Osen's culture is one that if a woman commits a crime such as adultery the punishment is death. The ending of the story states "this is a stern world and sin never goes unpunished. (Saikaku 603.) Was this her escape, by punshing herself for commiting this sin? One can only wonder.