Quotes in Frankenstein
In my english 106 class at Purdue University we are reading and analyzing the novel frankenstein. Specifically we are taking a closer and more in dept look in to who is really the monster in frankenstein. Is it Victor, the monster, or simply society? I have not yet come to the conclusion of which one I really think it is but I have leaning more towards Victor. Although he does not do any killing himself he shows signs of disregard for his actions. At his earliest stages of life he had a strange obsession with philosophy and rebirth explaing in this quote ”Curiosity, earnest research to learn the hidden laws of nature, gladness akin to rapture, as they were unfolded to me, are among the earliest sensations I can remember.” He did not have the normal thoughts of a child and he was always obsessed with the perfect being that was elizabeth because she is so beautiful.
When he created the monster he was repulsed by how ugly his creation was. He explains, “the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.” He could never love his creation as a child and show it affection because in his head he was disgusted by him and could not believe that he had created it. Even after he had realized that he had made a mistake he still did not except responsibility and maybe try and help the monster learn how to act in society. He acts as if he is better and of higher standards then the rest of the world explain in this quote ”Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow.” He is a very selfish man and the worst past of it is I honestly believe that he thinks he is completely innocent.
Frankenstein in Ads
In my english class this week we looked at different types of advertising in media involving frankensteins monster. This is a tactic used very often to appeal to the eye of viewers. People in society can relate to the monster and almost immediately recognize him when seen in ads and on commercials. My personal favorites are the bottle of absolute shelly vodka and the ad with all the monsters (frankenstein, the vampire, the mummies, etc.) all in the bathroom. The vodka bottle appeals to the eye and I feel as though people would actually would buy the bottle just because they like the appearance of it. They use these ads very often and making on that looks like a monster in frankenstein was a very good marketing technique and I sure it raised sales. The other Heineken ad with the monsters has a funny appeal to it and brings attention to the beer. It is very interesting to see how different all the ads are. The monster is appealed in many different ways, some are scary and some are funny. It is all about what the advertiser wants to show by the ad. They can make it so many different ways because some see the monster in frankenstein as the victim and some see him as a killer, but that is what is so great about the story. It isn’t always clear and you as the reader are forced to then make your own opinion of what you believe. Is the monster the criminal or is doctor frankenstein? You must decide. It never really occurred to me as to how much the monster is show in the media and advertisements but now that I am taking this class I’m beginning to notice it more and more everyday. Try and pay attention to how many times he comes up in the media.
It All Began With Frankenstein
After reading both reviews from Onion AV by Keith Phipps and Oh, The Horror Reviews by Brett G, it is safe to say that Frankenstein didn’t change the world of classic horror, he created it. Whether you are watching it how it should be viewed in the wee hours of the morning or simply in the Universal Monsters Legacy Collection series, Frankenstein will send chills running up your spine with one of the most stunning entrances in film history. This movie unlike all recent horror movies proved that gore was not needed to make a scary film, mere atmosphere and tension can provide all the thrills you need. Brett G, having grown up with the film since his father made him watch it at 4 years old stated,” and what a glorious introduction it was. From the opening scene in the gothic cemetery I was hooked.”
It has been said that when Frankenstein reanimates the dead corpse right before their eyes is one of the most chilling sequences in horror history. The aspect that brought people to love the monster so much was the realization that he was merely misunderstood not malicious. In the viewers eyes the doctor and townspeople become the monsters in the film, stated in Oh, The Horror Reviews “As the film essentially feels as if it’s a fairy tale gone horribly wrong”. When being watched it has been said that you are transported to another time and place completely infatuated with the “lavish sets, moody backdrops, and gorgeous black and white photography”. Also the fact that the film has no music aside from the opening and closing credits adds a more dramtic and “on the edge of your seat” affect.
This film will never be brushed away. As said by Brett G “The film is set in an unnamed european country during an unnamed time, which contributes to the timelessness of tale.” The movie Frankenstein was in your parents lives, your lives, and will be in your children’s lives. It will fill future generations with “a public consciousness seemingly instantly and forever.
The Cemetery Skeleton
Today in my English 106 class we were asked to read The Cemetery Skeleton that is part of the Frankensteinia Blog. Although it was very confusing to me at first as I continued to read many specific lines stood out in my head. In the opening the writer describes the beginning scene, it starts out sounding like the normal 1931 version of Frankenstein but instead takes a turn in saying “The camera slides past them to the last figure, a hooded skeleton.” As they state in the blog a skeleton is a symbol of death and and the writer states, “The image of the dancing skeleton mocked life’s brevity.” Right after reading this it all began to become clear what this mysterious skeleton may be symbolizing in the movie. But this is not the only symbolism seen, later in the movie “an expressionistic dead tree, a plaster Christ on his calvary cross and a few wooden grave markers stuck at crazy angles.” All these items give a dreary and deadly mood to the film right away, and give the very frightful hint and feel for what is to come in the rest of the film. Another point I felt to be very important is when Frankenstein and Fritz where very concentrated on there urgent task and threw a shovelful of graveyard dirt into the skeletons face. The writer depicts that this could possibly be a “signal of Frankensteins manical focus on the job at hand, unconcerned with the consequences of his acts.” You could also infer that it is a symbol of his disrespect for death itself. The same or a similar skeleton also appeared in the 1935 sequel, Bride of Frankenstein. Many people wondered after watching the film if it was the exact same skeleton that just sat in the prop deparetment between frankenstein movies. The blog ends in a very eaery way by simply stating “I wonder what became of it”, leaving all readers curious.
The Film That Started It All!
In class on wednesday and friday, my English 106 class spent our time watching the 1931 version of Frankenstein by James Whales. I have to say that I do love the story of Frankenstein because, like most kids my age we grew up with it, although I was a little disappointed by the movie. I am aware that it is from the 1930′s and they did not have the same technology we do now, but it felt very fake and over dramatic. I would love to see what they could do with all the special effects and make up we have in the film industry today! But I will admit that this movie captured the imagination of everyone in that time like no other film could do. The one thing I have to comment about is how different it was then what I pictured when reading the book last year in High school. During that unit last year I found myself very disengaged and not interested in the material at all but after talking in my English 106 I have come to the realization that it is so much more than just a silly horror story. I has changed generations of monsters and popular culture itself. Our teacher told us to begin to look out for references in pop culture throughout the semester and I have already come across one. As a college student I am trying very hard to watch my weight and recently purchased the book “Eat This, Not That” from a local book store that gives you an understanding of what foods are okay to eat. A couple nights ago I came upon the chapter worst possible foods to eat and among these high in calorie and fatty foods there was none only but the Frankenburger. A 2,000 calorie burger without even fries! I couldn’t believe it! Although I wasn’t really on the look out for examples before I was shocked to see that it is really true! Frankenstein references are EVERYWHERE!
A world filled with remixes
Many of you may not realize but our world is filled with remixes from the past. Whether its Alice in Wonderland or the Batman series nothing these days is original thought. Even the movies that are remakes still are inspired by other things for example: movies, music, experiences, or pop culture. Since I am not much of a movie person I will focus more on music. My FAVORITE song is a remix. It has the beat and chorus of an old song but the versus are changed and it makes such a sick combination! Everytime someone comes over or I’m at a party I always make sure it is played at least once. But there are so many more songs that are remixed. Classic examples are all the biggie songs. He is dead and yet his songs keep coming back. It’s very crazy to think that we are able to do that but at the same time its kinda scary to realize that nothing is original. Another aspect that is remixed is clothing. All fashion magazines have mixes of sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties, and present styles all put in to one look. if you take the time to look around you, you will find that a lot more is remixed or altered then you think. Watching the video in class was very eye opening to the whole class I think because I was unaware that a lot of the songs and movies aren’t original work. The biggest shocker of all was of course that star wars has a lot of unoriginal seens in it. I am positive that it would devastates many people to find that something they have treasured for years and years is a composite of a lot of works. I am now always on the look out for things that do not seem original.
Who is Nikki Murphy?
My name is Nicole Lynn Murphy but just like my grandfather I go by Nikki. I’m a freshman at Purdue University from San Diego, California. I am a very unbeat and social girl which can get me in to trouble sometimes especially in class. I love to be around people and enjoy there company and I LOVE to talk. Thats how I ended up a communications major. I am not sure which part of communications I want to focus one but I’m only a freshman and I have 4 years to figure it out. Although I am thinking corperate com or public relations but that could very well change. The most important thing in my life is definetly my family. We are a crazy, loud, and very sarcastic bunch of people but I couldn’t ask for a better family. I have one brother… well two if you count my brothers best friend that moved in with us 7 years ago who I feel is basically another brother to me. I love them both. My actual brother Ryan, is a junior at Marquette University. He is in Army ROTC and I could not be more proud of him. He is one of my bestfriends. My “other” brother, Trevor, graduated from Univeristy of Redlands last year. I am one lucky girl, and I would give up the world for these four individuals. I have made some.. well ALOT of mistakes throughout my teenage years but I have grown from every single experience and gotten a whole lot stronger. I absolutly love Purdue and although I was very regretful in coming here at the beginning of the year I now know I made the right decsion. My two bestfriends here are my roommate Maggie and my soroity sister Taylor. These girls keep me on track and make sure we always have a good time and laugh when we are together. Oh! I forgot to mention my amazing puppy lucky. She is a mut and were not even positive how old she is cause we resuced her but she is the love of my life. Dogs are awesome because they are always happy to see you and this is exactly how my pup is. We go together like peanut butter and jelly. My nick name is Nik Murph and hers is of course Luck Murph. The only issue with going to school so far away is missing all the people I love!! But I’m a strong girl and I know I can do it.
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