We discussed in class last week that Shelley's Frankenstein is full of emotions and uses emotions in a very descriptive and evocative way throughout the text. Some critics find this aspect of Shelley's work very effective, while others consider it overdone. What do you think about the emotional content in Shelley's novel? Are the exaggerated emotions distracting to the purpose of the story or not? Does the melancholy, anxst-ridden qualities of Victor's excessive emotional life help or hinder you from the aims of the story. What would be lost in the story if Shelley had toned the emotions down somewhat and made this a more analytical, less emotional story?
Sunday, January 29, 2012
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I think that Shelley created an excellent tale. If the emotive intensity seems a bit too much, then that is just the way it is. It works very effectively to create the unique tone of the novel, and actually help create the intensity that make it so special. I am not a professional writer, but I think that changing this aspect of the story would result in a different work. Victor might be portrayed more cool, detached and analytical, but his actions and responses would also need to be changed, since they would appear illogical or even absurd coming from that type of personality.
Without the emotions, this story loses a large amount of its poignancy. "Frankenstein" is a tale of ambition and its disastrous consequences. If the emotion is removed, it is simply a tale of creation and intention gone wrong. The depth of emotion throughout the story not only endears the readers to both Victor's plight but also to that of the creature.
In many ways, emotion plays a nice complement to the scientific nature of this book. We never really learn or are described in great detail how the Creature was really formed. Maybe, in ignoring the scientific nature of the story and focusing on the emotional part, Shelley is showing us that emotion triumphs over science everytime. Also it is easier to empathize with both the Creature and Victor because of the large amount of emotions in this book.
The exaggerated emotions of this novel greatly contribute to it's horror aspect. Through these emotions, the reader is able feel the intensity of Victor's madness, and the monster's despair and hatred of mankind. Without these exaggerated emotions, the story simply wouldn't send the same message to the readers.
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