This is such an interesting part of the novel. The Creature becomes self-aware while watching the De Lacey family. He learns to speak, read and write, and becomes in touch with his emotions (distinctly lacking previously). He is captured by their interactions, and becomes attached while remaining detatched. That is the tragic part ... he begins to feel "human," but at the same time will come to realize he isn't and will never be seen as human. That confused dichotomy will drive his psychotic behavior. Such insight by the 18-year-old author! Next he will discover Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Victor's journal, thus throwing him into even deeper turmoil.
The writing bristles and there is this collapsing of the dark towards the light. The family, the music, the comfort and companionship versus the lone individual. The simple and loving versus the world outside. The welcoming of someone from a different sphere who shares language and whose difference is cherished. I find it comforting in a way, that it was this way then and it is this way now. All the big questions. She wrote from the past to our present time, the monster attracted to a comfortable inner world but who can destroy it when it comes within his grasp. And thank you, this helps me as I quest towards my next novel.
This is such an interesting part of the novel. The Creature becomes self-aware while watching the De Lacey family. He learns to speak, read and write, and becomes in touch with his emotions (distinctly lacking previously). He is captured by their interactions, and becomes attached while remaining detatched. That is the tragic part ... he begins to feel "human," but at the same time will come to realize he isn't and will never be seen as human. That confused dichotomy will drive his psychotic behavior. Such insight by the 18-year-old author! Next he will discover Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Victor's journal, thus throwing him into even deeper turmoil.
I love when you comment on this book. I bet you were a great teacher, Jim!
The writing bristles and there is this collapsing of the dark towards the light. The family, the music, the comfort and companionship versus the lone individual. The simple and loving versus the world outside. The welcoming of someone from a different sphere who shares language and whose difference is cherished. I find it comforting in a way, that it was this way then and it is this way now. All the big questions. She wrote from the past to our present time, the monster attracted to a comfortable inner world but who can destroy it when it comes within his grasp. And thank you, this helps me as I quest towards my next novel.
Wow, thank you for the comment, Saige!