This past week, many were still chewing on who to blame for it all. If Milton’s Paradise Lost was about justifying the ways of God to men, the meta conclusions Shelley’s readers seem to reach re. the creation of the “wretch” are a different sort altogether–tho like many readers of Milton, there’s a lot of sympathy for the devil going on!
Julia argues passionately that we must put the blame completely on the creator, declaring that Frankenstein’s evils go far beyond his treatment of the creature. Tiffany agrees, saying Victor remains the sole cause of the monster’s suffering because it was Victor who gave the monster life. Matthew is also concerned with the act of creation and what it means for our humanity–and already ruminating on the connections between Frankenstein and a very different kind of created intelligence.
On the other hand, Matt continues to stay strong and maintain that we should hold “the wretch” accountable for his actions based on his own speech, pointing out that before leaving Walton, [the monster] tells him that, “the bitter sting of remorse may not cease to rankle in my wounds until death shall close them forever” (244). This statement shows how far he is willing to go to redeem himself of the deadly sins (wrath, envy) he has committed against humanity
On a rather different note, Zach offers us an important reminder of just how integral Walton is to the narrative weight of the story, confessing that If it were up to me, I would much sooner deem Victor a rambling schizophrenic than take his word that the events he describes are completely true.
Finally, if you haven’t yet read the biography of Shelley provided by last Thursday’s assigned reading–do it! What kind of biographical criticism does it offer to these questions, and others that we’ve raised in class?