Imagery
I have to go back to the beginning, to the very first page of chapter one where the author says, "The studio was filled with the rich odor of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the most delicate perfume of the pink-flowering thorn."
My, my, my, how I loved opening to this. What a beginning! I loved it the second I read it! I also love how, in a way, it's irony and foreshadowing because it kind of sets up Dorian, how sweet and lovely he is, but it says nothing of how he turns. That is, until the studio is re-described as stuffy and unbearable by Dorian and Henry. I love how the studio represents the story as a whole and Dorian, and I love the fact that the author decided to begin with this!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Historical Context
Social status, rich and poor, is the biggest thing I noticed. The situation hit close to home, and I hate how terrible people can be, claiming to be better than someone simply because they have some extra money. And how horrible to look down upon a union of true love, even if they are not of the same class. What should money matter so long as you are happy and with the one you love!
I could not believe how Dorian let Sybil go, as if she had never meant anything to him. I said this in a comment already, but I was practically in tears after the engagement had been broken. I wanted to leap into the book and slap him silly!
I could not believe how Dorian let Sybil go, as if she had never meant anything to him. I said this in a comment already, but I was practically in tears after the engagement had been broken. I wanted to leap into the book and slap him silly!
Elements of Romance
Of course, I must talk about Dorian and Sybil's relationship. However, neither side of the relationship was true love. He was only a fan, not a lover, and she, that poor girl, was caught up in a web of lust and innocent ignorance. They both were, really.
This relationship not only develops the character of Dorian Gray, but the plot as a whole. I believe this is included to show the significance of Lord Henry's effects on Dorian. He is changing him completely, into someone he never would have been before. He seems heartless after Sybil's death, hardly caring, when just a matter of days before, he worshipped the ground she walked on. It's rather annoying, actually, the way the two ended up.
This relationship not only develops the character of Dorian Gray, but the plot as a whole. I believe this is included to show the significance of Lord Henry's effects on Dorian. He is changing him completely, into someone he never would have been before. He seems heartless after Sybil's death, hardly caring, when just a matter of days before, he worshipped the ground she walked on. It's rather annoying, actually, the way the two ended up.
Dorian Gray-Literary Element
Characterization-Lord Henry Wotton
Oscar Wilde certainly spent alot of time on this charater. He has much to say and people have much to say about him, which really creates his character. In my opinion, he is all talk and no walk, and all of his ideas are twisted and warped. Of course, that may just be me, but my opinion is very similar to that of Basil's. He states on page 18, "He has a very bad influence over all his friends, with the single exception of myself." While Dorian's view of him is awe-filled and overwhelmed. This shows he is very manipulative and clever, and often molds people to think as he would. I do not agree with most of what he says in the book, but I can see where he is coming from.
Oscar Wilde certainly spent alot of time on this charater. He has much to say and people have much to say about him, which really creates his character. In my opinion, he is all talk and no walk, and all of his ideas are twisted and warped. Of course, that may just be me, but my opinion is very similar to that of Basil's. He states on page 18, "He has a very bad influence over all his friends, with the single exception of myself." While Dorian's view of him is awe-filled and overwhelmed. This shows he is very manipulative and clever, and often molds people to think as he would. I do not agree with most of what he says in the book, but I can see where he is coming from.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
The Grip(chapter 21)
Today is the end of it all.
I take a walk on the beach towards the evening, around the time of the sunset.
As I look out to the horizon, the awesome beauty of nature, I see a small boat.
There is one single occupant.
He is large, too large to be normal.
The boat reaches the shore and the man steps out of the boat.
He is hideous, but I, the naturally delightful man I am, walk up to greet him.
I tell him my name, and ask him of his, but he suddenly becomes enraged, for no apparent reason.
His eyes are like two pieces of glass, freshly pulled from the kiln, bright and full of fire.
I am terrified, too terrified to run.
He grips my neck in his cold, hard, gigantic hands, and squeezes.
I can feel myself losing consciousness.
I cannot fight him off.
He mumbles angrily, and I can make out only a few words.
I hear words like Frankenstein, creator, revenge, and traitor.
Could this be the being Victor seemed to have been afraid of?
But why would my friend know of a creature as terrible as this and not tell a soul?
Did he know of this moment?
Was Victor wanting me dead?
NO.
No, I would not think of that.
I know I am on the brink of death.
I refuse to end my life accusing my dearest friend of the impossible, horrible scenario I had just created.
I feel the rock-like hands grip tighter and tighter.
I feel the life leaving my body.
My hearing fades out first.
Next my sight fails me.
My last sight is the disgusting yellow eyes and pale grotesque features of my murderer's face.
Now all I see is black, and I think, "This is it."
What else can I do?
I am practically dead.
I finally give up the struggle I had been putting up until now.
My plans, my bright future, is gone.
The full life I had ahead of me has vanished.
All is lost.
I breathe my last.
My soul leaves my body, and as I float upward, I see my murderer drop me on the sand and leave.
He simply sails off, and my death is not avenged, not even known of.
Perhaps Victor did know of that monster.
Hopefully when he hears of my death, he will avenge me.
It is no longer my worry, however.
I am moving on to better things.
-Henry Clerval
I take a walk on the beach towards the evening, around the time of the sunset.
As I look out to the horizon, the awesome beauty of nature, I see a small boat.
There is one single occupant.
He is large, too large to be normal.
The boat reaches the shore and the man steps out of the boat.
He is hideous, but I, the naturally delightful man I am, walk up to greet him.
I tell him my name, and ask him of his, but he suddenly becomes enraged, for no apparent reason.
His eyes are like two pieces of glass, freshly pulled from the kiln, bright and full of fire.
I am terrified, too terrified to run.
He grips my neck in his cold, hard, gigantic hands, and squeezes.
I can feel myself losing consciousness.
I cannot fight him off.
He mumbles angrily, and I can make out only a few words.
I hear words like Frankenstein, creator, revenge, and traitor.
Could this be the being Victor seemed to have been afraid of?
But why would my friend know of a creature as terrible as this and not tell a soul?
Did he know of this moment?
Was Victor wanting me dead?
NO.
No, I would not think of that.
I know I am on the brink of death.
I refuse to end my life accusing my dearest friend of the impossible, horrible scenario I had just created.
I feel the rock-like hands grip tighter and tighter.
I feel the life leaving my body.
My hearing fades out first.
Next my sight fails me.
My last sight is the disgusting yellow eyes and pale grotesque features of my murderer's face.
Now all I see is black, and I think, "This is it."
What else can I do?
I am practically dead.
I finally give up the struggle I had been putting up until now.
My plans, my bright future, is gone.
The full life I had ahead of me has vanished.
All is lost.
I breathe my last.
My soul leaves my body, and as I float upward, I see my murderer drop me on the sand and leave.
He simply sails off, and my death is not avenged, not even known of.
Perhaps Victor did know of that monster.
Hopefully when he hears of my death, he will avenge me.
It is no longer my worry, however.
I am moving on to better things.
-Henry Clerval
The Last Letter(chapter 20)
When Victor and I departed from each other, the journey automatically became less exciting. What is happiness if it is not shared with a friend? I have been "wearing time away fruitlessly" here, and I cannot wait to see my dear Victor again. I miss him greatly.
Today I sent him a letter, telling him these feelings as well as news of what I have been doing in his absence. Our companions from London have contacted me to ask that I return to them. They wish to help me with my quest to India! How exciting to know that I am at the threshold of accomplishing my goal!
I asked Victor to return to Perth so that we may make our way to London together. I eagerly await his reply, as well as news from my incredible friends from London! I am beyond eager to begin my work, I can hardly contain my excitement. I have so much life ahead of me, so much to offer the world, I wish I could begin already!
Today I sent him a letter, telling him these feelings as well as news of what I have been doing in his absence. Our companions from London have contacted me to ask that I return to them. They wish to help me with my quest to India! How exciting to know that I am at the threshold of accomplishing my goal!
I asked Victor to return to Perth so that we may make our way to London together. I eagerly await his reply, as well as news from my incredible friends from London! I am beyond eager to begin my work, I can hardly contain my excitement. I have so much life ahead of me, so much to offer the world, I wish I could begin already!
On the Way to Perth...(End of Chapter 19)
Throughout the course of our journey, Victor has seemed...paranoid, scared even. He always seems to be watching out for someone or something as if some beast will leap out at any moment and attack. He has been beyond anxious to recieve word from his family in Geneva, but when the letters arrive, he seems almost terrified to open and read them. I can't seem to figure him out. I often catch him glancing over his shoulder, or walking a little closer to me, as if to protect me. There has been occasions where the man went days without letting me alone. It has been quite peculiar, but I did not mention it to Victor. I suppose he is simply still experiencing strange emotions due to William's death. Oh, my poor, delusional friend! If only he'd return to normal!
I must add, though, that things became even more bizarre when we had almost reached Perth, Scotland. Victor suggested that he and I go our seperate ways for a few months to experience things on our own. I did not believe that story for one moment! I protested his plans, but my friend is as strong as an ox when he's got his mind set to something. I'm worried of what may come, I have a bad feeling about our separation. Perhaps I am just frightened I will be lonely, or I could be cautious of what knowledge Victor possesses. He obviously knows something I don't. Then again, I may just be worried for his safety. Either way, I simply cannot rest nor enjoy my trip until he is with me again.
I must add, though, that things became even more bizarre when we had almost reached Perth, Scotland. Victor suggested that he and I go our seperate ways for a few months to experience things on our own. I did not believe that story for one moment! I protested his plans, but my friend is as strong as an ox when he's got his mind set to something. I'm worried of what may come, I have a bad feeling about our separation. Perhaps I am just frightened I will be lonely, or I could be cautious of what knowledge Victor possesses. He obviously knows something I don't. Then again, I may just be worried for his safety. Either way, I simply cannot rest nor enjoy my trip until he is with me again.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
From London to Edinburgh(chapter 19)
We arrived in London and remained there for several months. In that time, I achieved friendships with many intelligent gentlemen who wish to help me in my quest. I was more than willing, in fact, I was anxious to learn from those men. They have offered to assist me in my desire to travel to India! I wish to spread European culture and colonization to the people there.
During our time in London, Victor remained distanced. I was the only person he seemed comfortable around, and even then he occasionally seemed like he didn't truly want me near him. Even the mention of company seemed upsetting to him, and he often created excuses to miss appointments and meetings. I do hope that his mood will soon become more joyful. I also hope it was nothing I did to upset him.
We recieved an invitation to Scotland, and I sprang at the chance. "Why not?" I urged Victor, "Let us go, for mine is the heart of a traveler!"
We quitted England at the end of March and passed through many locations, including:
Windsor, with it's breathtaking forests.
Oxford, which held historical sites of the incidents involving Charles I. We witnessed several amazing places, and at one point, Victor seemed almost happy. We were beyond saddened to leave the beautiful town of Oxford, but we knew we had to move on.
Matlock, with scenery which resembled that of Switzerland. Victor and I were quite content for a while, but after I spoke of Servox and Chamounix, he suddenly had an overwhelming desire to continue our travels.
From Derby, we headed North through Cumberland and Westmoreland. This part of our journey took two months, during which we found aquaintances who lightened even Victor's sad, heavy heart.
Finally, we arrived in Edinburgh which was beautiful, but it could not be compared to the sights we discovered in Oxford.
From here, we will be moving towards Perth, in Scotland. Until then, I wish to spend time with my dearest Victor. I shall tell more of our journey at a later time.
-Henry C.
During our time in London, Victor remained distanced. I was the only person he seemed comfortable around, and even then he occasionally seemed like he didn't truly want me near him. Even the mention of company seemed upsetting to him, and he often created excuses to miss appointments and meetings. I do hope that his mood will soon become more joyful. I also hope it was nothing I did to upset him.
We recieved an invitation to Scotland, and I sprang at the chance. "Why not?" I urged Victor, "Let us go, for mine is the heart of a traveler!"
We quitted England at the end of March and passed through many locations, including:
Windsor, with it's breathtaking forests.
Oxford, which held historical sites of the incidents involving Charles I. We witnessed several amazing places, and at one point, Victor seemed almost happy. We were beyond saddened to leave the beautiful town of Oxford, but we knew we had to move on.
Matlock, with scenery which resembled that of Switzerland. Victor and I were quite content for a while, but after I spoke of Servox and Chamounix, he suddenly had an overwhelming desire to continue our travels.
From Derby, we headed North through Cumberland and Westmoreland. This part of our journey took two months, during which we found aquaintances who lightened even Victor's sad, heavy heart.
Finally, we arrived in Edinburgh which was beautiful, but it could not be compared to the sights we discovered in Oxford.
From here, we will be moving towards Perth, in Scotland. Until then, I wish to spend time with my dearest Victor. I shall tell more of our journey at a later time.
-Henry C.
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Journey(ch. 18)
How to describe our journey to London!!! Victor and I have witnessed so many beautiful sights, I can hardly contain my delight! From the beautiful shores of the Rhine, to the towns of Manheim and Mayence, and all of the areas between. Castles, black woods, and rugged hills were soon replaced by lush green vineyards. The beautiful blue sky and tranquility were seen and felt around us in every direction. In fact, that doesn't even begin to describe my true feelings. I cannot begin to explain how our travels made me feel.
As I told Victor, I have seen the most magnificent scenes one could imagine, and yet none of those could compare with the beauty of the country we travelled through! Oh, how I would love to experience those magnificent scenes again and again!
And yet, through all of this, Victor's sadness would not lift up. His sorrows are beginning to do more than just concern me. I am almost to the point of losing sleep from worry. Goodness, nothing seems to help him. Even when I mention Elizabeth, he smiles a bit, but not as much as I'd like. VICTOR!!!!!!!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!?! My dearest friend, I wish only to help him. However, I do not even know what is causing him these sorrows! If only, if only. Perhaps I will inquire him about it more later, but I am a bit worried it will make him feel worse, at the moment, anyhow.
Well, we arrived in England today, one of the last days of December. Wish us well.
- Henry C.
As I told Victor, I have seen the most magnificent scenes one could imagine, and yet none of those could compare with the beauty of the country we travelled through! Oh, how I would love to experience those magnificent scenes again and again!
And yet, through all of this, Victor's sadness would not lift up. His sorrows are beginning to do more than just concern me. I am almost to the point of losing sleep from worry. Goodness, nothing seems to help him. Even when I mention Elizabeth, he smiles a bit, but not as much as I'd like. VICTOR!!!!!!!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!?! My dearest friend, I wish only to help him. However, I do not even know what is causing him these sorrows! If only, if only. Perhaps I will inquire him about it more later, but I am a bit worried it will make him feel worse, at the moment, anyhow.
Well, we arrived in England today, one of the last days of December. Wish us well.
- Henry C.
Strasburgh(ch. 18)
I arrived in Strasburgh today, two days after Victor. I didn't mean to keep him waiting, the delay was unexpected, and it saddened me even more to see the state Victor was in. He was dark, dreary, and completely unlike himself. I don't see how he could be that way, life is so beautiful! Why, I find happiness just in watching the sun set. Even more excitment can be found in the sun rise! Just knowing a new day, a new opportunity is dawning should be enough to make anyone joyful!
I shared that experience with my dear friend, and as the blue and violet hues gave way to orange and pink streaks, I turned to Victor and cried, "This is what it is to live. Now I enjoy existence! But you, my dear Frankenstein, wherefore are you desponding and sorrowful!" I hoped I could convince him out of his darkness, but the night of his emotions persisted. Well, we have many amazing new sights to look forward to and I can still hope that something along the way of our journey will coax him out of his saddness. Until then, I can only pray that God will heal his sorrows.
-Henry C.
I shared that experience with my dear friend, and as the blue and violet hues gave way to orange and pink streaks, I turned to Victor and cried, "This is what it is to live. Now I enjoy existence! But you, my dear Frankenstein, wherefore are you desponding and sorrowful!" I hoped I could convince him out of his darkness, but the night of his emotions persisted. Well, we have many amazing new sights to look forward to and I can still hope that something along the way of our journey will coax him out of his saddness. Until then, I can only pray that God will heal his sorrows.
-Henry C.
The Trip(ch. 17-18)
Victor has expressed a desire to travel to England, and Alphonse has told me he'd like for me to accompany his son on that trip. I am more than happy and willing to follow along, giving comfort to my dear friend and giving peace of mind to Mr. Frankenstein. He can rest peacefully knowing Victor will not be alone! I have already begun preparations to meet him in Strasburgh, and Alphonse will be helping Victor prepare. How excited I am to travel again. Why, I can hardly contain myself! Oh, my heart skips a beat or two each time I think about it! To see new places, exciting people, beautiful scenery, I would do anything! For my heart is that of an adventurer, a traveler! I would love to spend my life abroad, witnessing unfamiliar and wonderous new things!
This trip is sure to be incredible! What will make this even more enjoyable will be my friend! We will be able to catch up and discuss how he feels about Elizabeth, old familiar things, new experiences, maybe even cure him of his depression!
How excited am I to embark on this journey to London with Victor! I am bursting with excitement! I must go arrange the final details and begin to pack my things! Pray for our safe travels!
-Henry C.
This trip is sure to be incredible! What will make this even more enjoyable will be my friend! We will be able to catch up and discuss how he feels about Elizabeth, old familiar things, new experiences, maybe even cure him of his depression!
How excited am I to embark on this journey to London with Victor! I am bursting with excitement! I must go arrange the final details and begin to pack my things! Pray for our safe travels!
-Henry C.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Update(ch. 13-17)
Victor is still with his family, and I have recieved word that he is not himself. Of course he is not expected to be perfectly fine, due to his circumstances, but his father tells me he seems to be happy yet completely unsocial. I'm very worried about him, I wish I could speak with him and try to console him. I dearly miss the old days when he and I were young, happy, and carefree. Life was so beautiful and perfect. Oh, Victor, how I want to turn back the years and find the you from that time. Please be alright.
I have been keeping in touch with the Frankensteins and the others seem to be doing well. Elizabeth is still as in love with Victor as ever and we presume he feels the same. It is my hope, as well as hers and Alphonse's that they will be married soon. I pray that that, or some other event, will help him out of his sadness. I hate to hear of his depression.
-Henry C.
I have been keeping in touch with the Frankensteins and the others seem to be doing well. Elizabeth is still as in love with Victor as ever and we presume he feels the same. It is my hope, as well as hers and Alphonse's that they will be married soon. I pray that that, or some other event, will help him out of his sadness. I hate to hear of his depression.
-Henry C.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The News
Victor received a letter today that is so upsetting, so terrible, I can scarcely believe it is the truth. Words cannot express my sadness, my anger, my regret and my compassion for the Frankenstein family. The youngest of the children, Victor's own beautiful little brother, has been brutally murdered.
My heart reaches out to those in my extended family. I pray that God will heal the wounds this loss has left behind and bring some avenge to the family of the boy.
Victor will be heading home, for the first time in years, I might add, to console Elizabeth, his father, and his only surviving brother. I pray for his safe travels, as well as a good welcome home.
God bless the Frankenstein family.
My heart reaches out to those in my extended family. I pray that God will heal the wounds this loss has left behind and bring some avenge to the family of the boy.
Victor will be heading home, for the first time in years, I might add, to console Elizabeth, his father, and his only surviving brother. I pray for his safe travels, as well as a good welcome home.
God bless the Frankenstein family.
The Beginning
Hello, Henry here.(: I'm in a fantastic mood, due to the fact that I just arrived in Ingolstat to see my dear friend Victor. It seems like it's been forever since I've seen him, and I'm overjoyed to be in his prescence once again! It was a long journey here, very tiring. Victor seems very different than I remember...he seems somewhat jittery, nervous, paranoid, a little scared, even. I wonder what's gotten into him. He tells me recently a project had been consuming him, but that it is now complete and he will return to his normal state. I surely hope so! He has lost sleep, and had time for nothing but this secret work. Well, I will not inquire him about it. He doesn't seem to want to speak of it, and I'm content with simply being near him and knowing he's alright, or will be soon enough.
Well, I must go. I wish to spend as much time with dear Victor as possible(and as I stated before, I am QUITE tired.)
-Henry C.
Well, I must go. I wish to spend as much time with dear Victor as possible(and as I stated before, I am QUITE tired.)
-Henry C.
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