Thursday, April 21, 2011

Insights - Frankenstein

"Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change," (146).

This quote from the novel really stuck out at me when I read it. I find an unbelievable amount of truth in this phrase which helped make the book more universal in my opinion. This quote was spoken by Victor while contemplating earlier events of the day when Elizabeth was taken from him by his creation. Death is a perfect example of a great and sudden change that pains the mind, especially when it is unexpected. Other surprising events, such as a destructive accident of some sort, also can cause much pain because of all the anxiety a person has about it and all the questioning and worrying and wondering what will happen next. Any change though, no matter how big or small, that causes a break in routine always results in bothersome to painful thoughts. The mind can be our worst enemies at times. We blame others, then ourselves, then we question why such a thing would happen until we cannot think straight any longer. This ultimately leads Victor to his demise. He becomes so distraught at himself for making the creation that killed his wife that he is driven to starvation, dehydration, and other harsh extremes for revenge. His pain causes him to completely forget everything else but his need to kill his creation.

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