Freudian analysis of Nature Scene (Period 2 Only)

Pg. 76

"The weight upon my spirit was sensibly lightened as i plunged yet deeper in the ravine of Arve. The immense mountains and precipices that over hung me on every side, the sound of the river raging among the rocks, and the dashing of the waterfalls around spoke a power mighty as omnipitence- and I ceased to fear or to bend before any being less almighty than that which had created and ruled the elements, here displayed in ther most terrific guise. Still, as I ascended higher, the valley assumed a more magnificant and astonishing character. Ruined castles hanging on the precipices of piny mountains, the impetuous Arve, and the cottages every here and there peeping forth from among the tress formed a scene of singular beauty. But it was augmented and renderd sublime by the mighty alps, whose white and shining pyramids and domes towered above all, as belonging to another earth, the habitations of another race of beings. "

Dvelopment of this creature

I would just like to pose the question of How do you think the creature who i call Todd has developed mentally?

I believe Todd has developed like any child would have. After his creation he was frightened because he was alone, he could not be independent because he was stuck in the oral stage. He is able to get out of this stage when Victor his creator or father per say agrees to talk to him about what has happened to him since he has left the house. This gets him out of the oral stage and he becomes more independent at this point.

Any other stage explanations are welcome!

Mourning and melancholia

On page 73, Victor displays the exact symptoms of mourning and melancholia according to Freud. Freud explains this disorder by saying, "the person blames themself for what has happened and becomes very self-destructive, even suicidal". This is an exact summary of what Victor Frankenstein is experiencing during this time. On page 73, Victor says, "...often , I say, I was tempted to plunge into the silent lake, that the waters might close over me and my calamities forever."Clearly, Victor is expressing thoughts of suicide that stem from the blame he feels from the death of his brother and Justine.

Well in chapter 10 when Victor is on the glacier and first see the "monster" his is frightened. At first he shouts from a distance at the "monster" and threatens him. The "monster" who is not scared by the threats convinces victor to join him by a fire in a cave. Now I find that the way the "monster" is able to convince Victor to join him is very interesting, considering how afraid of him Victor is. Personally I would not follow the "monster" into a "cave"/ or unknown.

"If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science ha been introduced which possessed much greater powers.." (24)

Imagine for a second what would have become of Victor if Agrippa's works did not come into his mind so thoroughly. Do any of you fine gentlemen believe that Victor's self destruction would have still occurred if he had not begun to read more intensively into the works of Agrippa? Furthermore, do you think the creation of the monster would have still occurred?

Personally i believe the monster would have still been created, while Victor might have not looked into Aggripa's theories as much, he would have still eventually went to the university and learned of philosophy and such. It wasnt until after he went to the university and gained his skills in chemistry that he decided to make the creature, so i believe he would have still created the monster!

MY thoughts

Here are some things I thought were interesting, feel free to respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge" (38)
-Victor appreciates the value of knowledge. So much that it has led him down a path of selfishness and greed that ultimately takes a turn on him for the worst.

"...how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow." (38)
-I feel like this statement deals with Freud's pleasure principle and reality principle. To satisfy himself Victor must put this knowledge to use even though his reality principle knows this is a terrible idea and he will hate himself after he creates the monster.

"...exercise and amusement...I promised myself both of these when my creation should be complete." (41)
- This is what Victor thought he would get out of making his creation out of the knowledge that only he obtained. However he was mistaken. From this monster it becomes clear to his friend Henry that Victor is mentally ill. This monster has the adverse effect on Victor.

"...my more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only." (21)
-Victor is referring to Elizabeth. The girl his parents adopted from poverty and turned into one of their own. She is Victor's sister, but he does not view her like a sister. He views her as his companion. This may be because Victor has some unresolved psycho sexual issues. He feels that Elizabeth must fulfill every female role in his life, which could mean that he does have some Oedipal issues lingering in his life.

Excelsior

Well hello gentlemen, I'm glad to say I'm now a part of this Uber sweet blog lol. I hope you find my posts interesting and I'm excited to share thoughts on the classic novel Frankenstein

Quote Pg. 44

"Like one who, on a lonely road

Doth walk in fear and dread,

And having one turned round, walks on,

And turns no more hi head:

Because he knows a frightful fiend

Doth close behind him read"

What do you gentlemen believe this quote means?

~Pwns_Kittens

Welcome

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Introduction

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