Frankenstein~Mr. & Mrs. Victor Frankenstein

"I shall be with you on your wedding night." p.141

Did Victor honestly think that the monster wouldn't stay true to his word? And also, did he never think that the monster might have not been targeting Victor this whole time. I feel like Victor saw their wedding night going two ways: a. the monster would kill Victor or b. Victor would somehow manage to kill the monster. I guess Victor sort of missed the pattern (the monster is killing his remaining friends to make his life as miserable as possible). If Victor truly loved Elizabeth, then why would he want to put her through even more pain and suffering by watching her husband be murdered by a horrific monster. Victor pushed up the wedding so that he could be at peace (either him dead or the monster). I think that Victor should have gotten a more solid plan together before rushing into a threat, if he truly loved Elizabeth. The monster proved to Victor that he certainly was with him on his wedding night.

Frankenstein~Irony

"But I discovered no trace of him, and was beginning to conjecture that some fortunate chance had intervened to prevent the execution of his menaces; when suddenly I heard a shrill and dreadful scream."

When he first came up with the idea of creating the monster, Victor was probably not expecting the being to destroy his entire life and send him into a state of madness. I find it ironic that the project Victor spent months on of tireless work and research ends up killing the majority of those who are dear to him. Victor destroys his life for the creature and for what? Not only has the creature killed Victor emotionally by murdering William, Henry and Elizabeth, but he has also caused Victor to become very sick and weak physically. In a sense, Victor's great misfortune in his life is of his own doing. Victor recognizes this throughout the story by confessing to being the one who caused the murders of William, Henry and Justine in the Irish prison. If Victor had never conceived the radical idea to create a monster, then his life would most likely be in a much more happy and stable state. The entire story is related on one ironic event.

Frankenstein~Internal conflict

"It is indeed a tale so strange, that I should fear you would not credit it were there not something in truth which, however wonderful, forces conviction."

Victor experiences much internal conflict throughout the novel. He fails to cope with the terror the monster has placed in his life after the death of Henry. Victor is stuck because he wants to confide in someone and tell them his story, but he fears that no one will believe him. He is therefore forced to carry the burden of this knowledge on his own, which drains him of energy and causes him to have poor health. Because of this burden, Victor also blames himself entirely for the deaths of William, Henry, Justine, and Elizabeth. The effects of Victor's internal conflict might be most present in the scene when he is in the prison in Ireland. During his three month stay, Victor lashes out in violent and frightful fits of screaming. In a sense, he is unable to control himself due to the conflict.

Frankenstein~Detail

"I have seen the mountains of La Valais, and the Pays de Vaud: but this coutnry, Victor, pleasees majestic and strange; but there is a charm in the banks of this divine river that I never before saw equalled."

Shelley includes a lot of detail throughout the book which is imperative to the reader's understanding. Detail allows the reader to know the setting a little better. The book is set in many different places including Geneva, Switzerland, Ireland, England, etc. If the reader hasn't been to any of these places, then detail regarding the geography or location of certain things is important. The detail throughout the novel also helps to create suspense. The reader has more knowledge of the eerie setting and therefore can anticipate another visit from the monster. Shelley's detail of Victor and Clerval's adventure help to characterize the two as well. Their interests and personalities are described at length in the novel.

Frankenstein~poor monster

"Felix darted forward, and with supernatural force tore me from his father, to whose knees I clung: in a transport of fury, he dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick." p. 97

I kind of saw the rejection of the family coming, but it was still sad. I just don't see how creating another monster will really help the monster. How is he going to teach his new friend french? The difference in thier intelligence will cause quite a strain on their communication and relationship. Shelley really pieces the novel together to make everything work out. The De Lacey's are exiled from their country and are forced to move into a cottage. The family also happens to receive Safie, so they have to teach her the language. The father of the family is blind, which allows the monster to get closer to them.

Frankenstein~Characterization

"We perceived a low carriage, fixed on a sledge and drawn by dogs, pass on towards the north, at the distance of half a mile; a bieng which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature, sat in the sledge, and guided the dogs." (p.8) The characterization throughout the first half of the novel is direct characterization. The narrator provides insight on the different characters by directly describing th characters. Indirect characterization is also included throughout the novel. For example, Victor is described through his own words, beliefs, and actions. The characters are not necessarily realistic. Because the story was written a few centuries ago, it is difficult to tell the realism of the characters. However, the idea behind the book (creating a monster) makes the characters less realistic. In the novel, Dr. Frankenstein (Victor) is the protagonist.

Frankenstein~Health

"Your father's health is vigorous..." (p.41). Health is one of the themes throughout the work. When a character is described by the narrator, their health is often mentioned. Elizabeth's contraction of scarlet fever is also a big topic in the novel. Health becomes an even bigger topic when Victor's mother contracts the disease from Elizabeth and passes away. The focus on health implies that health was an important issue during the 1700s. Health is something that we all as humans know and deal with on a daily basis. By mentioning health, the reader is able to better connect with the novel. The mentioning of health also dates the book in a sense; the time frame of the book is separated from today's world. For example, scarlet fever is no longer a fatal disease.

Frankenstein~Diction

"I returned home, not disappointed, for I have said that I had long considered those authors useless whom the professor reprobated; but I returned, not at all the more inclined to recur to these studies in any shape." Shelley uses the language of the time throughout the novel. The diction also suggests that the characters are from London, which they are. Because of the vocabulary, the reader can tell that the story was written a number of centuries ago as well. The diction is also that of an educated person. This is fitting in that Victor is a 'doctor,' Dr. Frankenstein. Diction plays a vital role in a story in setting the scene for the reader and allowing the reader to fully experience the story. Shelley does a good job incorporating the language of the time and the language of the characters in order to better portray the story to the reader. The old English diction is used throughout the first half of the novel.

Frankenstein~Benevolence

"My mother's tender caresses and my father's smile of benevolent pleasure while regarding me, are my first recollections." The word benevolence pops up quite a bit throughout the first half of the novel. Benevolence is used to describe a character's countenance, smile, or personality. Victor also uses benevolent to describe his professor in college. Not only does the word imply that there are many good and kind people in the word, but also that Victor has a rather positive outlook on life. Victor is also able to easily see the best in others. The use of the word also suggests the time frame of the story. Obviously, people tend to avoid the word benevolent in today's world. The use of the word gives the reader a greater sense of the setting.

Frankenstein~Framestory

The framestory in Frankenstein emphasizes the structure of the story. Robert Walton starts narrating the story through the letters. Next, Dr. Frankenstein (Victor) takes over the narrating for the majority of the first half of the novel. The framestory structure allows the reader to understand the material/information through different perspectives. This in turn gives the reader the opportunity to read in to the material more deeply. I've found the framestory aspect to be a little confusing. However, I feel that it works with the story in order to better portray Frankenstein. Overall, their are three narrators contributing to the framestory, which each include a very different perspective on the story.

The Kite Runner: Farid's outburst

"But Farid's face had flushed red, his lips pulled back in a snarl. 'I'm killing him! You can't stop me! I'm killing him!'" (p.256) I think that Farid's outburst mirrors the feelings that many of the Afghani people are holding inside themselves. They have to suppress their feelings for fear of being shot. Farid's emotions overcame him and he went crazy becuase he knew he could. For once, he didn't have to worry about being killed for yelling out against something that is wrong. Ultimately, Farid's outburst won't do anything to help. The people are stuck in a situation where they have nowhere to go. I would like to know what Farid would do if he was in the orphanage manager's position. Violence has broken out everywhere and those who would not normally use violence to help solve their problems are starting to believe that violence is the only way to bring about a solution.

The Kite Runner: Amir's Journey

"Then I told him I was going to Kabul (p.227)." Amir proves to be quite the coward throughout most of the novel. He can't bring himself to stand up for himself or Hassan throughout their entire childhood. Then, when his chance of redemption arises, he refuses to go and do what he knows is right. However, this time Amir realizes the gravity of the situation and the importance of his role in protecting Sohrab. Rahim Kahn has always been there for Amir. Rahim's role in the novel is to look out for the well being of Amir. To correct him when he's wrong and praise him when he succeeds. It takes a little bit of effort, but Rahim Kahn finally gets Amir to do the right thing because he knows that it is important in order for Amir to move on in his life.

The Kite Runner: Imagery

"I leaned against the gray stone gateway to the cemetery where Hassan had buried his mother. The old metal gates hanging off the hinges were gone, and the headstones were barely visible through the thick tangles of weeds that had claimed the plot. A pair of crows sat on the low wall that enclosed the cemetery (p.264)." Hosseini uses imagery to describe the scenery and setting throughout the novel. The imagery appeals to all of the senses through described scents, sight, and sounds. The imagery in the novel allows the reader to better experience the setting and the culture of Afghanistan. Because Hosseini's audience includes many who do not know the Afghan culture, it is important that he use great description that appeals to his audience. The imagery throughout the novel also informs the reader of the changes that take place. Throughout the beginning of the story, Kabul is an area thriving of color and life. However, towards the end of the novel Kabul is destroyed and transforms into a lifeless city full of violence and despair. Imagery allows the reader to understand the drastic changes throughout the novel.

The Kite Runner: Flashback

"We find the little turtle behind tangles of sweetbrier in the yard. We don't know how it got there and we're too excited to care." (p. 261) Hosseini includes many flashbacks throughout the novel. This serves to reveal more about the character's personalities. The book is also told through the perspective of Amir who is looking back into the past on his memories. Many times when looking back on our lives, it comes to us more in spurts of stories instead of chronological events. Therefore, the flashbacks make the novel more realistic. Flashbacks allow the reader to understand the characters more and make them more life like. The flashbacks can help the reader to better understand the reason behind certain actions that take place as well as learn how things turned out the way that they did. Flashbacks give the novel more description and help depict the changes that have taken place through the course of the novel.

The Kite Runner: Diction

"We're a melancholic people, we Afghans, aren't we? Often we wallow too much in ghamkhori and self-pity. We give in to loss, to suffering, accept it as a fact of life, even see it as necessary. Zendagi migzara, we say, life goes on." (p. 201) H osseini floods the pages of his book with colloquial diction. He uses many Afghani words and includes context clues to allow the reader to discover the meaning of the foreign words. The diction in the novel allows the reader to experience a closer relationship to the setting of the book, Afghanistan. Hosseini's use of foreign words is an indication to the reader that the novel describes a very different lifestyle than that of the majority. The foreign diction mirrors the foreign culture. The colloquial words and phrases not only give a sense of identity to the characters, but to the author as well. Hosseini reveals a little about himself through his novel. The colloquial diction throughout the novel serves to emphasize the setting.

The Kite Runner: Amir and Baba's relationship

"We looked at each other. I burst into giggles. Baba joined in." (p. 162)

Amir and Baba's relationship goes through some changes throughout the novel. The novel starts out with a boy longing to receive loving recognition from his father, the only true family he has in the world. Then in the thirteenth chapter, Baba begins to befriend his son. The two begin to understand each other after all of the difficult experiences they have been forced to endure. Baba begins to understand his son, and forms a true father/son relationship with him. Baba seems to let go of his pompous attitude after he gets 'settled' in America. He loses some of his pride and realizes that his son needs him to be his friend and a positive role model. Through their journey, the two realize that they really only have each other.

The Kite Runner: Amir

"I treated Hassan well, just like a friend, better even, more like a brother." (p. 41)

I could be mistaken, but I don't think Amir is lying to himself by thinking this. He stands by and watches as his 'friend' is being raped in an alley. He mocks him by taking advantage of Hassan's illiteracy. He throws pomegranates at Hassan until the boy's clothes are stained red. He frames Hassan for stealing money and a wristwatch, which results in great pain for his father. Amir says that he is friends with Hassan, but the only relationship that really exists between the two is Hassan's unbelievable loyalty to Amir. Amir uses Hassan when it is convenient for him. Whenever thier friendship was tested, Amir failed to stick up for his friend. He let him take the fall in every opportunity that arose.

The Kite Runner: Point of View

"I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975." (p.1)

The novel is written in the first person point of view. The story is written from the perspective of one of the characters, Amir. This allows the reader to know all of Amir's thoughts and get to know the other characters better. Much of the characterization is revealed through Amir's thoughts and experiences in the first person point of view. Not only does the first person point of view give the reader an inside look into the life of an Afghani person, but it also gives the story credibility. Because of the life Amir has lived, he has the experience to look back and realize what each of the characters were going through and why they acted in the manner that they did. Hosseini's use of first person gives the reader a stronger understanding of a foreign land and a foreign way of life. The point of view is important when considering how the audience will convey the meaning of the work.

The Kite Runner: Syntax

"Our first touch. I took it. Brought it to my face. My eyes. I let it go." (p.161)

Hosseini uses a unique sentence structure throughout the novel. Short phrases serve as sentences beginning and ending many paragraphs. These short sentences serve to draw attention to the action occurring in the novel. The short sentences, or in some cases thoughts, give the flow of a book a more choppy feel. This creates suspense and makes the reader want to keep reading. Hosseini's short sentence syntax is often present in scenes of high action. The structure of the sentences gives a more raw/abstract idea of Amir's thoughts. The reader is able to better know Amir through the short phrases and thoughts.

The Kite Runner: Characterization

"...even in birth, Hassan was true to his nature: He was incapable of hurting anyone." (p. 10)

Amir, the narrator, characterizes Hassan with this line in the second chapter of the book. Throughout the following chapters, this line proves true. Hassan is abused, mentally and physically even by the one person that he is most loyal to. Amir. However, he never lays a finger on anyone. Even when his best friend throws pomegranates at him and begs him to throw one back, Hassan smashes a pomegranate on himself. He refuses to break his loyalty to others. After being brutally attacked by a group of bullies, Hassan says nothing to get the boys in trouble. Hassan knows that Amir framed him for stealing and still admits to taking the money and the watch. Hassan proves that he is loyal beyond what many could even imagine.

A Raisin in the Sun - Walter

Walter is responsible for his own situation. He is irresponsible and immature with the money. Not only does Walter use all of the money for his own selfish needs, he doesn't care enough to make sure the family's money is going to a worthwhile cause. Walter has such a strong vision and dream that he can't let anything get in his way. He can't seem to understand the risks involved with his actions. I feel that Walter's actions are driven by his desire to provide for and support his family. He wants a better life for the family, but his own selfish wants tend to cloud his reasoning, which ultimately leads to his loss of all the family's money.

A Raisin in the Sun - Travis

Travis brings out the characters true personalities. When Travis buys Mama the hat, she shows how much she truly loves her family by being so grateful for the gift. Travis helps to keep the whole family together. There is a lot of friction within the family. Travis helps to bring some youth and a fun-loving personality into the atmosphere. Although, Travis can be a troublemaker and cause Ruth a little stress, he represents innocence. He doesn't always understand that the family can't afford to have the things that he wants, but he is always able to have fun and innocently play outside with friends.

A Raisin in the Sun - Ruth and Walter

Ruth and Walter's relationship is very realistic. Their relationship has lost the romance and is becoming more difficult. Ruth works day in and day out to provide for the family, and she is tired of Walter and his dreams and his selfishness. Walter is the idealistic person in the relationship due to his dreams and fantasies of his perception of a better life. Ruth is more of a realist. She tells Travis like it is by only giving him the money that they can afford to give him. Ruth has become tired of Walters depression due to his want for something more. When Ruth asks Walter how he wants his eggs, he says, "anything but scrambled." Then, Ruth scrambles them. Walter is always making things difficult for Ruth.

The Glass Menagerie

Amanda is an interesting character. I do not like really like her because I feel that she lacks many maternal characteristics. I believe that she truly does love both of her children and she's doing all that she knows to help them out and prepare them for their futures. She wants her children to have a better life than she did. However, Amanda is constantly bragging about how many gentleman callers she had and how popular and beautiful she was and is. Newsflash Amanda! You picked the wrong guy and your life is not nearly what you ever imagined it to be. I feel that she just needs to get over herself. At one point in the play, Laura had gotten ready for the dinner with Jim, and Amanda was acting like a six year old wearing her dress up clothes.

The Glass Menagerie: Tom's dilemma

Tom wants more adventure in his life. One way he is trying to get more adventure in his life is by going to the movies every night. Tom is always quarreling with his mother because he feels like she is holding him back. Amanda loves her son, but she is almost overprotective to the point that her children are beginning to pull away from her. Tom also loves his sister Laura. He obeys his mother to find a decent gentleman caller for Laura; however, Laura seems to be just one more person that Tom has to support and who is holding him back. Tom has a lot of his father in him. Part of having his father in him is the idea that Tom has a thirst for adventure. Working at a warehouse making little pay, and having the stress of supporting his mother and sister isn't exactly what Tom planned on or signed up for. This causes tension between him and his mother.

The Glass Menagerie: Nonrealistic

This play is told from the memory of Tom. Memory is nonrealistic because memories can alter through time. The play is nonrealistic in the way time passes. Some days seem to include only a couple lines of dialogue, while others last much longer. I also feel that Tom's movie addiction is nonrealistic. Who goes to the movies every night? I honestly don't think that's possible. With his small salary that needs to support three people, I don't understand why he wastes his money away drinking and watching movies. And he does it all just so he can have some more adventure in his life.

Othello Characters

Iago and Cassio are foil characters. Although Iago makes it seem like him and Cassio are best buds, as the play unfolds it is clear that Iago does not care for Cassio. After all, he tries to kill him. One minor character that plays a major role is Emilia. Emilia is a dynamic character. She goes through a major change throughout the play. At the beginning of the play, Emilia is very obedient to Iago and takes all of his insults with grace. By the end of the play, Emilia reveals Iago's evil plan and is the main reason that everyone was able to figure out what happened. Emilia disobeys Iago and stands up for herself.

Dramatic Suspense

Othello by William Shakespeare is a play with a lot of dramatic suspense. After all, it is a tragedy, and none of the characters die until the last act of the play. Iago's plan goes exactly as planned almost throughout the entire play, which causes suspense because the audience knows something bad has to happen eventually. The audience knows that there has to be some flaw in all the evil that Iago creates among the characters. The audience must anticipate that some of the characters will die as well. Shakespeare keeps this suspense alive throughout the first four acts of the play. This keeps the audiences attention. Any type of suspense in a play is used to help captivate the audience and keep them focused and thinking throughout the work.

Death, Death and more Death

So, Act V had a few murders in it. And of course, Iago, being the one who caused all of the murders, survived. I feel that Iago's living represents that evil can never fully die; it will always exist. Othello said that he didn't think that Iago deserved to die because death brings happiness. I agree with Othello's thinking in that if Iago died, then he would've kind of gotten the easy way out. Now Iago is put in the hands of Cassio, who gets to decide the ways in which Iago will be tortured. This part of the play is kind of ironic in that Iago was controlling Cassio's life. Iago was convincing Othello to kill Cassio by telling Othello that Cassio slept with Desdemona. Now, Iago's life is completely controlled by Cassio.

Othello-Emilia's Role

Emilia plays an important role in the play. At the beginning, the audience sees her as a wife who is not treated with the least bit of respect by her husband. However, Emilia is faithful to Iago and does as he wishes. She steals the handkerchief from Desdemona in order to facilitate her husband's evil scheme. Emilia can be seen as innocent because she is unaware of the implications of her actions. She is a friend to Desdemona and gives her comfort when its needed. She represents the ideas and beliefs of many of the other characters. She is trusting in the fact that she believes what other people will tell her or in other cases just doesn't care enough to know what her actions are causing. Emilia is a mediator between Iago and Desdemona and indirectly to Othello.

Othello-tragedy

Othello by William Shakespeare is a tragedy. The audience's awareness of this idea allows them to think more deeply about the action that is taking place during the play. If the audience knows what type of play they are experiencing, then they will be more able to predict the outcome and understand the words and action of the play. This play is also romantic. At the beginning and through the middle of the play, Othello's relationship with his wife is a key factor involving romanticism. Knowledge of the classification of this particular play would give the audience the opportunity to read in to the details. They will understand why Iago acts the way he does and plans evil to befall on Othello. An understanding of the themes also facilitates the audience's ability to know the play.

Othello-themes

This play is characterized by a few different themes. Jealousy is a theme throughout the work that leads to some of the characters downfall. Othello becomes full of jealousy when he suspects that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio. His jealousy is already starting to separate him from Desdemona. Othello's jealousy is caused primarily by Iago's jealousy. Another theme is that things are not always as they appear. To Othello, Iago appears to be an honest and trustworthy friend; however, Iago is jealous and plotting to destroy Othello and Cassio.