Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN META-MYTH

During our class discussion about Frankenstein I realized that I had had the wrong impression about the story for my entire life. I had never read the actual novel, and I was shocked at how much I enjoy it. My personal opinion (and im sure im not alone!), is that I enjoy this portrayal of the myth infinitely more than the glamourized hollywood versions of it. I also like reading it instead of watching, solely due to the fact that I have created an entirely new picture of everything, within my head, and I love that. I have been completely surprised by this novel and I am so happy about it. The ideas behing Mary Shelley's putting forth her emotions and feelings into her work is just incredible.

I believe that Shelley, herself is Dr. Frankenstein/The Monster/and Walton, all wrapped up in one. Hell, she could possibly be ever character in the story, in one way or another! Even though she make s alot of this myth up (obviously!), she out ieces of her mind and soul into each of the characters. Dr. Frankenstein and Walton, I believe, are her own personal manifestations of her self. She believes, in some way, that she is seperate from others around her at this time. Maybe, because she is a woman, maybe because of her loss of loved ones, who knows for sure, im just streaming my thoughts, but hey some of this could be right!

Shelley might relate to the adventure aspect of the characters, in some way, due to the fact that by writing this story, she is taking on a journey bigger than herself, by trying to out beat the men. Because at this time, it was unheard of to do such a thing.

She might be like Dr. Frankenstein, also in a way, due to the fact that she wants to bring back some of her losses. The losses of her childern, as we discussed in class, are what i mean. She is expressing her mourning for her lost babies, but showing Dr. Frankensteins love for his mistakes or losses (loves his monster).


Another thing I also found interesting, was all of these interlocking, additional myths discussed. i am not very cultured when it comes to myths, and I have been enjoying any part in which some sort of new myth is discussed, simply due to the fact that it is interesting.

I, like Walton and Dr. Frankenstein, have a "thirst for knowledge", and am constantly trying to learn about new things, learn new skills, new crafts, or just experience anything that I find the slightest bit interesting. I am more than willing to try anything once, just to experience it.

I would like to go on this type of journey (Walton's Journey), and see my mortality tested. I believe it would be an eye opener for me, and might change my perspective on life.

I believe that our lives are pre determined for us, up to a certain point, and then free will comes into play. To throw in an analogy: we are dealt the cards, but we have to figure out what to do with them.

Anyone can do whatever they want with their lives, that is what seprates up from the animals, the conscious awareness that we have free will to make CHOICES. We can choose, we just have to realize it.