Let's Be a Little Romantic

by DMS



I was shocked and felt inhuman when I saw the video about a homeless man, Hugo Tale-Yax, who was left to die alone. This tragedy reminds me of Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. The society alienates the monster because of his appearance. Yes, the monster may have a disproportionate figure, but he is "benevolent and good" (Shelley 73). Likewise, Tale-Yax was homeless, but he was also a human being like the rest of us.

Through the Romantic era, Mary Shelley sent her message and her thoughts in her writing. For the rest of us, let's be a little romantic. By this, I mean: care about other people without any judgment of who or what they are.

"All men are created equal." - Thomas Jefferson

Frank in Stain

Part One

by DMS

According to Isaiah Berlin, Romantic movement writers often associated with or "connected with the sense of uniqueness, the profound emotional introspection, the sense of the differences of things, dissimilarities rather than similarities" in ideas in their writings (Berlin, Isaiah. The Root of Romanticism. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1999.) This means that Romantic writers speak their opinions; they say that in society people tend to accept and idealize commonalities, as we can see in Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. She describes or perhaps shows her argument when she creates the monster character in her novel. Mary Shelley describes the monster as a disproportionate figure, about eight feet tall, with scary looks. Because of his dissimilar appearance, people outcast him from the society.

Let's take a look for a moment. As we know, the monster has a human figure: he has two eyes, two hands, two legs, hair, and a nose. He has no tail and speaks a language that people speak, and his words can easily be understood by common people. Now, comes the question: Why do people in society not accept the monster because of the way he looks? It is apparent that, as a Romantic writer, Shelley speaks her mind through Frankenstein. Through the monster's voice, Shelley says, "Let him [people in society] live with me [who has uncommon or rather deformed looks] in the interchange of kindness" (Shelley 111). Shelley suggests that people should live with acts of kindness without harsh judgment of their appearances.

Paradise Lostenstein, the sequel

Further confirmation on how much Milton's Paradise Lost influenced Mary Shelley's writing, and how the creature identifies with a "God and Satan" type relationship with his creator as opposed to a "God and Adam" type relationship: " Many times I consider Satan as the filter emblem of my condition: for often, like him, when I viewed the bliss of my pretectors, the bitter gall of envy rose within me." (p.132) - Shelley, Mary. "Frankenstein". London : Penguin Classics, 1992

By Jeongah Kim

Opposites don't attract

The creature's life and development as a loner left to his own devices, are in stark contrast to that of the childhood and upbringing of Victor Frankenstein. The creature's description of what he considers the "ideal" family life picture of the De Lacey family is ironically reminiscent of Victor Frankenstein's family background.

"...how the father doated on the smiles of the infant, and the lively sallies of the older child; how all the life and cares of the mother were wrapped up the precious charge; how the mind of youth expanded and gained knowledge; of brother, sister, and all the various relationships which bind one human being to another in mutual bonds." (p.124)- Shalley, Mary. "Frankenstein". London: Penguin Classics, 1992

By Jeongah Kim

Victor Guiltenstein

Victor Frankenstein feel a good deal of guilt after his conversation with the creature in Chapter 2.

"For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness."

It is good to see some sense of moral conscience here. It is obvious he realizes the mistakes he has made. Ironic, the the "child" is becoming the "teacher" for a lesson to his own creator.

By Jeongah Kim

Paradise Lostenstein: God and Adam, God and Satan

Mary Shelley seems to be very influenced by Milton's epic work, Paradise Lost. She mirrors the relationship between God and Satan, that of the creator spurning or casting out his child.This is in stark contrast to the relationship of God and Adam which represent a creator who lovingly creates man on his own image, and who does not completely abandon his even after his original sin in the garden of Eden.

"Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam , but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drives from joy for no misdeed." (p.103) - Shelley, Mary."Frankenstein". London: Penguin Classics ,1992

By Jeongah Kim

Point-Conterpoint

R.Walton's journey of discovery to find the North Pole passage is ironically opposite in intent of that of V.Frankenstein's own journey to the same place.


In Walton's case, optimistically adventourous and hopeful journey to open new horizons and to find an illuminating new discovery for the world... a sort of beginning and opening of a new frontier.


In Frankenstein's case, it is journey for closure, not opening. He wishes to destroy and end the path of destruction of his creature upon mankind and his world. One journey is bright and hopeful, the other one is dark and tormented.

By Jeongah Kim

I Am an Adam, Too

By DMS

I was trying to work on my Frankenstein paper in my school library when a Campus News newspaper invited me to caress her. It was an article that caught my attention called Adjuncts Are People, Too, by Darren Johnson. The story allured my interest; it was descriptive and emotional.

My point is, I believe that Darren Johnson’s article is in fact expressing an aspect of Romanticism. Darren Johnson shows emotional thought in his writing. His voice is so open and clear, as if he were talking through his lungs in front of me. He says, “At first, I thought I’d be a shoo-in for a full-time job. I knew the college, knew the students, had a fine record in the field, nice faculty evaluation, didn’t really rock the boat. But I’d never get an interview, even though it was in the union contract that I was supposed to.” He thought that because he was an adjunct at the school he would get an interview and get a full-time job there. But he did not get either the interview or the job.

Darren Johnson’s desperation is similar to the scene in Frankenstein in which Frankenstein’s creature expresses his feelings to Victor. Mary Shelley states, “I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed.” The creature wants to receive good treatment from Victor Frankenstein, but he gets bad deeds instead.

Both stories reflect Romantic ideas; both writers express their emotional thoughts through their writings.

Franken Irony

I noticed something interesting in Frankenstein. It's an ironic twist.

Part of what the author is doing is giving us a warning of what can happen when man tries to break the laws of nature, or tries to take the role of God in creating life.

What's ironic about this is Romanticism celebrates breaking rules and striking out on a bold course. Frankenstein is a Romantic work that is giving self commentary about its own style in this me.

By Jeongah Kim

FrankensteinFlood

Did anyone else feel overwhelmed when reading Frankenstein? I did.

In fact, the interesting thing for me is that I found it a little hard to read and focus upon because of the intensely swirling and emotionally charged nature of the work. It disturbed at times.

There's a lot of energy in there, and it's almost too much for me. In a way, I think I really gained a better understaning of what exactly "Romanticism"really means. I felt it first hand...directly influence me.

Almost like getting buried under a tidal wave or washed away in a flood of emotional energy.

Quick, somebody get me a good boat and some oars, so that I can steer safely through here!

By Jeongah Kim

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

by DMS

I do realize that Romanticism's ideas are always around in our surroundings. I just never thought about that until recently. My friend Peggy sent me a video that she made, Morning After the Snow Storm:

http://web.mac.com/peggy_p/Site/Videos.html

As we can see, the scene was after the snow. Soon after she opened the door, the background song said:

It was a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
A beautiful day

Touch me, take me to that other place
Reach me, I know I'm not a hopeless case

I thought it was an ironic story. It was snow and I personally don't like the snow. It is cold, wet, and bright. (It hurts my eyes.) Through the song she shouted, "It was (is) a beautiful day."

Her video suggests Peggy's emotions. Though it snowed, she thought it was a beautiful day. I believe that Peggy wants us to be aware of what is in our surroundings and to express our true feelings.

Likewise, Romanticism suggests that you can feel nature through your emotions.

Electric feelings

This is a really dope track, but it's the video that's really interesting to see. Everybody's chilling in the forest and it seems like everybody's very happy. They seem distant from society, dancing through the forest, doing things that society would think is "weird". The video has a very nature-oriented theme to it, and it seems to have elements of romanticism in it.

fantasy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9nSiCXWhgk


In this clip of the nightmare before Christmas jack feels enlightened and is introduced to a new world. He sees the snow and this new town and feels free spirited. Jack wants to experiment with his surroundings and wants to take over and be a new Santa Claus like doctor Frankenstein when he got to college his surroundings inspired him to experiment with a free spirit and to create his creature.

Edilania Estrella

beginning of romance

Romanticism started in the 1750 to about 1870. it was a movement in literature of mostly every country in Europe, the united states and Latin America. it is mostly characterized by freedom and expression of thoughts. it idealizes nature and free spirited.The term romantic first appeared in 18th-century English and originally meant "romance like"—that is, resembling the fanciful character of medieval romances.

Edilania Estrella

Be Careful What You Wish For

By DMS

I was enjoying reading Frankenstein until the scene in which Victor Frankenstein's creation breathed his first breath. I felt the horror of what Victor Frankenstein felt when he saw his creation was indeed alive. Yet I blame Victor Frankenstein for what he has done. He created a form of being and rejected his own creature. Why on earth would a parent abandon his child?

I know that from Shelley's description, the monster was such a horrible creature. Shelley writes, "His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same color as the dun white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion, and straight black lips." It is indeed the description of such a monster. People who may see the creature would run away; others may faint in place from such a horror. It raises a question for me: is it possible for a mother to give up her son or daughter if her son or daughter's appearance is ugly?

I realize that this question may rise in people's minds when they read Frankenstein. I believe there is a purpose that Mary Shelley wants to achieve: a story that engenders an explicit feeling - either happiness, sadness, or even anguish. According to what I previously stated, emotion is one element that Romantic writers express in their work. This is what Mary Shelley does in Frankenstein.

Beauty and the Bliss

by DMS

As I was reading Frankenstein and thinking about the description of romanticism, I could feel that there were romantic elements in the book. Mary Shelley writes, "As I walk in the streets of Petersburgh, I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheek, which braces my nerves, and fills me with delight." Through Robert Walton, the narrator, Shelley shows her affection toward the beauty of the nature surrounding her. Moreover, the letter that Robert Walton writes to his sister Margaret shows affectionate feelings between two human beings. Shelley's writing about nature and emotion is typical of many Romantic writers who focus on nature to express feelings, emotions, and the human experience.

Furthermore, Shelley's voice continues throughout the novel. When Robert writes a letter to his sister after he saved Victor Frankenstein, Shelley states, "I never saw a more interesting creature: his [Victor's] eyes have generally an expression of wildness, and even madness; but there are moments when, if anyone performs an act of kindness toward him, or does him any the most trifling service, his whole countenance is lighted up, as it were, with a beam of benevolence and sweetness that I never saw equaled." This passage suggests that Shelley expressed her amazement with the uniqueness of human characteristics.

Romanticism in music...

By:Reggie






Romanticism elements seem to appear in this song by Lil B called"Running through the flowers". He talks about how he's sleeping in the meadows and the flowers. He talks about how he wants to wheel(which means spin) in the fields. It almost feels like he's at a very peaceful place. The song might even imply that the artist has a love for nature. Combined with the harmonizing beat, you almost feel him at total peace with himself. Pretty interesting song though.

Is it Romantic?

by DMS

I asked my friend Peggy a question. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word "Romantic"?
"Cuddling," said she.
For a moment, I looked at her.
"I swear," shouted she.
I laughed and hugged her.
It is common to equate the word romantic with cuddling. I personally agree with the comparison. However, in the world of literature, Romanticism means something else.

According to Britannica Online Encyclopedia, Romanticism is an "attitude or intellectual orientation that characterized many works of literature, painting, music, architecture, criticism, and historiography in Western civilization over a period from the late 18th to the mid-19th century. Romanticism can be seen as a rejection of the precepts of order, calm, harmony, balance, idealization, and rationality that typified Classicism in general and late 18th-century Neoclassicism in particular. It was also to some extent a reaction against the Enlightenment and against 18th-century rationalism and physical materialism in general. Romanticism emphasized the individual, the subjective, the irrational, the imaginative, the personal, the spontaneous, the emotional, the visionary, and the transcendental."
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/508675/Romanticism

Characters in Romantic literature often mirror the life and society in which the writer lives. Romanticism is a kind of expression of disagreement toward society. One message of Romantic writers is that people have to look at the broader picture to avoid demanding conformity, which can lead to the alienation of individuals. In addition, many Romantic writers focus on nature to express feelings, emotions, and the human experience.