tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8692381608294018617.post6405945449112412242..comments2023-11-05T07:27:43.837-05:00Comments on Narrative and Technology: Frankenstein's ArgumentAdamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302919444091859459noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8692381608294018617.post-64023800487426449662014-01-26T14:48:24.359-05:002014-01-26T14:48:24.359-05:00This essay is clear, straightforward, well argued ...This essay is clear, straightforward, well argued and uses the text effectively. Hence, my main comments will be short. I don't think you do anything wrong that I can easily identify. I also thing that your effective use of one of Victor's asides to Walton was a very nice touch, and shows (in case it wasn't already clear) that you're paying great attention to details. So the fundamentals are all good.<br /><br />I'm not going to say that you're *wrong* to say that the meaning of the contradiction is that Victor refuses to take responsibility. This is a perfectly reasonable approach, which addresses the specific question while keeping his character throughout the novel clearly in mind.<br /><br />The think here that's really incomplete - and could use detailed attention if you revise - is the *specifics* of his refusal to take responsibility. If he refuses to take responsibility here, we should get some detailed evidence of that refusal not only in his earlier life but in his last few months.<br /><br />My suggestion (if your revise) is to pay detailed attention to the post-Elizabeth section of the novel. Does he continue to show his earlier refusal to take responsibility in this material? Or is something else going on? Consider his fantasies of the presence of Elizabeth and Clerval; consider also his refusal to understand that the Monster, not "good spirits" are helping him across the arctic.<br /><br />This is quite good, but the topic of responsibility, especially in the later parts of the novel, is only really started here - that part of the essay is more of a beginning than an ending (which is a good thing!).Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16302919444091859459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8692381608294018617.post-83680622100604402282014-01-26T11:51:01.888-05:002014-01-26T11:51:01.888-05:00Mark,
I like the argument you chose to analyze in...Mark,<br /><br />I like the argument you chose to analyze in your essay. I think it is an important part of the novel. You do a good job of examining the changes in Victor's argument in your first several paragraphs. However, your last two paragraphs stray a bit. Perhaps if you illustrate how Victor's inability to take responsibility relates to the change in his argument to Walton, warning him about the dangers of the pursuit of knowledge, it would help your essay flow better. Otherwise, I really liked your writing.<br /><br />BeccaBecca Gargeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06819700490064030948noreply@blogger.com