- The following text is an analysis of a specific passage chosen from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus. The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate understanding of the text by translating it for another audience.
“You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. I do not know that the relation of my misfortunes will be useful to you, yet, if you are inclined, listen to my tale” (Shelley, 17).
This passage can be found in Volume I, Letter IV, from Walton to his sister Margaret. In this letter, Walton is relaying to his sister what his mysterious ice drifter, and new friend, has told him. This passage reveals information about the mysterious man and indicates a gloomy past. By now, it is safe to assume that this mysterious man is Victor Frankenstein, even though it has not yet been directly stated. Based on our readings from chapters 1-3, we have come to find that Victor has been acquiring knowledge in the field of science, and plans to create life from death by piecing together human remains to “resurrect” his own human creation. Victor and Walton relate to each other in that they are both seeking discovery. Walton seeks to explore new land among the North Pole, whereas Victor aims to bring a human creation to life. In this passage, Victor indicates that something has gone terribly wrong, and that his quest for discovery has been a “serpent” that “stung” him. Victor also wishes that the misfortune that came from his quest for knowledge doesn’t happen to Walton. Victor then proceeds to tell Walton that perhaps his own mishaps could turn out to be useful information, and that he will explain them in his “tale.”
Works cited:
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus. New York, W. W. Norton & Company. 2012. Print.
This passage can be found in Volume I, Letter IV, from Walton to his sister Margaret. In this letter, Walton is relaying to his sister what his mysterious ice drifter, and new friend, has told him. This passage reveals information about the mysterious man and indicates a gloomy past. By now, it is safe to assume that this mysterious man is Victor Frankenstein, even though it has not yet been directly stated. Based on our readings from chapters 1-3, we have come to find that Victor has been acquiring knowledge in the field of science, and plans to create life from death by piecing together human remains to “resurrect” his own human creation. Victor and Walton relate to each other in that they are both seeking discovery. Walton seeks to explore new land among the North Pole, whereas Victor aims to bring a human creation to life. In this passage, Victor indicates that something has gone terribly wrong, and that his quest for discovery has been a “serpent” that “stung” him. Victor also wishes that the misfortune that came from his quest for knowledge doesn’t happen to Walton. Victor then proceeds to tell Walton that perhaps his own mishaps could turn out to be useful information, and that he will explain them in his “tale.”
Works cited:
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus. New York, W. W. Norton & Company. 2012. Print.