Man vs Nature

           In the novel, "Solaris," by Stanisław Lem, a team of scientists aggressively try to force communication with a large, powerful alien creature to no avail. This forced communication and short-tempered method of scientific procedure is, of course, highly unauthorized along with traumatic for the creature they are "studying;" perhaps signifying how various advancements in humans' understanding of the natural world has come at the distress of it. Humans have been able to attain unimaginable power and influence both around the world and direct power to alter and control the world but at the cost of horribly scaring its ecosystems and lifeforms; similarly to the way the scientists in this work abuse their power and technology to advance humanity.

            Humanity's lack of cooperation with the natural world, instead choosing to subjugate or "domesticate" anything they can't or won't kill off completely, is explored to great lengths in this novel. The story presents another case of humans trying desperately to understand and bring another species into their domesticated collective, but with the twist that in this instance it is impossible for them to do so. This creature is simply too massive, independent, and powerful to be brought under boot by this collection of scientists, and instead flips the table unto these scientist through showing them their own greatest failures. Through showing how these characters end up facing their own harsh pasts after not being able to conquer this lifeforms, the novel holds a mirror up to our own reality, where massive climate change and world-wide extinctions are on the brink of happening almost on a yearly basis. The novel forces us to question what will happen when humanity is no longer able to just brute its way through other species in order to climb ahead the evolutionary ladder. What happens when a planet fights back?

Bloodchild in class questions

1. What was your reaction to the text?

I was pretty shocked by the graphic nature of the text, be it the vivid depictions of gutting animals and humans to the amount of detail describing the disgusting, gore soaked "worm" alien babies; the story defiantly wanted to graspe and hold onto the reader's attention. I was at first confused as to what kind of story this was, it seemed to have basic elements of science fiction, (aliens, different planet, etc) but upon reconsideration it appears like the focus really isn't on any of these or even the horror aspects of roping animals and people "from neck to anus;" more so focused upon the ideas of racial/species treatment found in the narrative. In this case the humans are subjective to the aliens of the text, and treated much in the same way we would treat a domesticated farm animal or even a slave. Humans of this world are meant to breed, do work, and die, all while being told they are living fulfilling lives and further made passive by heavy use of narcotics to keep them dumb and unacting. I found the story's ability to deliver shocking graphic depictions, a mysterious atmosphere, and themes of racial treatment all at once to be truly spectacular!




2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the story with which you were able to connect?

Initially confused, then for a part of it all horrified, I think that I now see the themes behind the gore and strange "customs" described in the story. I mostly saw the story as a series of themes relating to how varies ethnic minorities or civilizations have been treated by more dominate civilizations throughout the centuraries. Be it Africans in colonial America or Mexicans in modern America, an unfortunate amount of "ugliness" has occurred between the dominant and minor races. White slave owners would impregnate and/or sell their slaves all while keeping them ignorrent of survival and living skills to keep them and their children as dependent upon a "caring master" as possible; all the while claiming saintness over their "property," the same way the aliens depicted in this story do so with humans.


3. What changes would you make to adapt this story into another medium? What medium and what changes would you choose?

I would think this story could be turned into a science fiction television series, mostly due to its overarching themes of racial tensions and histories but carrying elements of science fiction as well; both very popular and relevant to modern audiences. Especially with many shows being able to get away with graphic depictions or controversial storylines by being exclusively offered by select services like Netflix or Hulu, we would be able to show every last detail of the authors original story without worry if networks claiming it to be too graphic. We would have to probably expand upon the story in order to translate it into a mini-series while still keeping it open ended, (much like its original "ending") to leave open the possibility for full series possibilities or maybe even a movie.

 All in all though, this story could use a few updates in terms of science fiction elements, while the much calmer, somewhat realistic nature this story takes upon science fiction is good, I do feel modern audience would prefer sormthing more "flashy." Possibly relocating the story from alien farm/country land to sprawling alien city, (still keeping the main point of humans being slaves and all) would keep the original values and themes of the story while also making it visually interesting for audiences.

I Am Human

                The story of "Lilith's Brood," written by the author Octavia Butler, tells of a world where humans own self destructive tendencies have lead to an apocalyptic landscape with little hope for the future. The book introduces aliens who agree to help the humans restore their society but only if they are willing to breed with the aliens who are fascinated by the humans' "skill in cancer." Throughout the book various groups of humans give commentary and commitments that explore themes of race and gene science, touching upon a multitude of various areas. In some instances the idea of cross genetics with the aliens seems entirely positive, they are more advanced than humans and can selectively choose and remove traits; however some groups find this to be unnatural and strive to prevent this selection of future traits. 

               These selective genetic aliens remind me of all of the new advancements in genetic research and development being made yearly by biologists around the world; domestic animals are specifically breed in order to be most useful to humans, what happens when people decide to build every aspect of other humans as well? Surly some aspects of selective genetics is great, a world without physical deformities or mental handicaps, but what would happen if individuals decided to make their own vision of a "perfect" being? Especially in the real world where certain genetic traits like high intelligence, naturally advantageous muscular/bone structure or even sexual preference is scrutinized and debated upon heavily by the masses; a book that throws the absolute extreme of handpicking genetics is exhilarating to say the least.

                While reading the book I'll admit to never being particularly invested in yet another alien science fiction story, but the themes I found within the novel were especially interesting. The authors ability to create a (mostly) open ended source for ideas about various themes concerning what makes a human, "human" are ingenious. While not the only author out there to explore selective genetics through the introduction of alien life or extreme technological advancement, I can give the author credit for making this variant upon the themes exciting and attention grabbing at every turn. If you've ever questioned what makes you, "you," then please, explore "Lilith's Brood."

              

A Big, Bright, Virtual World

       This weeks narrative, "Snow Crash," by Neal Stephenson, tells of a cyberpunk world run almost entirely by massive internet based technologies and the corporations that make/upkeep them. National government has been made for the most part ineffectually, and many people of this universe have abandoned their own reality to pursue lives in the virtual reality known as "the Metaverse." Exploring themes of perceptions altering ones reality and connecting with the real world versus the viral ones.

        The main character is a computer genius who lives in a world where computers make up much of society. You would think this is good luck, but over and over again it is displayed how his, (and his friends') fixation with digital technologies leads to disaster. In this world a MMO-esc experience known as the "Metaverse" has people living out their whole lives online in a fake collection of experiences and situations. None of this is real, and their real world bodies end up being out of shape, strewn with equipment to keep their addiction to the online world going; on top of the villainous groups in this novel exposing these internet based technologies to their own nefarious ends.

       Neal Stephenson explores a world where fantastical technology can revolutionize the way that people interact and live with others in an exciting new light, but also foretells of a scenario where these technologies end up dominating the lives of those who use them. He tells a story not centered around massive flashy wars or interstellar travel, but of a society that has become so disgruntled with the way the real world is that they abandon reality to pursue virtual reality. It is, (in my opinion) a tale of caution laced behind the main plot of the story, to change and adapt with technological evolutions but not allow said advancements to permanently hold and define who you are. Without our base characteristics and interactions with our peers, society as a whole begins to lose our humanity and become the "gargoyles" displayed in this narrative; disfigured representations of what we once were.

Dare To Be Different

    "Aye and Gomorrah," by Samuel R. Delany, explores themes of perversion, transgender, sexual identity, and more. Throughout the narrative we see the story's protagonist, a genderless "Spacer," receive harsh or even perverse treatment simply due to his lack of sexuality. These genderless Spacers are the story's physical representation of gender neutral peoples, uncertain of their own sexual identity, something the author and his wife were both sympathetic with during the story's conceptualization. While the story is science fiction, its focus is on the ideals behind the flashy spaceships and futuristic environment. 

           The spacers are neutered prior to puberty so as to avoid dangerous spacial radiation and such, but the focus of the story is how this affects their public or even private relations. Similar to the tribulations faced by an unfortunate amount of homosexual or transgender populous, the spacers of this story are subject to constant derogatory slander by much of the public. Even on the streets people will point and whisper about the "genderless freaks," an offensive term that is often used to harshly describe transgender peoples as well. This story is meant to convey morals of not just equality, but establishing ones self above the petty rumors and quick-to-judge offenders of the world around us; and to not be ashamed of being who you are regardless of what people may assume about you. Only you deserve to tell you whether to, how to, or why to establish a sexual identity. 

When Man Rules God

          In N. K. Jemisin's "The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms," our protagonist, Yeine, must constantly  battle metaphorical, (and somewhat literal) demons from her and her mother's mysterious past while also contending against some of the most deviously plotting, conniving figures and deities of her world.


          Throughout her perils, Yeine is forced to become just as cruel and ruthless as her competitors in order to learn more about her mother's past and simply to survive as she is pulled into the schemes of those around her. In this story, we see a girl with good intentions become enslaved to the whims and desires of beings much more powerful than her; possibly an analogy to the lowly position and lack of influence most civilians hold in society. Regardless of struggle, Yeine must compromise her beliefs and moral integrity in order to continue her quest; leaving behind chunks of her past self as a result. This story poses Yeine as an incredibly tragic hero, the Gods in this story, (along with many of its people) seem only to serve as hindrances or manipulators to use and throw her away once she is no longer useful.

          Though the story is not totally without hope, allies arise in the form of Yeine's brother Relad and a few of the palace staff. Yeine's character and devotion pay off to these fellow minded people, who each contribute their own skills and knowledge to the situations she finds herself in. In general, the story presents a rapid advancement of conflict-reseloution scenarios, whereas Yeine is approached by a series of problems and must quickly find assistance or adapt herself in some way in order to overcome these issues; making her incredibly relatable. The problems she faces seem at first challenging, confusing, and sometimes unconquerable; much in the same light younger audiences may see their own problems to be.

            I found the story to be enjoyable as a whole. Its fantasy elements tackling subjects as large scale and unknowable as enslaved gods and secret histories made for some intriguing storytelling. I'll admit that I did find some parts to not be explained in full, particularly the nature of the ruling family's absolute control over the gods; but perhaps that will be explained further in future iterations of the story. Never the less, the tale was memorable, giving some exciting twists while still having a base structure to hold the overarching plot towards. I look forward to future installments by N. K Jesmisin.

The Million Faces of God

        The novel, "American Gods," by Neil Gaiman, explores the idea of interpretation defining how a person, or in this case, mythological beings, can be remembered or become. One figure or action in history can be interpreted many different ways by different parts of the world or different mindsets of people. A law passed to provide extra security may be seen as saving lives by one group of people, but as destroying personal rights and liberties by another group. Through showing multiple physical incarnations of these gods, each both strange and familiar because of people's own vision of how they believe the entity should be, the book is able to deliver an amazing amount of contemplation and argument for different people who read the story.


        Throughout this novel there are multiple versions of the various gods from different cultures, exploring the idea of interpretations; not just from different cultures but even as specific as different morality structures. For example, the Mr. Wednesday interpretation of Odin the All Father Norse God is a deceiving manipulator who teams up with the equally dastardly Loki, the god of lies and schemes. However, later in the book we are introduced to a more traditional, respectful version of Odin created by a separate group of believers. These two versions are both just as much the entity, "Odin" as the other, but their interpretation makes them figuratively, (and for our story literally) two different gods.

          I found this to be a very enjoyable read with a multitude of different ways to interpret its story and morals. It was interesting how the story attacked the creation and continuation of gods, a sort of "living through memory" system that I found of particular interest. The overall plot itself was good, perhaps a little predictable in terms of "dramatic reveals," but it was still able to hold my interest while conveying messages of how one's interpretation defines how events are remembered. Being Armenian myself, this topic spoke to me personally, as my race has often battled against being forgotten by history after its tragic genocide many years ago. I am referring to the Armenian genii use from the Turkish military, with its two major interpretations, one being the truth: genocide. The other being the propaganda taught by the Turkish government to this day: that the "death marches" were merely attempts to relocate Armenians away from the front in wwi; all the while stealing their land, property, and their lives.


            However, needless to say, the book contained enough interesting ideas in it to arise many questions out of me even without direct prompt from the text, and I look forward to further readings from this author.

Dreamers

          "The Night Circus," is a cunningly crafted blend of many famous and successful works of past fiction with a new spin on them; borrowing from all kinds of fantasy and romance novels, and even Shakespeare. While I thought that this was a fairly decent novel, I would not agree with some critical reviews online in saying that it rivals the likes of "Harry Potter," but I can easily see it catching on with the general public consciousness. "The Night Circus" promises truly imaginative scenes of magic as many of the meta scenes in this story revolve around illusionary spells that literally fuel imagination, coupled with a wondrous circus appeal and its a truly interesting blend of ideology and scenarios.

               This novel contains aspects of lovers overcoming and bringing together rivals similar to the famous Shakespearean tale of "Romeo and Juliet," and this plot is one of the major things driving the two main characters Celia Bowen and Marco Alistair towards conflict. The two meet each other in the circus, each wondering the other with their illusionary magical talent as they perform for the general "reveurs," or "dreamer" audiences. It isn't long into the tale before the two fall strongly in love, however, just like in "Romeo and Juliet," the two are forbidden to be romantically involved as a rivalry between their masters forbids any public/direct relationship between them; save performing in the circus. While this plot had been done thousands of times in the past and I frankly believe modern culture has an over saturation with "love stories," I did find the circus background and magical undertones made the "enchanting" language and actions between the two lovers much more appropriate, they were in a scenario where such passion and extreme emotion made sense to display.

           The novel also contains within it many aspects about personal pride and allusions to grandeous leaders forgetting about the perils of the common people. Although the book only takes place in a (albeit magical) circus, two of the books main characters Prospero and Mr. A.H, have much of the circus crew and performers unwillingly tethered to their own rivalry. The unwavering foolish pride that each of these characters has dooms the circus performers along with the main love duo, Celia Bowen and Marco Alistair, to be eternally anchored to the circus; even in death. The idea of leaders using those beneath them to advance their own goals, especially in a potentially senseless fashion is a fear that much of modern society shares; looking upon past wars and conflicts as overall meaningless or being solved via much simpler means. 

         While the novel is not necessarily the most original in terms of conceptions or even story and characters, the new scenarios and ways that they explore the impacts of conflicting ideology in the story makes for an compelling read. There are many ways that people can interpret the actions of characters in this book and, based on their own upbringings, can easily read the events with different opinions than others reading the same text. The open ended-ness of this tale is what I believe helps make it so popular, allowing all who read it their own version of this fantastical circus world. 

Into the Lonely Mountain

This week was JRR Tolkien's "The Hobbit."

           The story fervently follows "The Hero's Journey," ideal of a circular narrative, consisting mostly of innocence being introduced to conflict and met with some form of resolution. Our hero, Bilbo Baggins, starts off in "the known," the shire, and throughout his adventures ventures into the unknown and finally returns home with newfound knowledge and experiences, forever changed by the experiences. The story's massive emphasis on the necessity of a test in order to discover new things about oneself is what drives the story forward; as Bilbo is already an adult, (no coming of age) and already has an established life in a pleasant village, (so not necessarily finding where one belongs or rising above poverty). Instead, Bilbo is seen as a quite, non-adventurous man living an uninteresting life absent of the adventure that he in his youth craved so badly. Gandalf presents the possibility for Bilbo to have the life he wants, but in order to do so he must endure many trials about overcoming his own personal doubts and fears in the style of "The Hero's Journey."

             Despite the fact the definite protagonist of this story is overcoming personal fears and traumas, themes of building character through reliance on others, overcoming personal pride in order to work together and accomplishing a common goal are all very prevalent in the story. Throughout the course of the book, Bilbo must trust and work alongside his companions if he is to finish his quest, and as Bilbo explores beyond his familiar shire, the reader discovers alongside with him; acting as a perfect funnel of information about the massive world of JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth. Tolkien is known for building massive worlds and their histories along with their immersive settings and peoples, often take inspiration from histories of multiple lands and peoples. This story is no exception, containing undertones about perseverance and trust in friends that can be interpretable in other parts of ones life. Throughout the many adventures that Bilbo has, the perils that he faces along with Gandalf and party are almost never revolving around the idea of acquiring massive treasures or even necessarily killing the dragon; but often about learning new aspects of their own lives that seemed insignificant before, or building as characters in a chaotic world. Such concepts are more than applicable to the real Earth, and maybe thats why so many fellow nerds around the world love to visit Middle Earth. So lets crack open another book, I hear that Gandalf has another adventure planned.

Observing Oddity

           For this week, I read over the story, "Jack" by China Mieville.

           While the story may be tilted "Jack," the narrator constantly refers to Jack as a separate character, working for him and hanging upon many of his actions or dialogues with increased personal reconciliation. Jack dominates the majority of this story, possibly as a representation for obsession, as Jack "half-a-prayer" takes central interest for our main character as he follows the career, downfall, and subsequent aftermath of Jack. Every single event and thought has something to do directly or tie with Jack, with very little or possibly no real break in the narrator's constant fixation with Jack. Even the way paragraphs are structured there is a constant repetition of Jack's name, further driving ideals of obsession.


            For a majority of the the novel,  there are more cerebral, more inner-based thought provoking conceptualizations of the events transpiring. Not many of their monologging stays upon direct observations, but instead stating what is going on, and elaborating upon that with analogy upon metaphors and other literary devices. This story starts off telling how a crook is caught and brought in by authorities, and ends up touching concepts relating to the randomness of one's luck, fate, and the self serving nature of desperate men. Like many of these "odd" stories, the base surface story is not necessarily as important or even relevant to the actual morals and world views hidden within these narratives.

Ageless Vengeance Upon Oppression

             For this week's story, I read the complete works of James Robinson's 1994 "Witchcraft" series; comprised of three separate graphic novel volumes. The majority of the novels center around magical rebirth and various separate but similar searches for vengeance against embodiments of abusive dominance. These plots are rather obvious metaphors for the tendency for powerful figures in history, (in this novel often displayed as demonic-worshiping sexually abusive men) to abuse their position.

           The stories' main characters all are not often treated as individuals, but more so representations of relatable positions to convey the themes explored. The protagonists are always relatively submissive beings, be them young boys trying to prove themselves or women who are seen as nothing more than child bearers; while the antagonists in these stories are all powerful men driven by their own ambition, greed, and lust to take anything and everything they desire regardless of who gets hurt as a result. Even the ambivalent goddesses who tell the tale take physical reincarnations throughout the novels, becoming kindly nuns or hospital patients or whoever the character, (or the audience) might interpret as sources of purpose or advancement. Each of the characters in this story figuratively and literally are just interpretations of the same base characters that are seen in stories throughout history.

             Although the central theme of women trying to survive and take back control of their lives in a man-central world is incredibly prevalent throughout the first part of the story, the second and third installments broaden that theme to include any and all that would be subject to oppression. The series as a whole tells on how any and all those who receive hardship, be them young or old, man or woman, deserve retribution and vengeance upon those who would commit such heinous acts. The stories explored in the "Witchcraft" series illustrate people who, when given opportunity, do what they feel is right in correcting the various wrongs put upon them by evils around them.

Dead, but Never Forgotten

             For this week, I read a selection of short tales in the book "Chinese Ghost Stories, Curious Tales of the Supernatural," by Lafcadio Hearn. This novel tells many different tales from a multitude of different perspectives, but all centralizing around themes of dedication, duty, honor, and family.

             For a majority of the book, the various tales throughout focus around men and women who must put aside personal goals or gain in order to help others, even if it risks their mortal frame. The idea of sacrifice for the sake of others is incredibly preeminent in Asian culture, kept in their traditions for hundreds of years and exemplified in these stories. These traditional values of honoring ones family, removing personal pride and others are often put into the spiritual realm of the meta-physical. Upholding promises and honoring family are represented physically by ghosts and beings beyond human understanding, helping and praising those who maintain the value(s) in the story; whilst punishing those who do not.

·                                   For these stories, there is often not huge focus on “good vs evil,” more so to pay homage to various aspects of a "morally just life," especially when the central theme includes keeping with traditional values. There is supposed to be a balance, the idea that upsetting tradition will have horrendous effects on the people around them, don’t overturn society, maintain order, keep humble, abandon pride but do your best for the masses, etc. For example, in the story of "The Should of the Great Bell," a young girl sacrifices her life so that her father can keep his promise to construct an incredibly beautiful bell to his master. Although this means her own life is ended, she is given the reward of everlasting honor as she not only saves her father from punishment, but also becomes a spirit of the bell, forever able to bring beauty to those that hear or see the bell. 

                     Self sacrifice without want of personal gain, while also paying respects to those who have done the same are two major themes that seem to conquer much of asian culture; highlighted even more so in this book. These moral standards have existed so long as to survive modern culture, because many asian families agree on these foundations of respect and duty to help people become greater as a mass of dedicated united beings, accomplishing more as a whole than any one individual could ever aspire towards.

Lestat's Lament

          Immortality is a treasure that so many in both fictionalized and actual history have sought after, and yet for one particular man, this gift is his greatest curse. Throughout the beginning of the novel "The Body Thief," Lestat is shown constantly reminiscing about the idea of being a mortal man being something that he would give anything to acquire once more. However once he receives it, he can't go a full day without hating his new mortal form. He makes several comments to his friend David as to how even toddlers, "fall down, and scream almost constantly, they hate being human! They know already that its some sort of dirty trick." Lestat admits to his own foolishness, telling as to how he had forgot how frail and vulnerable to the world mortal men were.

         The main conflict of "The Body Thief" appears almost entirely due to Lestat's own lack of hubris, not only does he refuse to listen to the arguments of his close friends, but constantly feels as though he deserves more than what he has. He looks upon whatever he doesn't have with "rose tinted glasses," reminiscing how great whatever he doesn't have is, whether it be the sensitivities of being human or the power of being a vampire. Lestat doesn't ever seem to be satisfied with any limitations while also never thinking of the consequences of his actions.

         There are multiple possible sources of Lestat's constant lust for greater states of being, one obvious source being his near immortal life combined with his fantastical powers and massive wealth taking out almost all conflict in his life. On top of all of these, Lestat has lost multiple companions throughout his long life, one of which being his adopted daughter Claudia, whose visage constantly visits him in nightmarish fashion to remind him of his failures. This torture of his past is even further escalated when one considers Lestat is without immortal companions, with friends like David not wanting immortality or possible love interests, (such as the nurse introduced later in the novel) being terrified of supernatural beings. Lestat is constantly alone, with no real driving motivation to continue forward in life and haunted by his own memories; such an unforgiving combination truly paints why Lestat would sacrifice whatever he has for the prospect of an improved life; however slim the actual possibility of such might be.

Frankenstein: The Tale of Two Monsters

                                          The Monster and His Creation

       Dr. Frankenstein creates, hides, and hates the monster that he creates, in turn treating the creature like the evil beast he associates with his appearance. Dr. Frankenstein's monster however is by all other lights, human, becoming impressively intelligent and even kind hearted through his journeys, but the the monster is repeatedly spurned by all who see him, despite being able to communicate and reason the same if not better than those that call him a monster. Because of this, the once possible Saint is reduced to a monster swearing revenge on humanity; in particular Frankenstein himself. The monster doing all of this, while also struggling to understand themes of humanity, companionship, and the pursuit of knowledge. All themes Frankenstein himself also pursued.

      Dr. Frankenstein himself ends up becoming more and more a monster as he hunts down his creation; chasing his creation for years until finally his journey ends up killing himself in the process. His obsession with keeping secrecy and unhealthy pursuit of the monster further damns him as he refuses help from his father, Elizabeth (his lover), and any friends that attempt and drag him back to any form of sane worldview. Dr. Frankenstein becomes so fixated on the idea of catching and killing the monster that HE created and spurned, he doesn't see how his anger lashes out onto those that he most cares about. 

       Due to most of the narrative being told from the view of Frankenstein during his last few days alive, his monster, or Walton, it becomes veritably difficult to interpret; bringing to question multiple accounts of hyperbole or possible lapse in memory or even all out lying on either of the three narrators' parts.

                                                   Frankensteins Fractured Psyche 

         Dr. Frankenstein seems rather flippant throughout the story, wanting the best of every situation, but doubting and calculating outcomes to the point where he ends up making horrid decisions one after another. He wants to create life, (specifically a "new perfect race") but rejects his creation and spurs it into loneliness and rage. He wants to help the monster find peace, but he convinces himself to break his pledge to the monster and destroys the female companion Dr. Frankenstein was in the process of creating, further angering the creature AND countering his original goal of creating a new race, being now horrified with the concept! He wants to marry Elizabeth, but also ends up ignoring and all but avoiding her until it is too late and his own creation kills her.

Frankenstein's constant indecisiveness, (while very human in nature) coupled with his refusal to seek aid or confide in others results in a lifelong battle with himself and his creation. 

                                                        Who Is Really the Monster?

         Interpretation itself seems a big point of intrigue for a good part of this story; Dr. Frankenstein' interpretation of the monster, the monster' interpretation of himself, the world's interpretation of the monster and his actions, and the family's interpretation of Dr. Frankenstein  fanatical secrecy and deception; all play different roles in the story and really set up this constant theme of longing knowledge and clarity throughout the story for numerous characters; Even if the acquisition of clarity dooms those who receives it. 

         While the monster's actions are undeniably evil, ranging from theft to murder, he constantly makes it known that he is acting out of aggression or ignorance as a result of starting life hated by all who see him. He is assumed and treated as evil and thus, he becomes it. Dr. Frankenstein on the other hand starts out life privileged and is able to make the best out of most situations, having a great family to back him up along with numerous friends and associates of well repute; AND YET, it is Frankenstein who not only creates the monster, but chases it for the extent of its life simply for being ugly in appearance. 

         We may never know whether Frankenstein and his monster are the results of their environment or other unforeseen circumstances we can only guess at, all we can know for certain is the tragedy of one man's pursuit of knowledge, and how the misuse of such can have truly terrible consequences...