The Evolution of Frankenstein
Not so long ago, relative to the world at large, in picturesque Geneva not so far from Lake
Leman, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley took part in a not so commonplace "contest". The contest
was to write a ghost story. The outcome was Frankenstein; what is considered today to be a
classic, one of the first science fiction tales, and a story immortalized many times over in film.
And what at its inception was considered little more than the disturbed and ill conceived writings
of a woman by some, and a noble if misplaced effort by others. Critical readings of the novel have
grown over time to encompass more aspects of the critical range and to allow for a broader
reading and understanding of the work which accounts for more than merely face value formal,
rhetorical, mimetic or expressive theories alone.
In March of 1818, the same year Frankenstein was published, The Belle Assemblee
magazine reviewed Frankenstein. In its opening paragraph states "..that the presumptive works of
man must be frightful, vile, and horrible; ending only in discomfort and misery to himself. But will
all our readers understand this?". Clearly this reviewer is, in some part, taking into account
rhetorical theories. The analysis given is in the interests of the reader, so that they might better be
able to appreciate the work. As well, credit is given to formal aspects of the work, the
"excellence of its style and language" as well as "its originality, excellence of language, and
peculiar interest".
Though this review was brief, and did little more than summarize the book for interested
readers of the time, it did what many others did not, in that it focused on Frankenstein as an
original work that offered something new to readers of the time. Further reviews, from sources
such as Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine allowed the author, whose identity was not known for
certain at the time, some small leeway in their criticisms. Though they too agreed that the formal
style of Frankenstein was unique and praiseworthy, strictly mimetic theories are taken into
account in matters they consider inconsistent within the novel, particularly as they pertain to the
nature of the monster. It is looked upon as non-reflective of the way of the real world, that a
On September 11, 2001 four passenger commercial jet airliners were hijacked and as a result approximately 3,000 human lives were lost. When asked about 9/11, many can recall exactly what they were doing when they heard the news that a plane crashed into one of the World Trade Center (WTC) buildings and many Americans can tell you how it all unfolded and the reason behind such a travesty. The “official story” provided by officials, and restated by Sofia Shafquat, producer of “9/11 Mysteries: Demolitions” say that “four passenger planes were hijacked and taken radically off course, within an hour, two of the planes had flown into the enormous steel towers of the World Trade Center, creating fires and eventually toppling them” (Shafquat). Soon the American public believed that the impact of the planes and that the fires had gotten so hot from burning jet fuel, that they caused the steel frames of the buildings to give way and implode, falling to the ground into dust (Shafquat). Internal fires take on the responsibility of the official story, though others believe controlled demolition is to blame. Some evidence that debates these two explanations of how the steel towers fell are: the way the buildings collapsed, the properties of steel, and the evidence of molten metal.
There were several specific labor unions and strikes that affected the general public. In 1866, the National Labor Union was formed. Their main goal was the 8-hour work day. The National Labor Union did have some setbacks in achieving this goal; one in partic...
Thomas Jefferson is most noted as being the author of the Declaration of Independence as well as our third president. He was also a diplomat, an architect, a musician, and scientist. His last act of public service was the founding of the University of Virginia in 1819. He valued this accomplishment as much as his authorship of the Declaration of Independence. However, his presidency left great legacies that touch the lives of all Americans still today. He will forever be associated with the Supreme Court decision in the case of "Marbury v Madison," the greatest land transaction in history, the Louisiana Purchase, and with the ratification of the Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution. Mr. Jefferson is firmly entrenched alongside George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as one of the truly great Americans.
Jefferson’s last writings was for his grave stone, which said “Here was buried Thomas Jefferson. Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, And Father of the University of Virginia. Born Apr. 1, 1743 O.S. Died July 4, 1826.”(Donovan, 296) This were Jefferson’s greatest achievements in his eyes, he saw his fight for natural rights in his life to be the most important thing in his life. His fight for natural rights made him one of America’s greatest hero’s.
... of his views are so well laid out in the Declaration of Independence that it is easy to look at that document as a standalone work, but it should be viewed for what it is. The Declaration of Independence is a culmination of Thomas Jefferson’s life and experiences which have shaped America like nothing else could.
"Music of West Africa." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Nov. 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2013. .
Thomas Jefferson played a key part in the beginning of America’s Independence from Great Britain. He took part in the sig...
Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus is a well known novel written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley and first published in 1818. This first edition included some remarks made by her husband Percy Shelley, which the author later revised for the publishing of the second edition in 1831 . A thought-provoking work set in the enlightened European society of the eighteenth century, Frankenstein masterly addresses themes such as responsibility, abandonment, and the ambitious pursuit of knowledge to depict the dreadful effects that may arise from scientific exploration.
Throughout history, many have debated whether an individual's behavior is a result of DNA inheritance or developed through the environment they have grown to experience. One side believes that an individual inherits their behavior through nature which is DNA just like how it determines the child’s eye color, type of hair and the possibility of diseases. The other side argued behavior is developed through the environment in which they have experienced through the years. John Locke explains that at birth, a child is born with a blank slate and as they grow their mind is filled with experiences. The question arises whether the creatures’ horrendous behavior was a result being born a monster or his experience of being abandoned constantly.
Music of North America and Africa have similar attributes. First, both of their music is pass through oral tradition and memory, they don’t write down any music notation. For example a mother may sing a song to let her children fall asleep, when her children grow up, they will sing the same song to their children. Another similarity of North America and Africa is
Thomas Jefferson was a man that would change his country and the way we live forever. He has led this country through some of its the hardest points in history. He exhibited aspects of intelligence, diligence, and most importantly, leadership, in every area of his life. He lived a life full of education, politics, and adventure. To better understand Thomas Jefferson, a person should examine his life story, his beliefs, and his leadership qualities.
Many conspiracy theories have been developed concerning what happened to the World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001, but there are a select few that, similar to the truth, cannot be disproved without quite a bit of effort. One theory is that the Twin Towers were destroyed by controlled demolitions. Another idea of what happened is that planes did hit the towers, but they were remote controlled. A third theory is that Al Qaeda is not responsible for the 9-11 attacks (The Top September 11 Conspiracy Theories, n.d.). And last, but certainly not least, is the theory that the 9-11 attacks were a false flag operation. When considering these theories, there are many different controversial areas that should be assessed to differentiate between fact and opinion.
During the course of this semester, the several musical styles that have been discussed and analyzed have displayed various similarities and differences. These differences in certain musical elements have accounted for the distinctiveness and uniqueness of each style of music. The culture behind these countries’ music adds even more to their individualism. Cultural aspects such as religion play a huge role in the music of each country as well. Styles of music in Africa might be more upbeat than certain styles in India, for example. Some cultures use music in religion, while others may not. Aspects such as dance are important factors in all three types of music. Despite the differences and similarities, however, without music, these cultures would perhaps not be as fascinating and unique as they are now.
The story Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus made different feelings to me. I read it first time about five years ago, and when I read it now, I understood the concept differently.
Music before the 20th century was very different when compared to the music of the 21st Century. There were distinctive occasions for each type of African music. West African music, the African Diaspora, and the music of the Colonies each had different musical instruments.