For Week 10, the week after Fall Break, I want you to post ALL of the following:
- Your general reactions to your choice novel upon finishing
- Your questions about your choice novel that still remain
- Something in the novel you found interesting
- A quote you loved and why
- A possible theme
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62 comments:
1. I had high hopes for Frankenstein prior to reading, and I was not at all let down. Although I anticipated an entirely different plot, most likely shaped by the modern portrayals of the bolt-necked, green skinned monster, the actual story was no less a joy.
2. Why couldn't the book end in a bloody brawl between creator and monster? (just kidding)
Why is it that Victor takes for granted his companion Clerval, the angelic Elizabeth, and his compassionate father until they are all deceased?
3. The monster's striking mastery of language and conversation was one thing I found interesting. After only a few years, starting with the assigning of words to simple objects (like "fire"), the monster is tackling daunting literary works and speaking as a seasoned rhetor.
I also enjoyed Frankenstein's journeys through the wild and Shelley's descriptions of nature.
4. "A ghastly grin wrinkled his lips as he gazed on me, where I sat fulfilling the task which he had allotted to me. Yes, he had followed me in my travels; he had loitered in forests, hid himself in caves, or taken refuge in wide and desert heaths; and he now came to mark my progress and claim the fulfillment of my promise." -- Before reading this passage, I pictured the monster arriving, gracing the reader with his fine speech, and then departing with his new female companion. But as I read this passage, I was instead ensured of the malice which the monster feels toward Frankenstein. Two words popped into my head upon reading the above quote: "slave-driver" and "devil." Frankenstein's creation has oppressed him, and on the next page the monster refers to Frankenstein as "slave." Frankenstein's use of the word "promise" made me think of a "deal with the devil."
5. Malice and self-loathing are the offspring of misery and isolation.
Awesome book. I'm glad it was one of our choices.
I read Pride & Prejudice
1. I loved it! I really got into it, and I'm kinda sad that it's over. I have of course seen the latest movie, but I found that I really like the novel better. I liked the denouement at the end of the novel, which the movie lacks, and there are also several pivotal scenes that the movie left out.
2. I was slightly confused about Ms. Caroline Bingley and her "friendly" intentions towards Jane (because of some language used that I thought was confusing); however, I believe I got it all worked out in my head at the end of the novel.
3. I love how everyone makes fun of Mr. Collins, and he truly is quite ridiculous. I also enjoyed reading Darcy's letter to Elizabeth explaining the two offenses she mentioned against him. It was much better than the letter in the movie.
4. The quote that stood out to me the most was "I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but no one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh." I adored this quote because, to me, it really just showed what the meaning of love is: being able to be yourself and just laugh because no smile, words, or thoughts can convey how you feel about someone and how you feel about being with that someone.
5. A possible theme could be "First impressions are not always the right way to judge a person's true personality and behavior." I think this is definitely a good one, especially since Jane Austen had first originally named the novel (or what was before the final novel) First Impressions.
1. I chose Frankenstein. I was really excited to read this book because I have always had a desire to read it. I loved it. It was nothing I had expected. It took me until around chapter three that the scientists name was Frankenstien. I felt really dumb when I found that out. But other than that, and making me a tad depressed from all the death, it was a really good book.
2. Why did so many people have to die? Was the monster just a figment of Frankenstien's imagination because no one else ever really saw him?
3. I thought it was cool how the monster was such a good speaker. He had an amazing vocabulary and was extreamly smart. That was really interesting to me.
4. "Will no entreaties cause thee to turn a favourable eye upon thy creature, who implores thy goodness and compassion? Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity." The creature realizes that he cannot even get his creature/god/father to love him. So the creature asks his creator ,"but am I not alone, miserably alone?" and then the monster goes on to ask "What hope can I gather from you fellow ceatures who owe me nothing?" If your creator/god/father cannot love you, what is the possibility that anyone will when they judge not by the heart, but by appearance? This quote just really stood out to me and really made me think. It is by far my favorite part of the book, well not really...but one of them.
oh geeze, a theme...
5. Humans cannot rival god.
I really liked Frankenstein, it was pretty rad.
1. Without a doubt, "Huckleberry Finn" was the most interesting and humorous novel that I've read in high school. I have always loved Twain's sense of humor, and this novel just strengthened my love for witty sarcasm. I also enjoyed the friendship that Huck and Jim formed as the novel progressed; but then, I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
2. I question why Twain made his characters out to be so naive and dumb; it seems to put out an image that not only Southerners, but blacks and kids as well are all stupid. I thought that he should have at least given them some halfway intelligent lines.
3. I found the fact that two criminals could pass themselves off as royalty hilarious. They were so informal and uneducated, and yet they were attempting to convince people they were extremely important people; and for the King's case, a 600-year old royal.
4. "'S'pose a man was to come to you and say Polly-voo-franzy-what would you think?''I wouldn' think nuffn; I'd take en bust him over de head-'" I loved Huck's attempt at saying "Do you speak French?" and Jim's thinking it was an insult-again, the ignorance.
5. Sometimes the easiest way to understand life and its mysteries is to see it through the eyes of a child.
The Mayor of Casterbridge
1. Not the best novel I've read, and I generally like most of the stuff we read in school. Hardy does a lot more telling rather than showing his characters' personality traits. A lot of the time he will just plainly state what is happening, how the characters are feeling, instead of using subtlety in his choice of words. I guess many people appreciate straightforwardness but I like it when fiction whispers rather than shouts.
2. Why didn't I read Madame Bovary?? (Just kidding!) Why do critics find Henchard such an interesting, complex character when he seems to be just a big, petty jerk?
3. I sort of liked the dramatic plot twists (Elizabeth-Jane is not really Henchard's daughter! The woman who took Elizabeth-Jane away is really Henchard's ex-lover! *GASP*)
4. (talking about Donald Farfrae) "he was to them like the poet of a new school who takes his contemporaries by storm; who is not really new, but is the first to articulate what all his listeners have felt, though but dumbly till then." I like Donald particularly because of this quote (although I'm not sure I actually saw any examples of him articulating what his listeners have dumbly felt) because I think that this is a perfect description of what a good writer does. She/he can connect with her/his readers in a way that makes them say "Yes! That's exactly it! I just never found the right words for it before!"
5. A man's ambition can be his downfall.
I thought this novel would be something a little different than what it was but i ended up liking it all in all. It was not my favorite book because of the powerlessness of women. But windows seemed to be a big part of Emma and her freedom. It was like she could see freedom but she could not ever get to it. I like the quote "The whitish light of the window-panes was softly wavering. The pieces of furniture seemed more frozen in their places, about to lose themselves in the shadow as in an ocean of darkness. " because it was so surreal and had such vivid imagery.
1. I absolutely loved the novel, as always, and it still is my favorite story of all time!!! Mr. Darcy is by far the most amazing male cahracter that I have ever read about. I absolutely love how he is so proud but so compassionate at the same time; and how Elizabeth is able to change him by doing so little. I also see so much of myself in Elizabeth which makes it really easy to relate with the story line.
2. Some of the questions that I have always wondered include what Jane was actually thinking and going through while she was in London and also all of the mysterious thought processes that Mr. Darcy was going through while he fell in love with ELizabeth and after she refused him.
3.Something that I found interesting is all of the civilities and customs of that day that a woman has to go through that are not even heard of today. Such as how in order to talk to someone of more importance than u or of the same importance you must first be introduced.
4. My favorite quote is probably,"I am happier even than Jane; she only smile, I laugh." This is because it ahows just how perfect Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are for each other and how two people who are so disalike are perfect for each other because their differences fit together like a puzzle piece. It also shows alot about Elizabeth's character and how spirited and playful she is.
5. A possible theme would be... The best kind of love is the kind that you have to work for because it makes it more worth it in the end.
Madame Bovary
1. Depressing!! I can't believe that she commits suicide! When I first began the novel I definitely didn't expect it to end in such a tragedy. I honestly didn't enjoy the book very much. Some parts were interesting and held my attention, but I didn't like the way it had SO much description. I think it is more interesting to read books that focus more on action!
2. I wonder if Emma would have been better of staying loyal to her husband? Was her death worth escaping the misery and boredom of her marriage?
3. "But in her life, nothing was going to happen. Such was the will of God! The future was a dark corridor, and at the far end the door was bolted." This cracks me up! I wrote in my book "poor pitiful thing! Not!" I can't believe how much she wallows in how unfortunate she thinks she is, when she really doesn't have it that bad. She acts like even God is out to get her!
4. People can be easily overtaken by the desire for more money and higher status, but this may ultimately lead to their death.
Frankenstein:
1. I really enjoyed reading this one. The story was very mysterious and Shelley had me thinking about human ties and prejudices against one another.
2. It definately puzzles me in the end why the monster just runs off. What clicked in his head when Frankenstein dies? The book ended on a strange note. What is he planning on doing in the arctic?
3. I found it very interesting that the De Laceys did not give the monster compassion. From their description, I just knew that they would unconditionally care for the monster. After all, he had been getting them wood for the past several months!
4. "It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn ; and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me still my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or, in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world." This quote is great because it describes Frankensteins obsession with creating life.
5. No man has the natural right to produce a being with soul and emotions.
1. I enjoyed reading Frankenstein much more than all other school required novels, mainly because of the short length. The diction was not a problem for me, (which made me very happy) and actually enriched the novel a ton.
2. What happened to the monster?
Why did he run off into the ARCTIC and what are his plans? How does the monster's many relations to the Bible tie in and what does Shelley want to reveal about them?
3. Something that still stumps me and I find extremely interesting is the monster's ability to pick up language and learning ability overall; the amount of time it took him to master French (I think its French anyway) and speak fluently is dumbfounding!
4. "I shall be with you on your wedding-night" The quote is obvious foreshadowing, but the thought that an eight foot tall ugly monster interrupting my wedding night is terrifying and it is amazing the last wuarter of the book ended up being wbout that phrase.
5. Only perfect beings (like God) should be permitted to create life; imperfect humans only taint life after creating it.
I read Huck Finn! I am very proud of myself because I did not expect to enjoy a required novel. Miracles happen every day i suppose.
1. I have a few reactions to this novel... I absolutely loved the characters, especially Huck. Technically I could not relate to his shortcomings and the rest of his story but I still enjoyed reading about him and the adventures he gets himself into. I found him to be a very caring and moral character despite his profanity and lack of religious values.
2. My main question is what the feud between the 2 families, the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons, has to do with Huck? How do their problems influence him?
3. I found the robber scene the most interesting because Huck showed his true colors in my opinion. He proved to the reader that he was able to think beyond an immature level. I also would like to point out that Huck's female character "sarah williams" is from hookerville, apparantly. It made me smile so I thought I would share with everyone.
4. My favorite quote is still one of the first from the novel."The Widow Douglas, she took me for her son, and allowed she would sivilize me". This is the basis for his whole story and I also enjoy it because of its complex diction (kidding)
5. I think a possible theme is the importance of education. Throughout the novel, Twain depicts Huck as a smart character without formal education which holds him back in some instances. He is trying to stress the need for guidance and schooling.
1.Madame Bovary was alright, but it's not one of my favorites. Emma is too "woe is me" and isn't grateful for anything. She needs to get over herself because she actually has a good life. Also, a lot of it was too descriptive for my tastes. Half of the time, I felt like I was just waiting for something interesting to happen.
2. I wonder what would have happened if she had just stayed loyal to Charles and accepted her life.
3. I found it interesting that at the beginning his first wife, the widow, just randomly dies. I wasn't expecting it at all. I actually thought it was pretty humorous. "Charles's parents were angry at her. The damage was done, so she spit up blood and died. The end." It's so blunt that I have to laugh.
4. "They had time enough, since the marriage couldn't with any decency take place before Charles's mourning period was over, and that was around springtime of the following year."This quote stuck out to me, even at the end of the novel because to me it kind of shows that things won't work out right. They decided to get married to quickly and set themselves up for disaster. If Charles had really gotten to know Emma, he would see that he can't please her. She wants an exciting kind of life, full of adventure and wealth, that he just can't provide. I also thought it was funny that they couldn't with any decency get married until next year, but they were allowed to be engaged so soon.
5.The desire for wealth will lead to one's eventual downfall. Living with fantasies will only lead to infinite discontentment and unhappiness with one's own reality.
1. I thought the book could have been a lot better. I guess I just like books with less description and more plot and this definitely had a lot of description. I kind of expected it to be racier by its reputation but then again in the time this was written that was pretty racy.
2. Did it really need to be that long ? =]
Is there a connection between the title and her being for lack of a better term, easy? Like the madame of a brothel?
3. I loved the way Mr. Bovary treated Madame Bovary even though she was whiney and unappreciative. Every boy should be a prince charming like that.
4. pg. 35: "Before marriage she thought herself in love; but the happiness that should have followed this love not having come, she must, she thought, have been mistaken." This reminds me of "The Hand" and how she rushed into marriage in the beginning stages of a relationship thinking it was love. I don't know I just liked it because I hate when people think they are "in love" after like a month.
5. Focusing on the unattainable aspects of life, makes the present circumstances seem less glamorous.
Great Expectations truly shows the importance of ambition, the struggles of climbing the social ladder, and the significance of family, friends and mentors. I greatly enjoyed Dickens’ style, though it was though to read at times; however, he truly captures the true essence of Victorian England and the major societal problems of the time. His optimism and confidence, as seen in Pip prove that potential is infinite and expectations of the future should be great.
As far as questions go, Dickens uncovers all of the mystery. However, the reason why Dickens would choose a convict as a benefactor is quite ironic and nebulous.
For a quote, I thought that Dickens explanation of what a true gentleman is really stands out beyond the novel’s context: “It is a principle of his that no man who was not a true gentleman at heart, ever was, since the world began, a true gentleman in manner. He says, no varnish can hide the grain of the wood; and that the more varnish you put on, the more the grain will express itself.” Dickens explains that to be a gentleman is to have noble character, not lineage or wealth.
The major theme is that self-ambition is the driver of greatness and that society can only dictate so much of that.
I read Pride and Prejudice
1. I absolutely loved it. I watched the movie before i ever read this novel and the book is by far better. It is so much more descriptive and it allows the reader to see into the character's mind. I love a good romance novel. What can i say i am a sucker for romance.
2. Why does Elizabeth come to such a hasty decision about Mr. Darcy when she turns him down? She should have gotten all of her facts straight and then maybe she would not have tortured Mr. Darcy by turning him down and then accepting him later. Why do women have to be so confusing?
3. I found the fact that Lydia running off to get eloped was very interesting and the way her mother and family acted. I did not realize how bad this was for a man and a woman staying together that were not married back then was so frowned upon. Today it is not looked down upon as much.
4. " You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." I would love for a man to walk up to me that I barely know and tell me how much he loves me. But this will only happen in movies and novels. I can dream.
5. theme: Undying love is hard to come by, so if it appears hold on to it.
I'm reading Frankenstein. I am really enjoying this novel. It had a slow start, but once the monster was made, I was hooked. Like Crime and Punishment, this novel is sort of a psychoanalysis after "committing a crime." Frankenstein didn't necessarily commit any crime, but he feels guilt and shame for what he did. I also enjoy reading about the monster and how things are from his point of view. From Frankentstein's eyes, I despised the monster along with him. But from the creature's eyes, I feel sorry for him. He is all alone in a prejudiced world.
One thing that interested me though was the creature's skills in language. After only two years of being "alive" he is that fluent and eloquent in his speech. I'm not sure if Shelley is trying to say something there, or if it is just the fact that it's a novel and she needed him to be able to talk.
Overall, Frankenstein is a fantastic book. I didn't have any trouble with the diction like you warned us. I just hope I can come up with the right theme for the essay on Tuesday.
The novel Frankenstein was not at all like I thought it would be. Instead of this terror roaming the earth destroying everything in its path as I might expect from such a large monster, He was more like a ghost haunting and striking swiftly. Why was the monster traveling in a sled across the ice when he is more than able to move at a much faster pace on foot? Why does a monster so desperate for love and acceptance isolate and push away the only person who can understand or ever accept him? My favorite quote. "Slave, I before reasoned with you, but you have proved yourself unworthy of my condescension. Remeber that I have power; you believe yourself miserable, but I can make you so wretched that the light of day will be hateful to you. You are my creator, but I am your master; obey!" The sheer audacity that the monster has to say this to the only human connection he has in the world is surprising. It's the kind of thing that makes your jaw drop upon hearing because their really is no response to it. The disciples of greed and self-righteousness bring about hate and alienation.
Pride and Prejudice
1. Although I have not finished the novel, I am familiar with the story because of the movie. I like the fact that in the end it works out. I was so excited that I chose to read this novel becuase it has always been something I have wanted to do.
2. Why do guys act so mean to women at first, like when Mr. Darcy didn't want to dance with Elizabeth in the beginning?
3. I found it interesting that the Mrs. Bennet insisted in having her girls get married despite what they exactly wanted.
4. "There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil, a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome."
I liked this quote because it tells the truth. At one point or another people bring out the "evil" in them that even knowledge or morals cannot defeat.
5. Love has a way of making people come together despite the wants of society.
For The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn:
1)The book really kept my attention throughout its entirety. I had expected long boring passages by Twain, with the mixture of a small kid with an annoying Southern drawl, both of which would combine to create one of the "classic" adventure plots. However, I was mistaken. The plot was very entertaining, and I especially enjoyed watching Huck mature as the novel progressed.
2)I think the most obvious question is what happens to Huck as he sets out for the West? This created the potential for a sequel by Twain.
3)The most interesting part of the novel was watching Huck struggle morally on whether or not to challenge society's standards of slavery.
4)A quote: "He was a mighty good nigger, Jim was." This quote, in context, demonstrates the fact that Huck realizes that Jim is a good person, and not just a piece of property.
5)A theme: A person should not be judged simply by society's standards, but through one's personal interaction with that person.
1. I was so so surprised how depressing this book was! I thought that Emma would FINALLY find some happiness at the end, but no! I didn't like how there wasn't a happy ending! I also thought the novel was hard to get used to the way it was written with so much description of the settings.
2.Why is Emma so indifferent about Berthe?
3.I thought it was interesting how Emma was never satisfied. She depended on men for her happiness but was never completely happy. She portrayed women in as being needy and moody.
4."Love, she thought, must come suddenly, with great outbursts amd lightenings,--a hurricane of the skies, which falls upon life, revolutionises it, roots up the will like a leaf, and sweeps the whole heart into the abyss." I think this quote perfectly describes love in this novel. Everytime Emma falls "in love" it completely uproots her life and gives her a new obsession. Ultimately it leads to her ending her own life.
5.People disregard morality when they are after there own selfish desires.
Anna Karenina
1. I wasnt sure whether I would actully make it through this book when I first started but somehow I managed. I was worried that Levin would never find happiness with Kitty but he did! I was somewhat upset by Anna's decision to stay married to Karenin and still continue her affair with Vronsky.
2. I understand that Anna feels neglected by Vronsky, but I dont get why she felt the need to commit suicide.
3. I thought that the whole love triangle between Kitty, Vronsky and Levin was interesting in my first half.
4. I know that its the first line in the book but the quote "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Somehow it seems to fit. I'm not sure why it strikes a chord with me but it does.
5. Infatuation can be the cause of lost love and forgotten aspirations.
1. I was originally going to read read Huckleberry Finn, but soon changed my mind having already read it. But I was not let down by Madame Bovary considering that I had no clue what it was about, yet I found it suspenseful and it keep me entertained during my reading.
2. Why is it that Emma is so unappreciative of her own daughter and why is she miserable when she has all she could ever want, with her husband being a doctor?
3. What I found interesting about Madame Bovary is how Emma could be so miserable yet not think twice about what would happen as a result of her adultery.
4. "How was it that she--she who was so intelligent--could have allowed herself to be deceived again? I like this quote because it reveals how people are never satisfied with what the have and how people often put themselves on such high pedal stools.
5. True happiness in life can only be achieved by being selfless and and by not seeking more than what you have already been given.
Going into this novel, I realize how little I knew about it. With my mind warped by things like the "bolt-neck" stereotype of Frankenstein and Young Frankenstein, I delved into the story. I was over joyed to learn the real story filled with corruption, betrayal, and friendship. The story was well told and written.
My only question I still have concerns the monster. How did he become such a master of speech and language? I honestly expected him to mumble pointless syllables and never be able to talk.
I found it interesting that the monster, well aware of how hideous he was, never tried to get Victor to re-make him, or alter his body in some way. Seeing as how the monster views Victor as his God, I did not understand why the beast, like many Americans, didn't just get "cosmetic surgery."
"What hope can I gather from you fellow ceatures who owe me nothing?" This quote was definitely my favorite. It seemed that the creature was trying to find his identity.
Theme: God's power will never be fully fathomable, nor tangible, to any man.
1. I really like Frankenstein. The letters at the beginning were boring and long but after that it read really quickly and was very good.
2. I want to know why Frank doesn't lock up the monster. It could be doing anything but he thinks his problems have disappeared just because he can’t see it.
3. I found it interesting that Frankenstein's mom thought it was normal to just take Elizabeth from her family. it was really weird.
4. "Nothing contributes so much to tranquillize the mind as a steady purpose" I love this quote because it seems true to me and is written really artistically.
5. A theme may be not to get too obsessed with something because it will turn out badly.
1. I read Pride and Prejudice. I really enjoyed the book. I found it difficult to read at times, but other than that I felt it was overall great book. Austen did a wonderful job of making the characters come to life and I would recommend this book to anyone is search of a good romance novel.
2. The only question I really have after reading the book is why does love have to be so complicated?
3. I found the dependency of women on men to be pretty interesting. It was as if getting married was the only thing women were interested in back then.
4. "A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment." I like this quote because it’s so true. The way women and girls fantasize about men is almost hilarious.
5. One possible them is that pride can get in the way of one’s happiness.
As much as I liked the overall concept of Madame Bovary I didn't particularly like the style in which Flaubert writes. I found myself easily bored with the excessive descriptions and the fact that there is little dialogue. I am not exactly finished with the novel, but i still wonder if Emma will ever actually learn her lesson about life and love. I found it interesting that Emma wanted a baby boy almost for the fact that she wanted him to have the kind of power she was never able to hold.
"And besides, should Rudolphe hesitate to come to her assistance she would know well enough how one single glance would reawaken their lost love."
I like this quote because it shows how Emma really views love. She thinks of it in only physical terms, when in truth it is something that doesn't need to be reawaken, and it doesn't form from only physical characteristics.
Possible Theme: Being ignorant is part of being in love because sometimes love blinds a person in the face of greater beauties.
1. I don't generally enjoy victorian novels, but I found Madame Bovary tolerable. I also didn't like the ending very much. I dont think suicide is ever justifiable.
2. What was so bad about charles? I dont understand why she was so displeased. Charles was the only character I actualy liked.
3. It was very odd how Charles's first wife dies. She played a very minor role in the story and she dies rather suddenly near the beginning, without much mention of her having any problems.
4. "But her life was as cold as an attic with northern exposure, and boredom, that silent spider, was spinning its web in all the dark corners of her heart." I liked this quote because it explained the was Emma was feeling shortly after her marriage. This is also when she first starts to realize her unhappiness.
5. To be truly happy in marriage compromises have to be made.
1. This past week I have been intrigued by Pride and Prejudice, and have really enjoyed reading about all the mushy Victorian romance. However, I was not thrilled by Austen's portrayal of women as being dependent and subservient to men. Elizabeth is my hero and definately my favorite character.
2. Most of the questions I had throughout the work have been answered. But i am curious about why Elizabeth did not suspect Wickham in the beginning as being deceptive, especially concerning his past. Why was she so quick to judge Darcy, and so open to Wickham?
3. I thought the town names were interesting in the way they represented the emotions conveyed and the people that inhabited them- (Longbourne= something that is painful or something you have to overcome through tribulations; Meryton= something blissful and prosperous/ wealthy). One of my favorite quotes was actually the opening line of the work: "It is a truth unversally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of good fortune is in want of a wife." This shows the Victorian mind set towards marriage, and somewhat outlines the plot of the novel.
4. A possible theme from Pride and Prejudice is that pride can blind one from discovering the true identities of the people around them.
1. I always enjoy it when I get to choose my novels. Huckleberry Finn was, surely one of the more interesting books i have read. Jim and Finn are quite the dynamic duo. Their relationship they build together is admirable. The language, however, is unique but was annoying at times because I had to often reread lines.
2. I have a question about Tom Sawyer, is the Adventures of Tom Sawyer related to Huckleberry Finn at all? I guessed the books might be sequels but I wasn't sure.
3. As mentioned before, the language is certainly interesting. Twain claims that there are five different dialects in there but I couldn't differentiate. Also, for a partially educated child, Finn is extremely resourceful. He escapes his father's cabin and fakes his own death.
4. One of my favorite was the quote: "You can't pray a lie--I found that out." I love this one because it is funny to me. I never even thought about praying a lie. This also reminds me of the time when he prayed for fishing line and hooks and only got the line. It seems he has a hard time grasping the concept of prayer, it is something foreign to him, especially in the beginning of the novel.
5. Education and formal teaching is not always necessary to enjoy and live life.
Pride and Prejudice
1. Ok so I have seen the newer version of the movie like three times and compared to the book,I think i Like the book better. Mrs. Bennet is crazy. She always seems to be scheeming something. Finally, when Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy get together, I'm glad.
2. Even though Mr.Bennet is annoyed by Lydia, why would he let her stay with Wickham. I mean come on, its his daughter.
3. I think the story a a whole is interesting. Its a love story but it also teaches patience.
4. "They have none of them much to recommend them, "replied Mr.Bennet, "they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of a quicknessthan her sisters" I think that this reveals that Elizabeth will be playing an important role in the novel and that her father favors her over the others.
5.Love is a hard thing to find with obstacles, such as family, always getting in the way.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
1) I don't know if the sarcasm in this book is supposed to be hidden or not, but I definitely thought it was very humorous. I liked the twist this book had when bringing up racism. While in most books where the white supporters just help the black families to freedom, Huckleberry actually strives to befriend Jim. It was a great ending. Too bad not all stories end like this.
2) I didn't understand why Huckleberry took it so well when the elders would always want to "sivilize" him. Even if I were uncivilized, I'd probably be defiant to the adults trying to civilize me.
3) It was interesting to see that the "civilized" ones were actually the oppressive, wild ones in the end. Huckleberry Finn seemed to be the most logical, despite his age and lack of experience with many things in life.
4) I usually don't quote the last lines of a story, but this quote really got to me. "But I reckon I got to light out for the territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can't stand it." By the end of the novel, Huckleberry has finally realized that being "sivilized" is not something he would want, but what others would want from him. Also, they were not really civilizing him, but destroying his mind.
5) Helping a man with the wrong intentions destroys that man.
Frankenstein
1. Surprisingly, I really found the novel interesting. I didn't have very high expectations for the novel, partly because of the modern green monster and the film Young Frankenstein. However, the work still was very enjoyable and suspenseful.
2. Like Andrew, I was hoping for some confrontation between the two. I thought it would have been neat to see Frankenstein pop up from a faked death and slay the monster whale he is visiting the coffin. I still wonder why Shelley didn't have Frankenstein get vengeance on the murderer of his family.
3. I found it interesting that the novel didn't really focus on the monster's creation. Modern interpretations go into great deal about how and what is used to create him.
4. "I shall be with you on your wedding night." I like this because it creates suspense around the marriage of Elizabeth and Victor. No matter how careful Frankenstein is, the moster is going to ruin him. It made me look for the mistakes Frankenstein makes while on his honeymoon.
5. Love and hate are the driving forces of life.
Okay.. so I pretty much am in love with Pride and Prejudice! :)
Jane Austen's style in revealing her characters is so descriptive. I love Mr. Darcy! He's just so hard-shelled at first, and the rudeness he presented towards Elizabeth towards the beginning of the novel when he said he didn't want to dance with her made me slightly bitter towards him. However, after a while, I began to love the way that he tries so hard to stop thinking about Elizabeth, but he cannot get her out of his mind. It's like he doesn't want to love her, yet he does. Gah!! The whole novel is just so romantic, and when at first I began to think that there was no way these two people (Darcy and Lizzy) could end up together, somehow they found a way.. It's just crazy. :)
1. Madame Bovary was hilarious! I got past the fact that Emma was incredibly naive and found humor in her mistakes...her many mistakes; But I thought the ending was horrible! Why did the kid have to be sent off to a cotton mill of all places? Poor child.. And Emma and Charles' deaths were fairly tragic as well.
2. People can't actually be as oblivious to life and love as Emma is, right? How on earth would she have married Charles if she didn't truly like him.
3. I thought the fact that Emma grew up as a really religious person but then committed all that adultery was very interesting because of the irony. Hypocrisy is something I never have liked, but it sure did put some interesting twists and turns in this book.
4. page 22 "She was dead! What a surprise!" Geeez Charles, you shouldn't be that excited when your wife dies! It definitely wasn't the best quote to chose in the whole scheme of things, but it gave me a laugh because it seemed so twisted!
5.Living a life that ignores reality and focuses on fantasies will lead to tragedy.
1. Ok, Madame Bovary, where do I start? The plot was good although I felt it could have been faster paced. It was interesting to me how the author could go into so much detail describing scenery, characterization and other aspects of the text and then spend one sentence revealing big events such as Emma's pregnancy etc.
The style of describing things of seemingly less importance was interesting to me. It was almost as if despite the scandal and the whirlwind of events, the small things were still of ultimate importance.
Overall, I don't regret reading the novel, it was a different style from what I'm used to reading and I feel it has broadened my horizons to include Victorian literature.
2. Was I supposed to hate Emma or sympathize with her?
3. I found it interesting that in many parts of the novel women were looked down upon as being simply arm candy of a man and not looked upon for the intellectual abilities or opinions, yet Charlie was oblivious to the realities of the seemingly obvious affairs of his wife.
4. “Love she believed, should arrive all at once with thunder and lightning- w whirlwind from the skies that affects life, turns it every which way, wrests resolutions away like leaves, and plunges the entire heart into abyss.” (page 111). This quote was one of the few times in the novel that I felt sympathy for Emma. I was able to relate to her as the average girl that just wants happiness and a fulfilled life. It made me realize that Emma was not simply a cold hearted woman that wanted only luxurious possessions and a high social status.
5. A possible theme might be, the impossibility of women being seen as equal to men and exhibiting strength and valued qualities. Insight to this theme comes from Emma’s hope for a boy and her disappointment in a baby girl and even says that “women are always hampered”.
1. I think that frankenstein was a great book. It was totally different from what I expected, but was still very entertaining.
2. How was the monster able to learn to speak fluently in a relatively short period of time, while it takes most humans years to speak fluently?
3. I thought it was interesting how the monster became so attatched to the family living in the house in the mountains. He was willing to do anything to gain thier acceptance, yet did not trouble himself about what most of the other poeple in the stry thought about him.
4. "On you it rests whether I quit for ever the nighbourhood of man, and lead a harmless life, or become the scourge of your fellow creatures, and the author of your own speedy ruin." This passage shows how the monster is intelligent, and also how he is pttuing the respinsibility of creating life back on the shoulders of Frankenstein.
5. The power of creation of life holds too many responsiblities to be given to man.
First off...this was by far my favorite book that I have ever read. I love the movie, but the book was so so so much better! Oh yeah....I read Pride and Prejudice. The story was so romantic and humorous, which is what I loved. I loved the characters, ecspecailly Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennett because they are so humorous. I loved Mrs. Bennett becasue of she wit and just how dramatic she always is. One of my favorite quote is, "We are not rich enough, or grand enough for them." on page 90. I think this quote eximplifies the meaning behind the whole novel. One themes might be, Social class determines a person's worth.
Pride and Predjudice:
1. I have read this book countless times and I absolutely still love it. My favorite thing about the book is the characters. I love how the reader sees Darcy's character unfolds through out the book, it really solidifies the idea that it takes a while to know someone, that everyone has layers.
2. Something that i always wished I knew more about was how darcy's attitude towards elizabeth changed and what he was thinking, especially after Elizabeth rejected him.
3. Something interesting....well I really love the way Austen characterizes everyone, and specifically the way her characters try to make out everyone else's character. Does that make sense? people don't do that anymore, we just take people at face value, not really analyzing their personality.
4. Favorite quote...,"I am happier even than Jane; she only smile, I laugh." This quote totally illustrates Elizabeth's personality and really shows how compatible elizabeth and darcy are.
5. Pssible theme is that the best (and most stable)kind of love isn't love at first sight, it is love that develops after truly getting to know the person.
I read Pride and Predjudice. I loved it! I love the movie also.
However, the novel gives more details!
I love the whole love story. Cliche I know, but what girl doesn't like a good love story.
The quote that I found interesting was, win Mrs. Bennet, "I do not like to boast of my own child, but to be sure, Jane--one does not often see anybody better looking" 32. I just really ironic and irony is a huge part of the novel. It is also a very humorous quote. Mrs. Bennet is so full of herself and her daughters.
A theme could be that you shouldn't judge someone by they way they act when you first meet them.
1. As stated in the very first blog, I'm a huge Jane Austen fan! Pride & Prejudice is by far my favorite of her novels. Elizabeth Bennett is a very familiar figure to me, like someone I would be friends with. Her sister Jane reminds me of a student at Collierville, although I won't name her unless asked. The complex plot comes together so well, with all the characters getting exactly what they deserve (Lydia and Wickham in a hopeless, greedy marriage; Jane and Bingley with their matching dispositions and good-nature). I love happy endings, especially for the "underdogs" of society.
2. Why is Mary so quiet and studious? What does Miss Bingley end up doing after Lizzy snatches up Mr. Darcy? Does Miss De Bourgh live very long, considering her horrendous health?
3. I loved Elizabeth's connection with nature and her passion for walking. It was a vivid way to show how inquisitive and bold she is in society, such as her audacity when challenging Lady De Bourgh. Also, the complexity of Wickham's personality and decisions is intriguing--I wish their was a book following his perspective of things!
4. "A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony, in a moment." When Mr. Darcy says this to Miss Bingley, I couldn't help but laugh. I see this in the halls of Collierville all the time! Simply start talking to one guy a little more than usual, and suddenly everyone thinks he must be the "new one." Although Darcy refers only to women in this quote, in our time it can be applied liberally to virtually anyone willing to listen to gossip.
5. A man's true nature can be grossly distorted by other's prejudices, while one's own pride can distort the way a person views himself.
1. I thought that at first, reading the book was boring, but after i got into it i discovered how amazing Frankenstein is. I thought that the parts when victor was just rambling was unnecessary and really distracted me from reading.
2. Did frankenstein have like joints and stuff or did he walk around all stiff like he does in the movies?
3. I thought it was interesting that Frankenstein goes to the north pole instead of going anywhere else in the world.
4."When I looked around I saw and heard of none like me. Was I, the, a monster, a blot upon the earth from which all men fled and whom all men disowned?"
5.Playing God leads to your own destruction.
1. I read Frankenstein and I must say that the plot was completely different than what I expected, but I did enjoy it. I didn't exactly get that Victor's last name is Frankenstein at the beginning (although at least the book I have gave somewhat spoilers in the footnotes calling Victor Frankenstein the whole time) which made for a little confusion.
2. Is the monster an actual thing or is it Victor's insanity taking control of his mind and actions?
3. The speed at which the monster was able to learn absolutely amazed me since he is only able to practice by himself and his ability to learn to read from what I would imagine is a fairly large distance.
4. "Oh, Frankenstein, be not equitable to every other, and trample upon me alone, to whom thy justice and even thy clemency and affection, is most due." The monster is talking to Victor at their first meeting and asks simply for acceptance and love. He asks him to be different than society, yet up until this part Victor has been completely separate from society.
5. Too much knowledge can lead to one's mental destabilization from worrying too much about learning about life instead of simply living it.
Pride and Predjudice
1) i reall yliked this novel. I love the movies, and reading it is so much fuhn. I love the characters and Austin's writing is awesome.
2) Why does Elizabeth change her mind about Darcy in so few chapters?
3)The revelation about Mr. Wickham is also very interesting because it also reverses the view of him. I love the quote by Elizabeth about the two men that “one has all the goodness and the other all the appearance of it.” To me, it truly shows the change of heart that Elizabeth has and is just such a classic line.
I love the love story in this novel and it's just so sweet!
4) Pride is a dangerous obstacle to happieness. Darcy has to overcome his p[ride, which leads to the couple's happieness.
1. I read Frankenstein and I thought it was a so so novel. It could have been much less wordy, like many Victorian novels. It was difficult to follow because, honestly, it did not keep my attention. My fault, book's fault, or both.
2. Suprisingly enough I have no major questions about the book, except to why Shelley used letters as a kind of prolouge.
3. I completely agree with Andy. I expected the movie-style Frankenstein and not the eloquent, compassionate creature that he was in the novel.
4. The intelligence of the monster was again one of the most intriguing aspects of the novel and this quote reflects it. "On you it rests whether I quit for ever the nighbourhood of man, and lead a harmless life, or become the scourge of your fellow creatures, and the author of your own speedy ruin." Even though he is a creature, he calls humans creatures. Interesting.
5. The creation of life is a task for God and only for God. He is the supreme being and it is his power, not the created's power.
Frankenstein
1. I'd say overall Frankenstein was pretty good. As Yiyi stated, the novel does a lot more telling than it does showing--however, I thoroughly loved this because every novel this year has "shown" us, and it was nice to take a break from digging for meaning. The letters were quite boring, but the rest of the novel picked up its slack.
2. How did the monster know how to talk? This was my one major complaint with the book. One belief is that humans are provided with synthetic priori truths--when they are born, they do not talk right away but have the ability to talk. It's ridiculous to think that a being engineered by man could contain more synthetic priori truths than a being engineered by God or processes of nature, whichever you believe.
3. I thought it was interesting that Walton finds Frankenstein in the North Pole. It does pose as a good piece of symbolism, however; the cold, wintery condition is associated with death, as nearly all of the main characters die in the end.
4. I actually really love the alternate title: "The Modern Prometheus." Frankenstein correlates to Prometheus, a God of Mythology who created humanity, in the fact that he created the monter. However, both were curious. In the beginning, Frankenstein does not seek vengeance upon the monster because he is curious. Similarly, Promotheus gives the humans fire because he is curious. In the end, both meet their destruction because of their actions (mentally in Frankenstein's case).
5. Creators are imperfect, and once they perform their intended action, cannot control (or choose not to) their creation. This is shown by Frankenstein's lack of control on the monster. Maybe Mary Shelley is a deist, as she grew up in the Age of Reason, when that was a popular belief.
"Deism is therefore a natural religion and is not a 'revealed' religion. The natural religion/philosophy of Deism frees those who embrace it from the inconsistencies of superstition and the negativity of fear that are so strongly represented in all of the 'revealed' religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam."
I read pride and prejudice and i loved it!
I thought it was a really good novel and i enjoyed getting to know each and every character. they were all so different and interesting in their own way. First, I think Elizabeth Bennet is a really interesting character; she seems very confident in herself and not focused on the unimportant things in life, but on what has more worth. She’s very grounded and mature and even quite stubborn. I really admire and love Elizabeth and Jane's relationship with one another--they seem so close and willing to do anything for each other. One thing i want to know, since I have the very end left is what will happen between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I'm wondering whether they will both fall in love with one another, but i'm still unsure. A possible theme could be an individual's personality and true insides cannot be determined through a first impression.
1. I had seen Pride and Prejudice in the movies, so I vaguely remembered the plot line, but the novel was genius! I loved how everything was resolved by the end, and it was a generally happy ending. It was definitely a chick book but not to a sickening effect.
2. Why do these women gossip soo much?
3. I really thought Mr. Darcy to be an extremely interesting and surprisingly likable character. He is one of those characters you cannot judge at first glance. I loved how although he seemed incredibly proud and haughty (which he was to an extent), he still, as he explained in his letter, had a logical reason for each of his actions.
4.“He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s daughter; so far we are equal.” I loved how Elizabeth stood up to Lady Catherine in such a fashion. Elizabeth's independence and feisty attitude made me enjoy her that much more as a character.
5. Love is not formed by a first glance; it requires time to develop into a true passion.
Argh, not fair. The dance and football game kept me out till 1. Nevertheless, I'll proceed.
1. I read Frankenstein and was immediately amazed with the flow of Shelley's writing. The reading went quicker than any other book I've read despite the warnings of the vocabulary being tough. The whole book was rather surprising to me though. I expected a much darker, sinister book of a madman and a monster, but what I got was the story of a scholarly, endearing young man and a sad story of a monster I found myself pitying. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, especially the vivid descriptions of nature.
2. How did the monster learn to master language so well from listening to Felix's family and from a few books he happened upon? And also, why did the monster not take his life, in such a depressing state?
3. I found the monsters tale very interesting. First of all, I didn't expect to find the monster becoming the narrator, let alone talking in this book, just because of my assumptions about the book beforehand. Then I began to wonder how no one in society saw through his deformed guise to see the true good nature behind him. I think that really revealed the vanity in humankind and the inability to see past physical appearances.
4."As I said these words, I perceived in the gloom a figure which stole from behind a clump of trees near me; I stood fixed, gazing intently; I could not be mistaken. A flash of lightning illuminated the object and discovered its shape plainly to me; its gigantic stature and deformity of its aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instant;y informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy demon to whom i had given life. What did he there? could he be (I shuddered at the conception) the murderer of my brother?" This image made me think of Jason from Friday the 13th standing at the end of a row of trees. If I were Frankenstein, I would have been scared to death by the sight. The reason I loved this quote though is because of Frankenstein's realization and how the flash of lightning symbolizes it. After seeing it so near to the spot of his brother's death, he immediately knows his creation was the murderer, and at that point, both the monster and Frankenstein share the same yearning of revenge.
5. Good intentions don't matter in society so much as one's appearance and reputation.
I read Anna Karenina.
1. This book was soooo long. I didn't think I would finish it.I'm glad Levin finally found happiness with Kitty! I wish Anna had either quit having an affair with Vronsky or had ended her marriage with Karenin to be with Vronsky, instead of being involved in both at the same time.
2. I was actually really sad when Anna committed suicide. I don't think anyone should do that to themselves, even if they do feel neglected by someone.
3. I liked the the little love triangle type thing that was going on with Kitty, Vronsky, and Leving.
4.I also thought the first line of the book was really good. "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." I feel like it can really fit to everyones life no matter who you are, or what kind of family you come from.
5. Lust and infatuatuation can cause one to lose the one they love and to forget what they want out of life.
1. Over all i really enjoyed Frankenstein. I was kinda shocked to see how different it was from the usual portrayed story. I enjoyed the plot although i was kind of disappointed in the ending and left the novel in a depressing mood. Definitely a tragedy!
2. I don't quite think the monster is a true character? i had the feeling that Frankenstein had committed all these crimes and in his head he made up this literally inner evil monster that explains all the ciaos and death in his life. Also i don't understand how the monster was able to learn from the family he observed so quickly.
3.Frankenstein's observations while he was sailing. He always got away from everything out on the lake and in the wild. A way to clear his mind. Although when Clerval is murdered while Frankenstein is sailing it shows that his life can even be ruined while he is at most peace.
4. "Of what strange nature is knowledge? It clings to the mind when it has seized on it like a lichen on the rock. I wished sometimes to shake it off all thought and feeling".. I like this qoue because the monster is describing knowledge as something that naturally come to you, whether you want it to or not.. it can sometime make you stronger or even ruin you.. is ignorance sometimes a good thing? would the monster have suffered as much if he never learned from observing the family?
5. The want for knowledge, and power lead to misery and misfortune.
I thought I was going to like the novel alot more than I did. To be completely honest, I feel like the first 200 pages were nothing but descriptions and were pretty dull.
Why is this girl so unhappy no matter what?
I found it interesting that Madame Bovary is so set on having one thing, then she gets it and she is so set on having something else, then she gets it and decides she needs something else.
"From the beginning of July she counted how many weeks there were to October...But all September passed without letters or visits." P.61--I really like this quote but my reasoning has nothing to do with the novel and this quote doesn't really hold any significance to the novel either. I like it because I can relate to it.
You can't count on others to make you happy; you have to make your own happiness.
1) I had already read Pride and Prejudice in middle school and seen all the movies, but reading it again has made me love it more! I love how even though it was written in 19th century England, it is still applicable to romance today. I see so much of Elizabeth in myself, and I can relate well to her family, which made the novel more personal for me.
2) If the girls had to get married to find someone to support them, and the men had to marry a girl with a big dowry to support them, how come the girls didn't just use their dowry to support themselves (since that's what it would have done anyway) so they could be independent of a man?
3) I think all the foils in the novel were interesting. Charlotte and Elizabeth, Wickham and Darcy, and most importantly Elizabeth and Darcy. I think that once Charlotte agreed to marry Mr Collins for security, not love Elizabeth realized the real difference between them. I can relate to her feeling that even afer forgiveness, their friendship could never be the same. I had several favorite quotes (the majority of my book is in highlighter), one is when Elizabeth says, "I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh." I think every woman dreams of having that happiness that Elizabeth has now. This quote also draws on many quotes and passages in which Elizabeth explains how much she likes to laugh, and it also reminds me of my this i believe essay!
4) Despite societies restrictions, women of independence have always honored their own expectations above those of a male-dominated society.
1. I was really looking forward to a good read but once again I had some trouble getting into another book. Madame Bovary was very aggravating because of the fact tha Emma did not appreciate anything out of her life that was full of wealth. The fact that she commits suicide was not expected.
2. If she had just stayed loyal to Charles would all of her depression have occured?
3. Though women are sometimes full of complaints, men should still take the time to show some respect. This was shown by Mr. Bovary.
4. "Before marriage she tought herself in love..." This quote to me shows that she rushed into a marriage she was not ready for, and it truly could be the reason she did not stay devoted.
5.Ones desires of money can make life full of downfalls.
1. The novel Pride and Prejudice is the best novel I have ever read in my entire life. It is very moving and romantic, which obviously is what it is supposed to be.
2. Why do they have ths sister Mary in the novel she is not very mimportant.
3. When Mr. Darcy refers to Elizabeth as hardly being handsome. Calling a girl handsome is interesting but not so much the time period. Also he falls in love with her for her not being so "handsome" is intersting.
4. It is a bit of a clique but still a theme "never judge a book by its cover." First impressions should never be used as a guideline for someone. Otherwise Darcy and Elizabeth would not have come together.
5. Lydia is annoying. Mary needs some social advice. Mrs. Bennet could use some duck tape over mouth a time or two and elizabeth jane and mr. bennet keep the family saine. Mr. Darcy is very charming and Mr. Bingly falls in love easily.
Frankenstein
1. This novel was actually very interesting and i actually enjoyed reading it. I loved the way that Shelly tests the boundries of morality by creating such a monster.
2. What became of the monster in the end? Is the monster real in the first place?
3. I thought the monsters mastery of language was very interesting considering he was supposed to be an abomination.
4. "Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world."
5. Mankind should not manipulate forces beyond its comprehension.
Frankenstein
Some memorable quotes from my typed responses...
- There is far too much scientific language for me, and put into a Victorian style, I’m about thirty seconds away from eating a gun. Let’s keep reading. (regarding the preface letters)
- Chapter I: thank you, (to cover my bases, insert all major and minor deities) – we’ve switched out of the letter format! Having said that, my hopes for this book are slowly being devoured by the angry cannibals that are Victorian authors and required reading. I was expecting monster-zombies slotting massive amounts of people – can we get there, please?
- Chapter II: alchemy? Is Shelley frigging serious? I’m on the rooftop, people…
- Chapter IV: The monster-zombies are so close I can taste them. Prediction: people will die en masse.
- Chapter V: thank you, (again, major and minor deities) – we have monster-zombies! His run through Inglostadt is pretty funny; monster-zombies in his house chasing him away is even funnier.
- Chapter VI: this is pathetic. I can see the foreshadowing; everything’s peaceful, so that means people will die, right?
- Chapter VII: ...Luckily, Victor saw monster-zombies – I’m putting my money on them for my own sanity.
More in my responses.
Seriously, worse than Crime and Punishment. I am less than enthused.
1. I was so mad. I always want things to end good and when everyone close to him died and he turned into a revenge-seeking monster I was disappointed.
2. I wonder what ever happened to the monster? Why did he finally feel bad only when Victor had been put out of his misery and died?
3. The monster wasnt the one who was named Frankenstein. Either I'm an idiot or a lot of people believe this misconception as well.
Another thing that was interesting was that the monster really wasnt a monster at all at first.
And why didn't Victor just make the female monster to save his loved ones?
4. "Man," I cried, "how ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom!" This quote is an example of one of the themes of this book, the idea that knowledge can be so dangerous.
5. The misuse of knowledge can lead to utter destruction.
1. Before reading the novel I vaguely knew of the adventures of Huck, but I had absolutely no idea that he would meet the crazy people he did. I particularly enjoyed Mark Twain's use of dialect in the novel, despite the conversations with Jim being a little confusing at times.
2. I would really like to know how Huck matures later in his life and what other little adventures he gets into as he heads out west?
3. One of the most interesting things was Huck's way of escaping his father. Even thought it was a little gross, it was very clever how he used the pig almost as a dummy for himself.
4. "All right, then I'll go to hell"
This was my favorite quote because the readers finally get to see Huck mature and change his views of Jim. It made me very happy to see that he would rather go to hell than put Jim back into slavery.
5. True freedom comes from escaping society's morals and believing in your own morals.
Madame Bovary
1. Loved it! Flaubert's a great writer and Emma seemed so realistic. I liked it so much, I'm going to make my mom read it next. :)
2. Why did Binet or Lehureux never go to charles and tell him about Emma's affairs? Whatever happened to young charles's ugly hat?
3. I liked reading about french country life. When you think of France, you usually think of Paris. This book reminded me a lot of the setting of Beauty and the Beat.
4. "The orange-blossom was yellow with dust, and the silver-fringed satin ribbons were fraying at the edges. She threw it on to the fire. It burst into flame quicker than dry straw. She watchd it burning." After I read this I was like whoa! Emma really hates Charles! It was intense.
5. Lust for worldy pleasures leads to unhappiness and destruction.
I love love loved Pride and Prejudice! It was a tad bit predictable, but it was still an amazing love story. Really the only thing left to wonder about is the happy future of Darcy and Elizabeth, and even that is not hard to question. Austen does a fantastic job of concluding the book with barely any loose ends. My favorite quote would have to be the opening quote, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." The sarcasm and wit of Jane Austen actually makes me laugh out loud. I love how she uses Elizabeth to communicate a true heroine that is willing to stand up for herself no matter what time she lives in. Pride and Prejudice communicates that one cannot let foolish human pride ruin the true blessings in your life.
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