Frankenstein Letters 3 and 4 Close Reading - English 12OL
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Directions: This is worth 20 points. Please make sure that you follow the directions closely
Letter 3:
1. Write directly on the passage! (2 Points)-Write at least one question in the margins as you re-read. Write at least two opinions in the margins: you might write your opinion of a character, an idea, the writing style, etc.
2. Word meaning (2 Points): Determine the meanings of words and references. Also, note (and verify) interesting connotations of words. Look up two words you do not know or which are used in unfamiliar ways.( Laziness in this step will inevitably result in diminished comprehension.) Write the definition of the word.Explain how it is being used in the story.
3. Letter 3: Mode (6 Points):
- Highlight a passage that portrays the mood. Explain what the mood is.
- Attach a picture, if you can, of what the scenery must be of this region.
- Highlight a passage that shows the ambition of Walton. Explain whether you think this is a noble or ignoble ambition.
Letter 3
July7th,17—
To Mrs. Saville, England
My dear Sister,
I write a few lines in haste to say that I am safe—and well advanced on my voyage. This letter will reach England by a merchantman now on its homeward voyage from Archangel; more fortunate than I, who may not see my native land, perhaps, for many years. I am, however, in good spirits: my men are bold and apparently firm of purpose, nor do the floating sheets of ice that continually pass us, indicating the dangers of the region towards which we are advancing, appear to dismay them. We have already reached a very high latitude; but it is the height of summer, and although not so warm as in England, the southern gales, which blow us speedily towards those shores which I so ardently desire to attain, breathe a degree of renovating warmth which I had not expected.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Keep on keepin’ on.
The mood within this paragraph is shown through his descriptions of the ice that floats by while the winds of southern gales blows them closer to the North Pole. When reading this, it is easy to feel the absolute chill of the region, seeing the cold haze in which the Archangel swiftly glides through, and Walton standing on deck, feeling the difference of temperature compared to England during the summer months. The first image that comes to mind is of the Titanic, when they ride through the water at night, and you see all the icebergs floating around like patches on the water.
http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wamc/files/styles/medium/public/201703/icy-water-dscf1718.jpg
The men are looking forward, unwavering in their goal despite the many sheets of ice floating in the water around them. As evident by the sheets of ice, it is very cold. The men require several fur coats, and even then, their breath can be seen. Despite this, there is a warm summer breeze, although the warmness would likely still be colder than conditions back home in England. Even then, it would be a welcome reprieve from the bitter conditions.
This is what I think the scenery looked like
http://www.theblaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/shutterstock_161737412.jpg
Keep on keepin’ on.
Keep on keepin’ on.
The mood of this letter described by this sentence is “haste”. He is quickly writing, and because of this the entire letter feels rushed. A second mood would be happiness. He is enjoying the voyage and is in good spirits
Keep on keepin’ on.
Keep on keepin’ on.
He has encountered a merchant ship on his journey, so he hasn’t gone far enough to be out of contact. So where is he so far in his journey?
Walton’s crew seems to be as confident as he is about the journey, as they handle problems that arise with ease and without complaint. They seem to have similar motivations that Walton does.
Ardent: (Adjective) “enthusiastic or passionate” and the archaic being, “burning; glowing.”
Synonyms include: fervent, zealous, fervid, wholehearted, vehement, intense, fierce, and fiery.
No incidents have hitherto befallen us that would make a figure in a letter. One or two stiff gales and the springing of a leak are accidents which experienced navigators scarcely remember to record, and I shall be well content if nothing worse happen to us during our voyage.
Hitherto: (Adverb) “until now or until the point in time under discussion.”
I had known the general meaning of this word, though not the exact meaning, so I thought it important to find the definition to understand it’s full effect.
Had to make certain that the expression was what I thought it was.
Gale: A gale is a very strong wind or burst of burst of sound. Walton is saying the strong winds and leaks are common while sailing.
Adieu, my dear Margaret. Be assured that for my own sake, as well as yours, I will not rashly encounter danger. I will be cool, persevering, and prudent.
Walton seems to be very confident of his mission, it being something he has dreamed of his entire life. He is not willing to put himself in a situation that could potentially lead to danger.
I wonder why we use the term “adieu” (for goodbye) less now?
Keep on keepin’ on.
Keep on keepin’ on.
I feel like being “cool, preserving, and prudent” wasn’t too hard for him because that was a big part of his personality.
But success SHALL crown my endeavours. Wherefore not? Thus far I have gone, tracing a secure way over the pathless seas, the very stars themselves being witnesses and testimonies of my triumph. Why not still proceed over the untamed yet obedient element? What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?
I believe Walton has noble ambitions, as going to a place like the North Pole during his time was very much unheard of. It takes a special kind of motivation to want to sail that far to get to such desolation, and he clearly does not lack the ambition to do it. He is fully confident of his skills up to this point.
.
His ambition is to explore the pathless sea, and to triumph receiving glory afterward. I do not think his ambition is noble because it is more selfish than anything else. It could benefit other people, but that is not why he is on this journey
Testimonies: A written or verbal statement
My swelling heart involuntarily pours itself out thus. But I must finish. Heaven bless my beloved sister!
He is very loyal and shows much respect and love to his family and sister in particular, yet he still leaves on his journey. It shows how much the journey meant to Walton.
R.W.
Directions: This is worth 20 points. Please make sure that you follow the directions closely
Letter 4:
1. Write directly on the passage! (2 Points)-Write at least one question in the margins as you re-read. Write at least two opinions in the margins: you might write your opinion of a character, an idea, the writing style, etc.
2. Word meaning (2 Points): Determine the meanings of words and references. Also, note (and verify) interesting connotations of words. Look up two words you do not know or which are used in unfamiliar ways.( Laziness in this step will inevitably result in diminished comprehension.) Write the definition of the word.Explain how it is being used in the story.
3. Letter 5: Characterization (6 Points):
- Highlight the passage that illustrates something strange, almost supernatural occurring. What do you think it is?
- Highlight the passage that illustrates a man of ambition. What finally gets him to agree to come on board?
- Highlight a passage or two, that illustrate how Walton responds to the stranger. What is his response?
Letter 4
August5th,17—
To Mrs. Saville, England
So strange an accident has happened to us that I cannot forbear recording it, although it is very probable that you will see me before these papers can come into your possession.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Keep on keepin’ on.
The strange shows up by how Waltons mood changed. He usually tells his sister everything but he is being secretive and is not wanting to tell his sister what happened
Last Monday (July 31st) we were nearly surrounded by ice, which closed in the ship on all sides, scarcely leaving her the sea-room in which she floated. Our situation was somewhat dangerous, especially as we were compassed round by a very thick fog. We accordingly lay to, hoping that some change would take place in the atmosphere and weather.
He is being very detailed and organized with his dates and his details when telling his sister what has happened
About two o'clock the mist cleared away, and we beheld, stretched out in every direction, vast and irregular plains of ice, which seemed to have no end. Some of my comrades groaned, and my own mind began to grow watchful with anxious thoughts, when a strange sight suddenly attracted our attention and diverted our solicitude from our own situation. We perceived a low carriage, fixed on a sledge and drawn by dogs, pass on towards the north, at the distance of half a mile; a being which had the shape of a man, but apparently of gigantic stature, sat in the sledge and guided the dogs. We watched the rapid progress of the traveller with our telescopes until he was lost among the distant inequalities of the ice. This appearance excited our unqualified wonder. We were, as we believed, many hundred miles from any land; but this apparition seemed to denote that it was not, in reality, so distant as we had supposed. Shut in, however, by ice, it was impossible to follow his track, which we had observed with the greatest attention. About two hours after this occurrence we heard the ground sea, and before night the ice broke and freed our ship. We, however, lay to until the morning, fearing to encounter in the dark those large loose masses which float about after the breaking up of the ice. I profited of this time to rest for a few hours.
Thanks, Google.
“We watched the rapid progress of the traveller with our telescopes until he was lost among the distant inequalities of the ice.”
This odd sight surprises the men as there could not possibly be anyone that far north, as the place is extremely uninhabitable for people, let alone a team of dogs. If I were to guess, it is probably a traveller just as they. Even as they mention this man/being is of unusually large stature, there is still a chance of it being a person who enjoys the adventure just as they do.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Walton still stuck to what he promised his sister and through all this he stayed prudent and careful of his surroundings
In the morning, however, as soon as it was light, I went upon deck and found all the sailors busy on one side of the vessel, apparently talking to someone in the sea. It was, in fact, a sledge, like that we had seen before, which had drifted towards us in the night on a large fragment of ice. Only one dog remained alive; but there was a human being within it whom the sailors were persuading to enter the vessel. He was not, as the other traveller seemed to be, a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island, but a European. When I appeared on deck the master said, "Here is our captain, and he will not allow you to perish on the open sea."
On perceiving me, the stranger addressed me in English, although with a foreign accent. "Before I come on board your vessel," said he, "will you have the kindness to inform me whither you are bound?"
You may conceive my astonishment on hearing such a question addressed to me from a man on the brink of destruction and to whom I should have supposed that my vessel would have been a resource which he would not have exchanged for the most precious wealth the earth can afford. I replied, however, that we were on a voyage of discovery towards the northern pole.
The stranger finally agrees to come onboard after affirming that the Archangel has nowhere else be be urgently. I thought before looking into it a bit more that “bound” meant they were stopped, such as setting their anchor for the time being, though it certainly did not mean this, but in fact the very opposite! This demonstrates the mysterious man’s ambition, since he would not want to stop the plans of another for his own well-being; the plans of someone else are just as important to him as if they were his.
Upon hearing this he appeared satisfied and consented to come on board. Good God! Margaret, if you had seen the man who thus capitulated for his safety, your surprise would have been boundless. His limbs were nearly frozen, and his body dreadfully emaciated by fatigue and suffering. I never saw a man in so wretched a condition. We attempted to carry him into the cabin, but as soon as he had quitted the fresh air he fainted. We accordingly brought him back to the deck and restored him to animation by rubbing him with brandy and forcing him to swallow a small quantity. As soon as he showed signs of life we wrapped him up in blankets and placed him near the chimney of the kitchen stove. By slow degrees he recovered and ate a little soup, which restored him wonderfully.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Keep on keepin’ on.
Capitulated: (Verb) “cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender.”
I have never heard this word before, and it sounds completely different to what I previously thought. A good synonym to put in its place to get a better understanding is “surrendered.” To yield or submit are also common synonyms to this word.
Two days passed in this manner before he was able to speak, and I often feared that his sufferings had deprived him of understanding. When he had in some measure recovered, I removed him to my own cabin and attended on him as much as my duty would permit. I never saw a more interesting creature: his eyes have generally an expression of wildness, and even madness, but there are moments when, if anyone performs an act of kindness towards him or does him any the most trifling service, his whole countenance is lighted up, as it were, with a beam of benevolence and sweetness that I never saw equalled. But he is generally melancholy and despairing, and sometimes he gnashes his teeth, as if impatient of the weight of woes that oppresses him.
Walton responds to the stranger with the utmost kindness, as he is astounded that a man of his condition would even consider the plans of another, since the stranger was very close to death. Walton responds by nursing the mysterious man back to health, along with being conscientious of asking him the many questions he wishes to know. He does not allow the curious men to ask all their questions as well, with the intent of being well mannered.
When my guest was a little recovered I had great trouble to keep off the men, who wished to ask him a thousand questions; but I would not allow him to be tormented by their idle curiosity, in a state of body and mind whose restoration evidently depended upon entire repose. Once, however, the lieutenant asked why he had come so far upon the ice in so strange a vehicle.
His countenance instantly assumed an aspect of the deepest gloom, and he replied, "To seek one who fled from me."
"And did the man whom you pursued travel in the same fashion?"
"Yes."
"Then I fancy we have seen him, for the day before we picked you up we saw some dogs drawing a sledge, with a man in it, across the ice."
This aroused the stranger's attention, and he asked a multitude of questions concerning the route which the demon, as he called him, had pursued. Soon after, when he was alone with me, he said, "I have, doubtless, excited your curiosity, as well as that of these good people; but you are too considerate to make inquiries."
What this means is that a stranger becomes intrigued and begins to become curious and ask questions specifically about the path taken by someone he calls “demon”. This shows that he sees this person, the “demon”, as troublesome or frightening which is what makes him curious when it comes to their experiences. This overall, shows that a stranger is interested in learning more about this mysterious “demon” figure.
"Certainly; it would indeed be very impertinent and inhuman in me to trouble you with any inquisitiveness of mine."
Impertinent: (Adj.) “not showing proper respect; rude.”
I found this word had a formal definition as well once researching, it being, “not pertinent to a particular matter; irrelevant.” I found this somewhat intriguing, as not being on topic when having a conversation with someone could have been considered ill-mannered, so the definitions seemed to go hand in hand.
Walton is certainly a Byronic Hero, though he is showing a trait not usual to this persona; respect of rank.
"And yet you rescued me from a strange and perilous situation; you have benevolently restored me to life."
Soon after this he inquired if I thought that the breaking up of the ice had destroyed the other sledge. I replied that I could not answer with any degree of certainty, for the ice had not broken until near midnight, and the traveller might have arrived at a place of safety before that time; but of this I could not judge. From this time a new spirit of life animated the decaying frame of the stranger. He manifested the greatest eagerness to be upon deck to watch for the sledge which had before appeared; but I have persuaded him to remain in the cabin, for he is far too weak to sustain the rawness of the atmosphere. I have promised that someone should watch for him and give him instant notice if any new object should appear in sight.
Such is my journal of what relates to this strange occurrence up to the present day. The stranger has gradually improved in health but is very silent and appears uneasy when anyone except myself enters his cabin. Yet his manners are so conciliating and gentle that the sailors are all interested in him, although they have had very little communication with him. For my own part, I begin to love him as a brother, and his constant and deep grief fills me with sympathy and compassion. He must have been a noble creature in his better days, being even now in wreck so attractive and amiable. I said in one of my letters, my dear Margaret, that I should find no friend on the wide ocean; yet I have found a man who, before his spirit had been broken by misery, I should have been happy to have possessed as the brother of my heart.
Walton has finally found a friend, and in the least expected place; the place he assumed to find nothing but desolation. They seem to be kindred spirits from the very start.
I shall continue my journal concerning the stranger at intervals, should I have any fresh incidents to record.
August 13th, 17—
My affection for my guest increases every day. He excites at once my admiration and my pity to an astonishing degree. How can I see so noble a creature destroyed by misery without feeling the most poignant grief? He is so gentle, yet so wise; his mind is so cultivated, and when he speaks, although his words are culled with the choicest art, yet they flow with rapidity and unparalleled eloquence. He is now much recovered from his illness and is continually on the deck, apparently watching for the sledge that preceded his own. Yet, although unhappy, he is not so utterly occupied by his own misery but that he interests himself deeply in the projects of others. He has frequently conversed with me on mine, which I have communicated to him without disguise. He entered attentively into all my arguments in favour of my eventual success and into every minute detail of the measures I had taken to secure it. I was easily led by the sympathy which he evinced to use the language of my heart, to give utterance to the burning ardour of my soul and to say, with all the fervour that warmed me, how gladly I would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my every hope, to the furtherance of my enterprise. One man's life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought, for the dominion I should acquire and transmit over the elemental foes of our race. As I spoke, a dark gloom spread over my listener's countenance. At first I perceived that he tried to suppress his emotion; he placed his hands before his eyes, and my voice quivered and failed me as I beheld tears trickle fast from between his fingers; a groan burst from his heaving breast. I paused; at length he spoke, in broken accents: "Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me; let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!"
Such words, you may imagine, strongly excited my curiosity; but the paroxysm of grief that had seized the stranger overcame his weakened powers, and many hours of repose and tranquil conversation were necessary to restore his composure. Having conquered the violence of his feelings, he appeared to despise himself for being the slave of passion; and quelling the dark tyranny of despair, he led me again to converse concerning myself personally. He asked me the history of my earlier years. The tale was quickly told, but it awakened various trains of reflection. I spoke of my desire of finding a friend, of my thirst for a more intimate sympathy with a fellow mind than had ever fallen to my lot, and expressed my conviction that a man could boast of little happiness who did not enjoy this blessing. "I agree with you," replied the stranger; "we are unfashioned creatures, but half made up, if one wiser, better, dearer than ourselves—such a friend ought to be—do not lend his aid to perfectionate our weak and faulty natures. I once had a friend, the most noble of human creatures, and am entitled, therefore, to judge respecting friendship. You have hope, and the world before you, and have no cause for despair. But I—I have lost everything and cannot begin life anew."
As he said this his countenance became expressive of a calm, settled grief that touched me to the heart. But he was silent and presently retired to his cabin.
Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions seem still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery and be overwhelmed by disappointments, yet when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.
I think that this is a sentence that a lot of people can connect to. I have been watching a tv series about the Menendez brothers and their story and this sentence reminds me of Lyle. He is someone who is very broken in spirit because of what he had gone through but with interviews and things I’ve read about him he still continues to see the good or the best in any negative situation he has been put in. I also relate to this sentence. I believe that us humans feel deeply and can all be or are broken in some way but we are still able to see the beauty in things, specially speaking, in nature.
Will you smile at the enthusiasm I express concerning this divine wanderer? You would not if you saw him. You have been tutored and refined by books and retirement from the world, and you are therefore somewhat fastidious; but this only renders you the more fit to appreciate the extraordinary merits of this wonderful man. Sometimes I have endeavoured to discover what quality it is which he possesses that elevates him so immeasurably above any other person I ever knew. I believe it to be an intuitive discernment, a quick but never-failing power of judgment, a penetration into the causes of things, unequalled for clearness and precision; add to this a facility of expression and a voice whose varied intonations are soul-subduing music.
August 19, 17—
Yesterday the stranger said to me, "You may easily perceive, Captain Walton, that I have suffered great and unparalleled misfortunes. I had determined at one time that the memory of these evils should die with me, but you have won me to alter my determination. You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been. I do not know that the relation of my disasters will be useful to you; yet, when I reflect that you are pursuing the same course, exposing yourself to the same dangers which have rendered me what I am, I imagine that you may deduce an apt moral from my tale, one that may direct you if you succeed in your undertaking and console you in case of failure. Prepare to hear of occurrences which are usually deemed marvellous. Were we among the tamer scenes of nature I might fear to encounter your unbelief, perhaps your ridicule; but many things will appear possible in these wild and mysterious regions which would provoke the laughter of those unacquainted with the ever-varied powers of nature; nor can I doubt but that my tale conveys in its series internal evidence of the truth of the events of which it is composed."
You may easily imagine that I was much gratified by the offered communication, yet I could not endure that he should renew his grief by a recital of his misfortunes. I felt the greatest eagerness to hear the promised narrative, partly from curiosity and partly from a strong desire to ameliorate his fate if it were in my power. I expressed these feelings in my answer.
"I thank you," he replied, "for your sympathy, but it is useless; my fate is nearly fulfilled. I wait but for one event, and then I shall repose in peace. I understand your feeling," continued he, perceiving that I wished to interrupt him; "but you are mistaken, my friend, if thus you will allow me to name you; nothing can alter my destiny; listen to my history, and you will perceive how irrevocably it is determined."
He then told me that he would commence his narrative the next day when I should be at leisure. This promise drew from me the warmest thanks. I have resolved every night, when I am not imperatively occupied by my duties, to record, as nearly as possible in his own words, what he has related during the day. If I should be engaged, I will at least make notes. This manuscript will doubtless afford you the greatest pleasure; but to me, who know him, and who hear it from his own lips—with what interest and sympathy shall I read it in some future day! Even now, as I commence my task, his full-toned voice swells in my ears; his lustrous eyes dwell on me with all their melancholy sweetness; I see his thin hand raised in animation, while the lineaments of his face are irradiated by the soul within.
Strange and harrowing must be his story, frightful the storm which embraced the gallant vessel on its course and wrecked it—thus!
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