Thursday, May 13, 2010

Frankenstein can be seen as a novel on sexuality.

- Language is not necessarily tinged with sexuality or eroticism. However, although it isn't explicitly stated, you could interpret the words as such. 'I had DESIRED it with an ardour that far exceed moderation' (Victor talking about his creation). This shows that sexuality depicts Victor's narcissm as he avoids relationships but preoccupies himself with knowledge (displace sexuality onto creation).

- Victor's avoidance of sexuality is blatant as he finds numerous reasons not to marry Elizabeth (similar to Alphonse who remained unmarried for 2 years). He also seems to establish a link between women and sex (avoiding both), especially as he dreams of Elizabeth and his mum decaying at the same time.

- You could say the explanation for aboce is Victor's rejection of sexuality. He described his wedding night as 'dreadful'. Also, by creating the monster, he is rejecting normal sexuality as he also rejects normal human reproduction (through sex). The dream could also depict an inner monstrous sexuality instead of a normal one. Maybe Victor fears incestuous desires. The storm at the beginning of the night and the arrival of the wedding creature during his wedding night could embody Victor's repression of a normal relationship. He also doesn't confront his sexuality as he leaves Elizabeth on the night because he thought the creature was downstairs.

- Another explanation could be homosexuality as he completely rejects contact with women, creates a mal creation unconciously and compliments it highly calling it 'beautiful'. He also has very close male relationships but considering the context that the novel was written in, maybe that was what men were like at the time.

- His sexual repression could also be a symbol of society's repression of women's rights at the time.

- There is however some evidence of sexual language and the presence of normal sexuality through the monster. The monster said he 'perceived a women passing by me' then goes on to compliment her and talks about the fact that 'she cannot escape' and talks about a 'burning passion'. Further on in the novel the monster also talks about wasting in 'impotent desires' as he is preoccupied from unconssumated sexual desire. Whereas, Victor and Walton were 'ever ardent and craving' as they ignore normal sexuality and displace their sexual desires onto their creations or projects.

Frankenstein

Volume I:
4 letters, 8 chapters

Volume II:
16 chapters