The Power of Sight

What a character sees is a crucial motive for actions throughout Frankenstein. It the climax of the novel, when the monster pleads with Frankenstein to create a companion for himself, Frankensteingains compassion and agrees to create a companion only after struggling with indecision. Every time Frankenstein would look at the monster, he would not comply with he monster's desire, but when he only heard the monster, he would regain his compassion and agree to create a companion.

Yet again in the novel, the monster witnesses a similar situation. "When [Walton] again cast[s his] eyes on the lifeless form of [his] friend [Frankenstein], indignation [is] rekindled within [Walton]" (187). Unpleasant thoughts are provoked by unpleasant sight, which is often associated with the monster and the results of his murderous actions.

Sight is perhaps the most powerful sense a being possesses. A single glance creates strong emotions. Unfortunately, Frankenstein shows the darker sides of man: his reliance on sight to judge someone and act in a negative manner. Maybe if sight were absent, the monster would have lived a normal human life, one of

no judgement and reactions based on looks.

Knowledge

Knowledge comes in many forms. There is basic knowledge: how to brush your hair and teeth, how to speak and move, how to put your shoes on. This knowledge allows a person to perform everyday tasks and is gained through observation of those around us at a very early age. It is often taught by our parents. However, there are more complicated forms of knowledge that can alter a life in a profound way and which is unique to a person. Everyday in school students, driven by their distinct passions and interests, gain knowledge of math, english, science, and more. However, is there ever a point where this quest for knowledge gets too far?

I believe that once knowledge can harm a being, it has reached beyond its limit. This harm can be towards the seeker of knowledge himself or towards others. In the case of Frankenstein, his quest for knowledge impairs his mental sanity and the well-being of others. Because of his extended knowledge of natural philosophy, therefore allowing him to create a monster, he believes he has caused the death of loved ones.

I am interested in studying science; however, I must always remember that I should not reach my experiments beyond the acceptable limit (which I believe exists). I will not risk the lives of others in order to gain knowledge. Knowledge should be used to help others and not for selfish curiosity, which is what Frankenstein did. Selfish curiosity sounds familiar--the story of Adam and Eve might come to mind. There is a point at which we must control ourselves and realize the consequences of our actions including the acts of pursuing knowledge.

Mythological/ Archetypal Criticism

As I understand it, a main aspect of mythological/archetypal criticism is analyzing and finding archetypes to better create understanding of the text. Archetypes are generalizes characters that embody meaning. For example, there is often a character in a book that is the power-hoarding king or leader. We can consider Hitler and Mussolini, two terrible dictators, to both embody this archetype. Then there is the "damsel in distress" archetype, as Mr. Burke likes to call it. This includes Rapunzel, Cinderella, or even the girl next door. Archetypes can simplify a character into a generalized category, comparing that character to others, in order for the reader to better understand that character. Besides the archetypes present in novels and even real life, mythological/archetypal criticism deals with recurring images and themes as well. Colors can represent specific feelings. For example, red can signify pain. Images of circles represent the circle of life. Every aspect of the novel adds up to create and support a "collective unconscious" of the human race.

The First Six Weeks of Senior Year

The first six weeks of Senior year have been nothing like any of the past weeks of my life. First of all, my classes are much harder then before. Last year I took just as many AP's, but for some reason this year the AP's are harder. Literature makes me come up with ideas I have never even considered before. I have never taken a science or social studies class that make me use math like AP Physics and AP Economics. There is so much critical thinking required of me this semester, but I am enjoying it. I like to be challenged and expand my thoughts. The only class I don't enjoy as much as the others is AP Statistics. I am slowly learning to value w

hat we are learning; however, I do like "normal" math such as Calculus better. Throughout all of my classes and outside of school, one important act applies: do not procrastinate. I think I am doing a relatively good job at this. I am trying to minimize my stress related to homework and college applications by getting them done early and planning ahead of time. I cannot let "senioritis" overcome me at any point this

year. I am excited to see the outcome of all of my hard work these last six weeks and this semester.

Reflections for the New Year

This past Thursday was Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. On this holiday, we reflect on this past year, the good and the bad. We all think about what we would like to change and how we can do better. This year, I do not necessarily want to change all of my habits at school. I want to continue to work hard in school and absorb as much information as I can. However, what I can improve upon is my overall knowledge. Afterall, that is what school is for. I am learning how to convey my thoughts as words in various essays for AP Literature class. I feel as if I have learned a lot already in this new year of school. In addition, as I reflect upon my life outside of school, I must do the same and learn how to convey my thoughts more effectively. My mom always gets mad at me about our communication. As my mom wishes, I must learn to convey my thoughts so that she can better understand what I am trying to say and feel.

This coming year will bring many changes. I am starting senior year in the beginning, and by the end, I will be starting college. I do not know which college, but that is what makes a new year special. The questionable future, the unknown is abundant, and the possibilities are endless. I am excited to see what I make out of the year of 5771.

Critical Response- "Bartleby, the Scrivener"

In "Bartleby, the Scrivener," Herman Melville explores two characters and their differences in ways of dealing with conflict; however, the two characters exhibit similarity as well. In the beginning of the story, Bartleby is first viewed by the reader as a shy, diligent man. However, as the story progresses, Bartleby begins to show his real character and feelings. He "prefers not to" do his work. He would rather shut out the world and retreat to his own lonely thoughts at his desk. Bartleby deals with personal conflict but shutting down into silence.

On the other hand, the narrator/boss differs in his methods by being more upfront and attempting to get closer to Bartleby. He goes not hide behind his desk in silence; he reacts to the conflict between himself and Bartleby by asking Bartleby abut his life and talking t

o him. Just as Bartley's method does not help his situation, this method of getting closer to the conflict does not help to relieve the conflict either.

Even though the characters are contrasting in their methods, the boss trying to get close to Bartleby while Bartleby is trying to distance himself from all others, the two share the same passivity. They both "prefer not to" do various tasks. The boss tries to get closer, however, he never fully commits, afraid of the mysterious ways of Bartleby. He confronts Bartleby about not doing work, but then easily gives up and gives Bartleby whatever he wants. There is never a clear line dividing the methods of Bartleby and his boss.

Reactions to Change

Reflecting upon this last week's events, I realize that many of the messages of the stories and poems we talked about in class apply to my life this week. In "Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville, the piece of literature explores the possibilities of an unknown world, one that many wish to be true. I am referring to Bartleby's situation in which he does absolutely nothing, neglecting his work, only resulting in sympathy and wonder from his boss. I did not feel like doing any work this week for multiple reasons; however, I knew that if I did not complete my required tasks, I wouldn't just get looked at with wonder; it would affect my grades and overall education. I cannot be carefree like Bartleby; I cannot just ignore my duties.

In addition, I realize that my life at this point in time reflects the poem "Lot's Wife" by Anna Akhmatova. I have had many changes this week that were as sudden as Lot and his wife getting a notice from an angel saying that they have to leave their home. I feel the pain of Lot's Wife, wanting to look back at what she is leaving behind, what she is losing and has lost already. And just like the wife, I cannot help but do so. Thankfully, I do not turn into a pillar of salt when I look into the past. However, looking back does root me in my place of pain just like looking back at Sodom makes the wife's "body flak[e] into transparent salt, her swift legs rooted to the ground." I must learn not to ponder on the past, but look forward to the future so my mind and legs may be swift again and leave this place of pain.