Writing++2

In all three versions of the Frankenstein story that I read/viewed, ( Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Frankenstein The Graphic Novel, Young Frankenstein ) I observed one very obvious thing, no matter the presentation of the story, the same emotions were expressed by the monster. In all instances he is different from everyone else, and is treated poorly for this reason. In Young Frankenstein, the movie, his creator Frederick is kind to his monster, but the public does not accept him. I think that no matter the format, or style of the Frankenstein story, this aspect should always be involved in the work. It's important because it explains the significance of the monster, and why he isn't what the Dr. imagined. Everyone is different, whether it be difference in race, personality, or interests. We are all different, but that is what makes life interesting. In the case of Frankenstein, he has created a creature that is human like in function and thought, but not human like in his physical body type. In all versions of the story, he was capable, or somewhat capable of communicating his emotions and desires through words. Which makes the monster very relatable to the readers in many ways. By giving the monster the capability of communicating, Mary Shelley just doesn't make us feel bad for the monster who is trying to survive in a world that he was not naturally put into, but she also makes him personable. This makes him just like any of us. Everyone experiences their differences with others, and sometimes even a little indifference, can feel like it makes a world of separation. Imagine observing compassion and companionship, but being totally denied of it, " But where were my friends and relations? No father had watched my infant days, no mother had blessed me with smiles and caresses....What was I? The question again recurred, to be answered only with groans." (Shelley, 120). The monsters intelligence and emotions are best expressed in Frankenstein, because of his story telling. But even these emotions can be seen in all versions I read. In the Graphic Novel, his difference was best observed through images, but still observable through text, " And what was I? I knew nothing of my creation or of my creator. I was ugly, and not even the same making as man." (Shelley, and Cobley, 65). Young Frankenstein is in a much different format, but the same ideas are still seen, at the end of this clip, the monster is treated poorly, even though he has done nothing wrong. media type="youtube" key="2lojDOBX8BY" height="315" width="560"

All of this relates to why we tell stories the way we do. All producers of these Frankenstein stories felt that the idea of difference was really important to the story, no matter the format. When we tell stories we remember things differently than other people, and we pick out different things. For example, a few weeks ago my sister and I were talking about a trip we took to the beach when we were very young. We both recalled the same story of us building a sand castle, but we each remembered very different details. I can imagine all the tools we used to build our creation, the big yellow bucket that had engravings of seashells on the side, and the matching shovel that came with it. She doesn't recall the bucket though, but we both agreed on the distinct memory of our eldest sister threatening to destroy it, and following through with her word. Everyone picks up different things, but we all remember the big important things, like our bulldozer of a sister.

When relating this all together, I realize that differences, good or bad, are everywhere. Differences and perspectives, and people make everything so interesting and fascinating though. It's important to be able to see that. I think the real message of all of this lies in the following.

media type="custom" key="10481336" width="240" height="240"

I think that the true message of Frankenstein, and why we all tell stories the way we do, is because we are all different. We have different lives, personalities, nationalities, passions, and dislikes. We are all so different, yet we are all very similar. We all have emotion, and we all want compassion, and relations with others. We are scared of differences, yet that's what makes us who we are. We all remember what's important to us, and a lot of the time, it's important to everyone else too. It amazes me how different our lifestyles can all be, yet how are all still so relatable to one another. I believe this video, is a perfect example of how we are different, yet so similar.

Citations Shelley, Mary. //Frankenstein//. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003.

Shelley, Mary, and Jason Cobley. //Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel Quick Text Version//. First US Edition. United Kingdom: Classical Comics Ltd., 2008. Young Frankenstein. Dir. Mel Brooks. Perf. Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, and Cloris Leachman. 1974. DVD. Twentieth Century Fox, 1998.