Have I mentioned that I am a master procrastinator? My responsible side has gotten better at fooling my procrastinatory side (who is in turn trying to fool my responsible side in the first place...at what point does this qualify as a mental problem?) and I finally buckled down and plowed through the rest of the book.
I liked the story of Frankenstein and the monster he created. The mystical-science aura reminded me a bit of Jules Verne (that was fun) and there is certainly plenty of food for thought presented. However, the biographical portion of the introduction was much more interesting to read. Shelley's super-introspective, emotional, memory-flavored sentences bored me to distraction (as noted above).
Last August I read Shelley's novella, Mathilda and adored it. I loved how her writing perfectly exuded the emotions she was trying to portray. Her writing style wasn't necessarily any different in Frankenstein, but it did lack the passion that I felt in Mathilda. Without the great force of feeling, I found the writing to be too flowery and sentimental for my taste.
Can you believe that I've never watched an adaptation of Frankenstein? I imagine there must be an assortment to choose from, and I'd like to see how it translates into film. Any suggestions?
I've never seen an adaptation of Frankenstein either! Also, I like that book (I like flowery and sentimental, within limits. And I felt super super sorry for the 'monster' :( )
ReplyDeleteLaura, I don't mind flowery and sentimental (within limits) but for some reason I didn't connect with it here. It could totally be a case of it not being the right timing. I'd be interested to see what you think about Mathilda, seeing as how I liked that one. :)
ReplyDeleteI had to read some excerpts this year and I was not very into it, but developing Prometeous' myth made it a little more interesting. If I approached it as a re-reading, maybe I'd be more likely to appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Mathilda, so thank you!
I had to study this for my English Lit A-Level for a whole term and by the end of it, I hated it. I don't think Mary Shelley is a very good writer.
ReplyDeleteI have seen movie adaptions and was never really drawn in. One of our professors had an emergency and I was asked to step in her class and teach. They were getting ready to start Frankenstein and I had never read it :( I read it then but was only able to stay a little bit ahead of the students. I actually found that very interesting and still do a similar type of read along assignment with one of my smaller classes each semester...but anyhoo, I loved Frankenstein :) I actually couldn't believe this was the same green monster with the bolt sticking out of his neck...and of course, it's not. I, too, grew to love the monster...and felt so sorry for him :( I've never read Mathilda though...I'll put it on the list :)
ReplyDeleteThis is on my list. So, should I cross it off?
ReplyDelete