A quick review of the major works we've read this year in AP Lit- so that I don't space out on my exam...
Frankenstein- Mary Shelley's novel about Victor Frankenstein's abandoned creation demonstrates the relationship between victim/victimizer, creator/creation, and society/isolation. An allusion to the creation story, the creature and Adam turns vengeful against his creator and destroys Frankenstein's family because of his lonely and wretched life. Victor, a flawed character who creates the monster for his own prideful purposes, cowardly runs away and doesn't take responsibility for it, causing the consequence of the deaths of his friends and family. He refuses to build his creation a mate because he is ashamed of what he has done and because he wishes to continue holding the power in that relationship, rebelling against being under the control of his creation. He is chased to icy climes, eventually dying because of his arrogant actions in the beginning of the novel. The book is told as a story within the story of Walton, Victor's foil, writing letters to his sister. The DeLacey family, brief characters in the story of the creation, are parallels to the Frankenstein family and to the failed father/son relationship between Victor and his creation. Shelley demonstrates how society values the exterior, yet the lines for good and evil are not so obvious as Victor is the flawed creator and his creation is the wronged victim turned vengeful.
Beowulf- This Anglo- Saxon epic poem translated by Seamus Heaney is the original story that Grendel is based off of. This poem demonstrates the cultural aspects of the people in that time period, the Chiatus, and the interlocking seen within the text as with within their culture.
Grendel- John Gardner's novel about an angsty monster that murders humans in a nearby village demonstrates a battle between good and evil along with the shades of gray. While Grendel may be considered evil because of his actions, his unfortunate and isolated youth and his sense of not belonging lead to a deeper understanding of his conflict. He simply wishes to find a place in the world in which he feels to be an outsider, a superior onlooker, and the dragon provides this for him when he offers him a role as the humans' torturer. Although Grendel seems to give in to the evil dragon, his death leaves an ambiguous message as he tells the animals that he's had an accident and "so may you all". This is either a blessing or a curse as Grendel dies, wishing the same for those who watch.
Age of Innocence- Edith Wharton's novel takes place in an era where society values appearances and form above sincerity and true love. She writes a story in which Newland Archer, a young lawyer, is to marry May Welland when her cousin Ellen Olenska comes to the city. Ellen is a rebellion against the society in many ways, from wishing for a divorce from her husband to the way she dresses, and Archer falls passionately in love with her. They carry a secret emotional affair, each attracted to the freedom the other represents. Archer, afraid of his future and of the commitment and oppression of society, runs to Ellen as an act of rebellion. Their passion differs greatly from his agreement with May, who he eventually marries and stays faithful to. She is manipulative in getting Archer to stay with her, but he chooses to remain there for many years after. At the end of the novel when no obstacles exist between Archer and Ellen he still chooses not to see her, preferring instead his fantasy world to the reality of being with her. Archer choosing May over Ellen demonstrates the importance of social responsibility.
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