Victorian Blog #1-Dr. Jekyll And Hyde: Literary Elements

This Literary Element in Chapter "Search For Mr.Hyde" on pg 11 has characterization element of Mr. Utterson.

"His [Utterson's]  past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into a sober and fearful gratitude by the many that he had come so near to doing, yet avoided"

Utterson is the principal voice in this part of the book, therefore he is important to the reader because through his eyes we see the going ons in London.  I thought this paragraph was interesiting because on the outside, Utterson gives the appearance of a pure soul, as someone who looks out for his friends, people in general. Yet, on the inside, he feels confronted by the bad things he has done in the past. It's like he has his own Hyde inside of him. Or at least a different side. So if someone as good and noble as Utterson can have a negative past or side, does that mean that everyone else does too? I think so. I think that is also what the author is trying to get across. Anyone see this differently?

Victorian Blog #1-Dr. Jekyll And Hyde: Historical Context

During the Victorian age (the time period that the book was wriitten and took place in) things started changing. Some for the good, others for the bad. In the Victorian Packet, pg 913, it talks about people fearing change, others embracing it whole heartedly. This can be compared to Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. At the beginning, Dr. Jekyll's reclusiveness wasn't exactly thought of as weird. But after the murder, he comes out of his shell and starts to change for the good. His extrovertness makes people start to remember the old days when he was a well-liked member of society. But as time passes by, Jekyll sinks back into his old gloomy mood. Its like he was resisting the good change...

Victorian Blog #1-Dr. Jekyll And Hyde: Elements of Relationships

The principle relationship I found in the book was that between Dr. Jekyll and this short, evil man Hyde. I think we all know enough to know that they are the same person. But up so far in the book, we see that Jekyll and Hyde have a difficult relationship. Jekyll seems to trust and esteem Hyde enough to list him as the sole heir of his fortune. But as the story goes on, we get the feeling that Hyde is planning something devious to make Jekyll's fortune come to his hands sooner than what Jekyll might think. The whole novel revolves around these two people and the destructive relationship they seem to share. After Hyde commits his horrible deed, Jekyll swears that he is done with him. He swears he doesn't want anything to do with Hyde and couldn't care less of what becomes of him. But at the end of chapter 5, Utterson and Guest realize that the farewell letter supposedly written by Hyde and given to Jekyll was actually written by Jekyll. So what was the whole point of not caring if you're going to still going to cover up for a murderer you swore not to safe gaurd? As we can see, this relationship is puzzling and leaves us with a plethora of questions.

Victorian Blog #1-Dr. Jekyll And Hyde: Literary Elements

The last paragraph in "The Incident at the Window" chapter, has a great imagery element.

"'That is just what I was about to venture to propose,' returned the doctor with a smile. But the words were hardly uttered, before the smile was struck out of his face and succeeded by an expression of such abject terror and despair, as froze the very blood of the two gentlemen below. They saw it but for a glimpse, for the window was instantly thrust down; but that glimpse had been sufficient, and they turned and left the court without a word." pg. 26

This paragraph talks about the encounter between Dr.Jekyll, Mr.Utterson, and Mr.Enfield. Apparently, Utterson and his cousin Enfield are walking along the street and they see Jekyll hanging out by his upstairs window. After greeting each other, and refusing a walk together, Jekyll freaks out and slams the window on them. Its purpose was to tip off Utterson that something was definitely wrong with his friend. The expression the text describes on Jekylls face makes ME have goosebumps thinking about how horrible it must have been to have frozen the blood of the two men. Its purpose can also be used to foreshadows what's to come. Something terrible must be happening to Jekyll for him to react so violently and abruptly.

The End is Here

~Chapter 23~

The wedding day has come and gone. It was the most divine happening. My heart is merry and full of joy. I am looking forward to all the grandchildren my son will give me. I must insist on their first girl to be named Caroline. They can name their first boy William, or maybe even Henry. :) I can't wait!

__________________________________________________

Alas! I look back at my above post. I wish I could go back to that happy momment when I thought that my last days would be surrounded by grandchildren. It is not to be. The Fates have frowned upon us and given us a harsh blow thats knocked us over helpless. again. This time I fear I will not rise again. I can no longer feel my body. It seems as if I am looking on the outside. It doesn't feel like reality at all. You must be wondering why I am so suddenly changed. Victor came back distraught and bore the most horrible news. Elizabeth is gone. Where? She has joined my dear Caroline and William. How?  The terrible creature no doubt, made good on his promise and ended her blooming life.I feel so faint, as if a simple weak breeze will knock me over. I am not myself. I feel life slipping from me as I write these words. In fact, everything I just wrote make no sense at all. You must pardon me dear reader. I must call Victor. I still do not blame him even if it was this creature who caused all this grief. This is the last time I will write in this blog. The last time I write at all. I hope Victor can forgive me for leaving him, but it's just too hard to keep holding on. Victor is here at last. Goodbye Ernest and Victor. I love you guys so much. I will see you in the afterlife.
I see a light, and it is so beautiful....

Changes in All

~Chapter 21-22~

I woke up today to Victor's cries. It scared me to death. For a moment I thought the creature had found us and was killing Victor. When I rushed into his room, I realized with relief that Victor was just dreaming. After I woke him up, I noticed a bottle of laudanum. I'm afraid he'll become dependant on that drug. I might mess with his mind. I gotta get him off that thing.

We are in Paris. I wanted to keep going, but Victor wasn't looking so hot. I tried to get him involved with the people there. I don't know why I thought that would work. Instead, he seemed to hide deeper into himself. As I thought, he is still wallowing in the pain of the guilt. He blames himself for everyone's death. I keep giving him a chance to explain himself, to maybe unload some of his burden on to my shoulders. But he refuses to share his own feelings. I don't want to tell him what I know for fear that he'll hate me for intruding on his privacy. But maybe I will tell him all I know so that he will stop feeling alone. I sent Elizabeth a letter about Victor's well-being so she will stop worring. She keeps worrying about Victors fedelity and whether he still loves her. I keep assuring her, but she finally wrote to Victor to hear first hand. He kept re-reading the letter, which confirms what I told Elizabeth. He wrote back already. The night grows late. We depart for home tomorrow.

We are back home. It feels so good to be home. Tomorrow is the wedding day! Victor and Elizabeth's reunion was sweet to watch. His change at being home is for the better. Yet, something doesn't feel right. It is as if though Victor's past feelings of guilt have just been set aside but not burned and buried. I hope I am wrong and Victor's happiness is genuine. Elizabeth has also been sort of weird. But maybe its just "bride diffidence". Hopefully she's not getting cold feet all of a sudden. I will drag them to the altar and marry them myself if either of them postpone this wedding again! All this hustle and bustle has lifted my spirits but has made me teird. I must retire to bed now.

With Victor.

~Chapter 21~

This last week has been very....at loss for words. Some very terrible things have happened. After I posted that last blog, I received  a very disturbing message came from Rupert. I had to depart immediately from home. I hated to leave Elizabeth without much of an explanation, but the situation wouldn't let me tarry any longer than necessary. Let me recount our woeful tale, or at least what I understand. Henry was found dead and they accused Victor of the horrible crime. At seeing Henry, Victor got rather ill but he was still thrown into jail. I rushed here as soon as possible. Victor already woke up and told me everything. He swears that he didn't do it. He blames the creature. I believe him, but we both fear that no one will believe him and will just take it as the ravings of a mad man. They might keep him in jail or worse... No! I mustn't think like that. I am his father and I will do everything in my power to take my son out of there. In a couple of hours the magistrate will decide and come out to tell us what he has decided.

Whew! The magistrate declared Victor not guilty! I am so happy, relieved, yet still sad. I see Victor suffering everyday even more than before. His sadness is justified, Henry was his best friend since they were both just boys. He was like a brother to Victor. That dear boy will be sorely missed. Victor had already promised Henry he was going to be his best man. I am almost scared Victor will want to postpone the wedding yet again. It is NOT the best thing for this family right now. Poor Elizabeth seems to wither away everyday Victor is not home. What Victor needs right now is love only a woman like Elizabeth can give. I am his father, but I cannot supply that need. I must go see Victor now and head home.

I found a way in...

~Chapter 20~
So I found someone in the village where Victor is staying someone to report to me on his well-being. His name is Rupert, and although I don't know him, I have it from a very good source that he is very reliable. I hope so. Well, I just received a letter from him telling me about my dear son's welfare. Rupert reports that Victor is rarely out of his hut and doesn't associate with the towns people. He has alienated himself. How is he supposed to heal from all the pain caused by these past few months if he won't let anyone in? The worst part of it is it appears as if he's meeting the the creature's demands for a new mate. The idea of a hybrid human made out of other people repulses me. If I could, I would go back to when Victor was a child and steer him in a different direction. I should have seen through all his questions as a child and avoided all this grief. I miss Caroline, she would know what to do.

Just finished reading the rest of Ruperts letter. He has the most astonishig news. He confirmed my suspicions about Victor working on that horrid creature. Rupert recounts standing gaurd Victor's hut one night when he saw a huge shape approach. Afterwards he says he heard lots of shattering and thumping going inside and the shape going inside as well. He stood outside for a while waiting for something to happen. Both Victor and the shape departed , first the shape and then Victor in his rowboat with a bundle. I'm guessing the shape Rupert described was the creature. I'm fearing the worst, that maybe Victor refused to make the monsters mate and the monster went on a rampage. I am worried. I have written to Henry to get Victor to get home as soon as possible. I fear for everyone's lives. I saw all that hate and vengence in the creatures eyes in the cave. I hope he doesn't do anything to Victor. If Henry doesn't report back, I will go to Victor myself

Letters from Henry

~Chapter 19~


I got a letter today from Henry. I asked the boy to report to me anything that went on with Victor. You see, I know Victor will be so wrapped up in his own world to care about writing back to his dear old dad. Youth these days... I'm still so worried about him, even more with this letter I recieved from Henry. He reports that Victor's mood instead of improving, seems to have gotten even worse than before. You don't know how much this pains me. All I ever wanted for my children was happiness and success. Above all happiness. Henry also tells of Victor's constant absence from the present world. Instead of burying his troubles and enjoying life, he's burying himself in his troubles, in his guilt. Although he blames himself for Will and Justine's deaths, I don't blame him. Even now that I know it was his creation that did the horrible deed, it was not Victor's fault. Apparently, Victor insisted on renting a cottage in the middle of nowhere. Henry writes that he tried everything possible to change his mind, to no avail. I question Victor's intentions Is he getting cold feet?. Is he perhaps working on his creature's demand? Is he really there to take a break? Whatever it is, I have this wierd feeling about. I must find a way to recieve information about Victor. I hate to pry, but I don't like leaving Victor by himself, especially in these conditions. He should not be alone. I must go now and see if I can find anyone. I hate keeping Elizabeth in the dark about all that I have learned, but I think thats the best thing for her now.

Bride of Frankenstein. O:

~Chapter 17-18~
I managed to leave the inn and arrive back at the house right before Victor arrived. He came back and talked to me about postponing the wedding between him and Elizabeth for a while. He wants to take a tour of London or some stupid thing like that. I think it has to do with the last thing I  heard the creature ask of him. He asked Victor to make another one like him, a companion. A mate. The creature promises that after Victor makes him a companion, he will leave humanity alone. I could see right away the turmoil in Victors eyes as he debated this proposal. Actually, the creature threatened to cause more grief on humanity if he doesn't do it. In the end, Victor agreed. This is when he came home and and asked to postpone the wedding. I had already promised Elizabeth that I would convince Victor of marrying her right away. It seems as if I have failed. Well, right now, I guess this is what is best for both of them. I just hope Victor takes this time to relax and not work on the creatures mate. We couldn't stand it if Victor was absent from us yet again after so little time with him. We will just have to wait and see. :/

Anyways....

~Chapter 16-17~
The inn keeper knocked on my door to give me my wallet back. Anyways, as I was saying, I wanted to call Victor out on what he had done. But instead, I decided to wait until he got back home. I must confess I was afraid that once I revealed myself to them, the story would end and I would never get to hear what happened to Agatha, Felix, their father and the beautiful Arabian. Listening to how the monster learned to speak and read was completely fascinating. It makes me wonder what kind of person he was before he died and was pieced back together. His neighbors seemed like really interesting people. I can't believe Safie's father could be so treacherous as to deny his savior the only thing he wanted in return. It angered me though when the creature relayed his grief when he was once again rejected and chased away. They didn't even give him a chance. If they had know that he was the good soul behind the awesome happenings, they would have thought twice. What I heard next was what made my blood run cold. The creature confessed to having killed my little Will in a fit of anger. He also admitted to having placed the blame on inoccent Justine. I feel horrible. I knew she was inoccent, but I let others tell me what to think. I'm having mixed feelings right now...I have to go back home now. But there is still much to tell. I will be back shortly.

Victor is not who I thought he was

~Chapter 13-18~
I was walking toward the glaciers thinking about the long journey ahead of me when I saw smoke coming out of a cave. This was peculiar, I thought , unless I had stumbled upon the hermit's living quarters. Curiosity got a hold of me and I crept toward the opening of the cave. To my surprise, I saw Victor sitting on the floor looking uncomfortable. I was about to rush towards him when I saw who he was sitting in front of. An immense, grotesque creature sat on the dirt floor in front of Victor. At first, I thought the creature was keeping him captive until I heard the creatures story. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the creature call my Victor, his creator. At first i was repulsed at this creature. But as I heard his life's story, I grew sympathetic. He went through so much. I can only imagine all the feelings of abandonment and rejection he felt when people tried to kill him just because he was ugly. I think he is a human. Pieced together or not, he is his own person and should be treated like one. I can't believe he had to figure out how to survive on his own. Most people have the advantage of a parent or parental figure that help them and teach them at the beginning of their lives. He didn't even have one! This must have been what Victor has been obsessing over and why he hasn't come home until now. I feel so bad for him. I wanted to go out of my hiding place but....somthing came up, I gotta go.

Still looking for Victor.

~Chapters 13-18~

I set out early in the morning after I had a light breakfast. I asked around the little inn first to see if anyone had any idea to where Victor could have possibly gone. The cook told me Victor came in the day before last and bought a bunch of food. He headed into the glaciers and hasn't been back since then. I was hoping he wouldn't go into the glaciers. My body still aches from yesterdays traveling. I really don't want to go there, it's still a ways off. But I must find Victor, I feel as though he needs me. I had a near death experience today! Around maybe five in the afternoon,  I came across a lady washing clothes on a river bank and I asked her if she had seen Victor. She was about to respond when a man came barreling out of the woods with a machete raised. He headed straight for me as the lady started screaming. Before I could respond, the lady charged at him and made him drop his machete. He gaped at us and started apologizing over and over again for having almost killed me. I forgave him a little wryly.Afterwards, he awkwardly introduced himself and his wife, which was the lady washing in the river who saved my life. He explained that the reason for his reaction was that a prowler has been spotted. This prowler has been described as being great in stature and beastly looking. I started when I heard that. It was almost the same description as the one the hermit gave me. I just hope this prowler is just a myth and that Victor is faraway and safe from him. God willing, I shall find him safe and sound, lodging at  some expensive hotel, running up my credit notes. I had to come back to the inn because I forgot my wallet. This puts me back a couple days, but I plan on hiring a horse so I can ride to Victor and make up for lost time.

I am a secret agent.

~Chapters 13-18~


I've been worried about Victor. This morning I decided to follow his trail towards wherever he was going. Surprisingly, I ended up near some glaciers. I had to lodge at a small, comfy inn when darkness fell. I forgot, I'm not as young as I used to be. 
Hmmm...I wonder what my family will think when they find me gone. 
I met a peculiar hermit while hiking around here. His beard was long and his clothes torn and outdated. He spoke an a raspy voice. I think he was near my age. He wouldn't let me pass until I confessed my sins and asked for forgiveness from God. Apparently theres some sort of demon walking around at night that takes unclean souls to hell. The hermit described this "demon" as being extremely hideous and tall. Sort of like a human pieced together from other humans. At least, that's what he said. It was sort of hard to believe him, especially when he started yelling and stomping on my shoes. It appeared as though he thought they were tiny evil elves. I tried to take him with me to the inn but he resisted. He muttered something about having to"protect the queen fairy from the crow" and then shoved me away and ran into the woods. Hopefully nothing bad happens to him. Tomorrow I shall continue my search for Victor. 

53 questions about Al.

So I got bored waiting for Victor to come home so I found this interesting questionnaire on Facebook. My shrink recommended to participate in activities that made me feel younger, so yeah. :) Here goes.

1.Spell your name with songs.

All The Pretty Horses by ...

La Bamba by Ritchie Valens

Papa Don't Preach by Madonna

Have You Seen Her by M.C. Hammer

Ode to Joy by ...

Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

Emotions by Mariah Carey

2.Name: Alphonse Frankenstein
3.Birth date: I forget sometimes
4.Nickname: Al
5.Eye Color: Blue
6.Hair Color: gray

7.The shoes you wore today: These really comfortable leather shoes
8.Your fear(s): death
9.Goal you’d like to achieve: Live to see my children happily married
10./Your best physical feature: hmmm, maybe my hair

11.Most missed memory?: Walking by the lake with Caroline :(


This Or That…
12.Girlfriend or Boyfriend?: Caroline
13.Night or Day?: Day
14.Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla
15.Cappuccino or coffee: How about good old tea?


Do You…

16.Take a shower everyday: once a month 

17.Like(d) high school: It was ok
18.Want to get married: Not again
19.Get motion sickness: yeah, sometimes the jolting of the horses makes me ask the driver to stop.
20.Think you’re a health freak: Nah, I'm going to die anyways
21.Get along with your parents: They're dead


In the past month…
22.Eaten an entire box of Oreo's: why would I eat a box?
23.Been on Stage: no but sometimes i feel as though my life is straight out of a play or a book.
24.Gone skating: no, my knees are bad.
25.Made homemade cookies: That's a woman job!
 

26.Number of people I could trust with my life: Caroline, Victor, Elizabeth
27.Number of CD's that I own: Is that supposed to be dirty?
28.Number of tattoos: um...
29.Number of piercings:..

Personal Quiz
30.Who were you with yesterday?: my family
31.Where are you?: In my house in Belrive
32.Is tomorrow going to be a good day?: hopefully, as soon as Victor gets back

THE PAST
33.Ever thrown up in public?: no
34.Passed out because of alcohol?: No
35.What’s on your mind RIGHT NOW?: I'm worried about Victor, I feel as if something is happening to him.

THE FUTURE
36.kind of home would you like? A home full of grandchildren
37.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?: Surrounded by grandchildren

IN GENERAL
38.Do you like candy necklaces?: They make those?

39.Do you listen to music every day?: The music in my head
40Have you ever won an award?: Yes, world's greatest dad :) 
41.When were you the saddest in your whole life?: I can't decide between Caroline's death or the day William was found.
42.What time is it?: Late, where is Victor?
43.Do you use eBay to buy or sell?: Both 
44.Who makes you mad?: Death


ANGER SECTION
45. What do you do when you’re mad?: I try to calm down
46. What’s the worst thing you’ve done when you were mad?: I kicked Victor out of the house once
47. Ever made anyone cry when you were mad?: No
 

CRYING SECTION
48. When was the last time you actually cried?: Last night
49. Ever cried yourself to sleep?: yes
50. Do certain songs make you cry?: Yes
51. What usually makes you cry?: death

HAPPY SECTION

52.Are you usually a happy person?: I try my best, but it's so hard sometimes
53.What makes you the happiest?: Being with my family

I sit here in this melancholy world...

~Chapter 9~


It seems that ever since the Unmentionable [Justine D< (angry face)] was executed, things have been even more gloomy than before. Victor is inconsolable and I see his suffering. I don't understand why the Unmentionable  needs his tears or Elizabeth's. But as always, life goes on. I have learned that the hard way.I am currently battling with forgiving the Unmentionable and helping my Victor see that by being sad all the time, prevents him from being useful in his daily routines. He seems to not understand though, he seems completely shut off from the world nowadays. Inconsolable and out of reach. Maybe a change of scenery will do him good, do all of us good. The doctor says that I should take it easy. Apparently my health isn't too good. The doctor blames it on the recent events, but I also blame it on age.


******
We are here in out house at Belrive. I see Victor from my window right now. It is late at night and he is heading down to the boats. I don't know if being alone is the best thing for him. But he has seemed to  be improving if not just a little. But sometimes I sense a self-destructive atmosphere when I'm near him. I would not bear it if he lead to his own demise. He also tends to take long walks by himself. To where he goes no one knows because he never takes anyone with him. I fear he will set out one day and never come back. Or worse, he'll come back lifeless, in a cart with finger markings on his neck. Oh! My mind tortures me day and night with these horrible scenarios.  And dear Elizabeth! She is no longer that spark of sunshine. She no longer takes delight in the little things, instead she spends her days and nights crying. I had hoped this change of scenery would do us all good. But it seems to bring about no improvement. I will just be patient and wait for the healing wind of this beautiful place to blow all our troubles away. 

The Trial :(

~Chapter 8~


Today, the whole family was forced to attend Justine's trial. She was serene as she appeared in the court room. I could barely stand the hateful atmosphere in there. There were so many people in there that judged her by what they had heard. They didn't know her like we did. They didn't know she was  incapable of such a heinous crime. The evidence was overwhelming. All this took their toll on Justine. I watched her face change from calm to turmoil and horror. She pleaded her innocence stating her story. She claimed that she had no idea how the locket of my late wife ended up in her pocket, just that it was there all of a sudden. This puts some doubt in me, but i try to resist it. How could she have not noticed it suddenly there? All of Justine's friends seemed to abandon her in her time of need until our dear Elizabeth came forward to speak on her behalf, but it changed not the opinion of the people there. It proved too much for Victor, that he rushed out of the courtroom. We shall have to wait until tomorrow and hear whether they have condemned Justine or spared her life.

*****

Alas! The murderer confessed in her last hours. It angers me and pains me to think that Justine led us to believe her innocence! Her calm demeanor and all the years spent under our hospitality and she dares betray us by taking a beloved one? All for ambition? She had us fooled! Elizabeth insisted on going with Victor to the murderess. I could not stand it, but in the end she went. Justine is dead now. In her death I hoped to find peace in knowing my son's murder was accounted for and she will be suffering the torments of hell. But my soul finds no rest. Why must a murder be appeased with another killing? I fear I will not last longer for this grief in my heart pains me so. The only thing that keeps me going through these days is my beloved family. I have learned to keep them close so as to not let them be ripped away from me. It will not happen to me again.

My Name is Alphonse...

~Chapter 7~


My friends and family call me Al. I'm starting this blog because of my shrink's recommendation. He told me to write all my feelings down and share them with my family. Seems like I'm having a little trouble speaking my feeling out loud. Truth is, i can't believe tragedy loves me. First my wife, and now my dear son William, my beacon, my light is gone. I blame myself though, I should have looked out for him more. Elizabeth unjustly blames herself but truly it is I who suggested a walk in those darn woods! I was the one that pushed everyone for  ten more minutes! If anyone is guilty of murder it is I.To think he suffered at the hands of this despicable villain is enough to boil my blood. Nobody truly believes Justine was the evil doer. She is like family to all of us and incapable of such transgressions against humanity, much less a boy beloved to all. We have lost two beloved people in one blow. Surely the fates have conspired against us. The only reconciliation I get from this, is that soon, I will see my beloved son Victor. Maybe he will help clear this whole mess up. But no one can bring William back to life. No one has that power but God himself.


*******


Victor is back home with us. He looks very different from the vibrant young man that left our household a couple years ago. It seems as if there's a heavy weight glooming about his demeanor. Seeing him filled the hole I had from the day he left us. He insists Justine is not the killer of our dear William. We all want to believe him desperately but all evidence points to her. I have mixed feelings concerning her. For now, all that's left to do is hope and pray that if she is innocent, her innocence shines through and helps her avoid certain death. 
.