Hunters in the Snow

The short story "Hunters in the Snow" by Tobias Wolf consist of almost no emotions. Throughout the course of the short story, the three friends criticize each other rather than complement each other. I noticed Tub is the only character that shows real emotion. Tub opens up to Frank about hiding his true self. While Tub is seen as a practical joker and the butt of jokes by the other two characters, emotions is revealed at the end of the short story. Tub begins to speak about his weight and how he has been lying about his gland condition. "No body knows. That's the worst of it, Frank. Not the being fat, I never got any big kick out of being thin, but the lying" (Wolf, 200). When he beings to open up to Frank, Tub is for the first time seen as a realized individual. Tub and Franks true friendship is shown in the fact that the two of them are for the first time talking to each other about the struggles they have in their daily lives. Frank talks about his affair with the babysitter and Tub talks about his eating habits over four orders of pancakes with plenty of butter and syrup.

A Jury of her Peers

In the short story "A Jury of her Peers" by Susan Glaspell, a character change takes place when Minnie Foster becomes Mrs. Wright. In the short story, the other ladies at the house talk about how Mrs. Wright has changed over the last twenty years. "She used to wear pretty clothes and be lively- when she was Minnie Foster, one of the town girls, singing in the choir. But that- oh that was twenty years ago" (Glaspell, 415). At some point right before or during the marriage, she made a life style change. In the short story, when the murder takes place, her appearance and her attitude towards others has greatly changed. While reading the short story, I began to wonder why she made such a dramatic life change when she was married. I began thinking that it had to do with the relationship that she had with Mr. Wright. The puzzling component is that in the short story there are no signs of manipulation or abuse in the relationship. So, why the sudden change in the lifestyle of Minnie Foster?

Frankenstein #5

Throughout the course of the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the Monster is very observant. For example, through observations, the Monster learns about relationships. "I gained knowledge of brother, sister, and the various relationships which bind one human being to another in mutual bonds" (Shelley, 86). Through observations, the Monster learns a great deal about living in society. The monster reminded me that sometimes we can learn more from observing than participating. Through observations, we can see the bigger picture. The Monster was able to use his observations and apply them to his life. Just as the Monster, so can we apply our observations to our daily lives. Some things in life must be observed in order to be learned. Other things must be learned through our daily experiences. We can learn many things through looking at the life of the Monster in the novel Frankenstein.

Frankenstein #4

Throughout the course of the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the Monster learns how to be a human. The monster learns the simple ideas of the fact that there are different types of people in this world. "Other lessons were impressed upon me even more deeply. I heard of the difference of sexes and the birth and growth of children" (Shelley, 85). From the De Lacey family, the Monster learns most of what it is like to be a part of society. Through listening to their conversations and watching their daily movements, he learns to speak and become more a part of society. The Monster also learns how to love through observing the family. He learns of the love and acceptance that he deserves but does not receive. Ironically, everything that the Monster learns from the De Lacey family is learned through observations. The Monster does not even have the courage to approach the man until later into the novel. The Monster learns to be a part of society through the side characters that surround him throughout the course of the novel.

Frankenstein #3

In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the idea of a female monster is brought up. The female monster means different things to different characters. To the monster, the female monster is going to be his companion. In the Monster's eyes, the female monster will be the only other person on the earth that is just like him. The female monster will break the isolation that the monster is living with. The female monster will also be someone that is inferior to the Monster in the Monster's eyes. The female monster will have to learn just as the Monster did and the Monster feels as though he will have a purpose in life. His purpose will be to help the female monster. Along with the monster, Victor also had a view for the female monster. Unfortunately, Victor had a more pessimistic view of creating a female monster. "I was now about to form another being, of whose dispositions I was alike ignorant; she might become ten thousand times more malignant than her mate" (Shelley, 120). Victor believes that a mate is necessary for the monster. Although he believes this, he is afraid of creating another monster that could be potentially more dangerous than the monster that he first created.

Frankenstein #2

In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the creature finally gets the courage to approach De Lacy and the other people living in the cabin. During this scene, we get a good glance into the true personality of the monster. In this part of the novel, the reader learns that De Lacy is blind. Since De Lacy is blind, he looks at the monster with a perspective that is new to the monster. De Lacy is able to listen to the Monster without being terrified of his appearances. For the first time, the monster is able to express his true feelings and emotions. "I am a unfortunate and deserted creature; I look around, and I have no relation or friend on earth" (Shelley, 95). The Monster is quickly judged by a blind man. The Monster is judged for his personality versus his appearance. For the first time, the Monster has made a friend; a companion. Unfortunately, the first good thing that has happened to the Monster is taken away when he is faced with the family of De Lacy. Sometimes, as in the novel, it takes a new perspective to see past the appearance and see the personality of the person. 

Frankenstein #1

In chapter 13 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the creature realizes his true identity. Thus far in the novel, the monster had known that he was unlike the other creatures. But, until this point in the novel, he had not truly admitted his differences to himself. At this point, the creature sees a reflection of himself and his reaction is how he believes others see him. "Was I then a monster, a blot upon the earth, from which all men fled and whom all men disowned" (Shelley, 85). The monster has finally come to the realization that not only is he different from everyone else, but he is alone. He finally understands that he has no one that he can rely on. The people that he is counting as they people that are there for him do not even know that he exists. His lack of speech and social skills also help in leading him to his isolation. The monster is now ready to overcome his differences with society in order to overcome his isolation.