tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425514987715337437.post6143712304226219656..comments2024-03-26T22:47:45.276-07:00Comments on Intro to Critical Reading: Homeric Legend within FrankensteinAdamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302919444091859459noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425514987715337437.post-62488913511951902312012-02-19T10:43:04.548-08:002012-02-19T10:43:04.548-08:00I am interested in the Homeric reading of Frankens...I am interested in the Homeric reading of Frankenstein, and I'm interested in the Miltonian reading (although that one has been done to death). I'm also interested in how you might relate the two - which is where the initial big problem is. I have no idea whatsoever of what you're trying to do with Milton and Homer *together*.<br /><br />You briefly discuss the monster's strength, etc. While this is one surface-level way to connect the monster with Homer's heroes, I'd be much more interested in hearing about how we might relate the monster to the wrath of Achilles, to his love for Patroclus, for his choice of fame over a long life - and similarly, how we might relate him to the cunning of Odysseus, or Odysseus prioritization of home above all else, no matter what else he does or experiences. In other words - I don't see much that's Homeric in this Homeric reading of Frankenstein.<br /><br />Then you turn again, mysteriously, to Milton. Your discussion of Frankenstein in relationship with a modern reading of Milton is fine, but perhaps somewhat generic - and it remains unclear what you're trying to do with Milton and Homer together!<br /><br />Overall: You are arguing, basically, that we should see the Monster as Homeric because he is like a modern (which you connect with Homeric) understanding of Milton's Satan as the hero of Paradise Lost. That's a little tortured - it would work much better if you did something *with Homer* to justify your reading of Satan as true hero in Paradise Lost. Doing that in detail (bringing Homer, Shelley, and Milton coherently together) is what you needed. What you actually have is a very familiar reading of Frankenstein, with a Homeric twist that you don't actually do - you just gesture at it, rather than arguing it.Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16302919444091859459noreply@blogger.com