Atonement

My first encounter with the word atonement happened sometime around early 2008, when the movie Atonement, based on the novel of the same name by Ian McEwan, was in theaters. I saw the movie; however, I did not understand the meaning of the title under a year or so later when I finally learned the definition of atonement. Atonement is defined by Dictionary.com as "satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends." Those familiar with the plot of Atonement will find the title to perfectly represent the meaning of the novel/movie. I only read the novel recently, but it is one of my favorites, hence why I was so interested in researching the word atonement. I believe that atonement holds such a powerful meaning -- far more than words like amends or reparations. Atonement also often contains a religious connotation, as the concept of atonement is prevalent in Judaism and Christianity. I look forward to discovering more about the religious and secular meanings of atonement throughout history.

Katherine Swynford & John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster

Born in 1350, Katherine Swynford was the daughter of Sir Payne de Roet, a Flemish herald from County of Hainaut. At the age of sixteen, Katherine Swynford married "Hugh" Ottes Swynford, a knight from the manor of Kettlethorpe in Lincolnshire. She had three children with him: Blanche, Thomas, and Margaret. Hugh Swynford died sometime before she started her affair, but the specific year is not know. She originally worked for John of Gaunt as a governess for his two children, Philippa of Lancaster and Elizabeth of Lancaster. The Duke's wife, Blanche, had Katherine's daughter Blanche (her namesake) placed into the same chambers and allowed the same luxuries of her daughters. John of Gaunt also served as the godfather to her daughter Blanche.

After Blanche died from the plague in 1369, Katherine and John of Gaunt started a love affair that would produce four children out of wedlock. Their relationship endured through the Duke's second marriage to Infanta Constance of Castile, and after she died in 1396, the couple finally married in Lincoln Cathedral. Unfortunately their marriage only lasted three years. John of Gaunt died three years later in 1399. Katherine outlived him by four years. Their four children are John Beaufort, Henry Beaufort, Thomas Beaufort, and Joan Beaufort.

Source

Wealtheow's Internal Monologue

During my time at Hart I've become quite the effective moderater. Even before I came here I stabilized the feud between my dear brother Hygmod and Hrothgar. Coming here at first was extremely difficult, I'll admit, but I believe I have found an importance place here at Hart. Now I feel as though my job is to maintain harmony between my newly acquired tribe. Life, after all, is all about balance. Although I miss my brother and the Helmings dearly, I have finally grown somewhat accustomed to life with Hrothgar. He is strong-willed and stubborn, but ever since the attacks the fire in his eyes that once was diminishes by the day. Although my grace has been said to cast spells over others, my presence has no power to cure Hrothgar's anxieties. He won't talk to me about his emotions, but I can tell by his tensed brow and somber expression that he is deeply tormented. Alas, I have no power to console his woes. Every day I pray for Grendel to leave us alone, so the ferocity and passion will return to my beloved husband. I dream of the day where the people of Hart can live in peace.

I also sense a deep disturbance within poor, orphaned Hrothulf. He such a gentile, quiet boy but I sense something, to be it into simple terms, different about him. Sometimes I watch him as he sleeps. At times his sleeping face is serene, like an undisturbed stream, but other times I can tell he's in the midst of a terrible nightmare. During times like these I feel as though I should wake him, but for some reason I cannot bring myself to. I cannot even fathom what he dreams about considering his past, but unfortunately I know that his troubles are far from over. Although I try to make him feel as accepted as my own two sons, he knows as well as I do that he is not the same as them. One days my babes, the ones in which Hrothulf treated as his brothers, will have supremacy and rulership over him. He does not acknowledge this of course, in fact he barely speaks at all. While other boys his age are roughhousing, fighting, or courting, he prefers to either be alone, or in the company of an old man I know to be named Ork. Although the relationship is strange, I'm glad he has found at least some companionship. I doubt that Hrothgar knows, for he's too consumed with his own issues.

L'influence de la langue française

After the William the Duke of Normandy conquered England in 1066, the aristocracy was dominated by French speakers. Although those at the top spoke French, the peasantry of the country remained English-speakers. Although the French-speakers and English-speakers remained separate at first, over time the two languages began to merge due to either intermarriage, business, or simply interactions between the two. English was "demoted to to everyday, unprestigious uses," while French was the language of "the court, administration, and culture" (Lawless). During the occupation over 10,000 French words were added to the English language. Out of these 10,000 words, about three fourths of them are still used in Modern English. It's estimated that the average English speaker "who has never studied French already know 15,000 French words" (Lawless). In fact, there are about 1,700 identical cognate words between the two languages. The incorporation of French into the English language also contributed to one of English language's large amount of synonyms.

Sources:
http://french.about.com/od/vocabulary/a/frenchinenglish.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language

"The Reading Monster" by Patrick Brantlinger

1. Brantlinger claims that Frankenstein can be considered a political novel in some aspects. The novel was published only a couple decades after the French Revolution and the Enlightenment in Europe. Brantlinger believes that Victor Frankenstein can represent aristocratic oppression of the Ancien Regime. Likewise, the monster is a representation of the working-class. With these comparisons in mind, Victor can be seen as the powerful aristocracy overpowering the poor, in this case, the monster.

2. Frankenstein is a novel evaluating education, or rather "miseducations" in regards to science and literature. Both are very prevalent in the novel; Victor is constantly pursuing knowledge, in particular science. Brantlinger evaluates Mary Shelley portrayal of science -- she expresses the transformation from alchemy to modern science. Brantlinger claims that in the novel it is unclear as to whether the monster's creation is contributed to science or "black magic."

Literature is a very important aspect in the monster's life. Through his self-taught education by his accidental exposure to literature and his exposure to the family, he able to gain not only literacy, but human reason. Brantlinger does acknowledge that may be difficult for readers to accept the monster's literacy. Regardless, the monster's desire to join the family is similar to Victor's desire to obtain scientific glory, both of which fail in their pursuits.

3. Brantlinger also acknowledges the confusion about the monster's identity. The majority of those not familiar with novel assume that monster's name is that of his creator's. Although this is a shorter point in Brantlinger's essay, it still brings up an interesting point... why has the monster taken on the name Frankenstein? He believes that "because the monster is nameless, it makes sense to give him his father-maker's name." Brantlinger claims that the monster can be a representation of Victor's identity, or possibly Victor's alter-ego.  

  

Mary Shelley's Attitude Toward Victor Frankenstein

Mary Shelley portrays Victor Frankenstein as a complex character. On one hand, he believes that his creation will make a wonderful new species. He will be held responsible for such a noble discovery, and that idea excites him. As he progresses with his experiment, he begins to become obsessed; his creation completely consumes him, causing him to forget about his family and home back in Geneva. I think by portraying Frankenstein in this insane manner, Shelley portrays her belief about the dangers of modern science, and also obsession. Frankenstein's obsession leads him to do things that repulse him, like collecting bones and human remains. Although he feels some guilt, his encompassing passion convinces him to proceed with his experiment. 

Throughout the novel, Shelley gives the impression that she is Romantic writer. This is evident due to the contrast of scenes that take place when Victor is in a laboratory and when he is amongst nature. While he is creating the monster, he is filled with insanity and neurosis. He cannot sleep, nor does he interact with his loved ones. In contrast, Victor is the most content and at ease when he is in the presence of nature. Even after the monster is created, and William and Justine have died, he finds some solace in the company of nature. Victor's demise begins when he sacrifices himself to the powers and dangers of science. His succeeds in bringing the monster to life, but the creation is portrayed as a grotesque act, a far cry from his vision of glory.

Shelley portrays Victor in such a way that causes the reader to feel pity for him, but with an understanding that he is responsible for his toils. It is clear that Victor's demise was all his doing. He is responsible for the deaths by the monster, causing the reader to feel sympathy for the monster, not Frankenstein. Even before the reader discovers what the monster is capable of, and Victor's experiment is only in its early stages, Shelley makes it evident that this creation will only cause problems.

Favorite Scene from Frankenstein

Chapter 15 (in the Barnes & Noble Classics Edition)

My favorite part in Frankenstein was the monster's encounter with De Lacey, and eventually Felix, Agatha, and Safie. After observing the family for so long, the monster finally gathers the courage to seek the companionship of the family. Since the old man is blind, the monster believes that if he can win over De Lacey with his personality, in turn he will convince the others of his kindness. Unfortunately, before the monster can converse with De Lacey for a substantial amount of the time, the others return. They are terrified and repulsed by the monster's appearance, and Felix drives him away.

Up until the monster tells his story to Victor Frankenstein, my only perception of the monster was that of Victor's. When I discovered how eloquent and gentile the monster actually is, my opinion changed from believing he was evil and irrational. Upon hearing the monster talk about his isolation and desolation, I felt compassion towards him. I found myself hoping for a friend for the monster, hence why I was so anxious for his attempt to form a bond with the family he had been observed for so long. This is why his encounter De Lacey is such an important part in the story. The monster has what he wants right in his grasp -- a connection to human beings. But the reaction of Felix, Agatha, and Safie destroys this dream in an instant when the monster realizes he will never be accepted by humans due to his ghastly appearance. The reason as to why this part stands out to me is because I believe it shows how human the monster actually is. All in all he desires the same thing pretty much every human being does: acceptance.  

Memorable Books

1. Catcher in the Rye, JD Salinger. Before I read Catcher at the age of thirteen, I had never experienced a character that I could relate to as much as Holden.

2. The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath. I was 14. Although the novel is quite dark, I think it gives insight into mental illness and institutionalization.  

3. Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell. I was 17. Although writing my ID paper on Gone With the Wind was a tedious process, the hours of researching and writing did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel. It's the longest novel to date that I've read, and I felt very accomplished when I finished.

4. Harry Potter series, JK Rowling. My first memory of Harry Potter involved my dad reading the first novel to my brother and me when I was only four. I feel as though I've grown up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

5. The Fault in Our Stars, John Green. John Green is my all-time favorite young adult writer. I read his first novel when I was 14, and read his latest novel, TFIOS, this past year. John Green is amazing at writing books that can make you laugh one page, and cry the next.

6. The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald. I first read The Great Gatsby when I was 13. I had never before experienced such beautiful and flowery writing.

7. Atonement, Ian McEwan. 17. Such a heartbreaking novel, but I think Ian McEwan is an amazing writer.

8. The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison. 17. Before reading the Bluest Eye, I had never realized how much society values appearance. Toni Morrison is one of the my favorite writers.

9. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky. 13. Perks is my most read novel. I've probably read it about five times.

10. The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. 14. One of the most charming stories I've read. I like it to because despite my limited ability, I can still understand it in French.