Comparative Themes

Identity and Names

Overview

Both novels explore the significance of names and identity. In "Frankenstein," the creature is denied a name and identity, referred to only as a "monster" or "wretch," which impacts his sense of self and how he is perceived by society. In "The Handmaid's Tale," names are used as a form of control and ownership. Offred's name signifies her belonging to the Commander ("Of Fred"), and her struggle to maintain her true identity in a repressive society is a central theme.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Key Plot Points

• Creation of the Monster: Victor Frankenstein creates the monster, but denies it a name, which symbolizes the lack of identity and acceptance.
• The Monster's Rejection: The creature's search for acceptance and identity is constantly thwarted by society's rejection based on his appearance.
• Confrontation with Victor: The monster demands Victor create a companion, asserting his desire for recognition and identity.

Key Characters

• Victor Frankenstein: Denies the creature a name and identity, reflecting his failure as a creator.
• The Monster: Struggles with his namelessness and the identity imposed on him by others.
• Elizabeth Lavenza: Represents the idealized, passive female identity in contrast to the monster's undefined existence.
• Robert Walton: Acts as the recorder of Victor's story, his letters framing the narrative and emphasizing subjectivity.

Key Quotations

"I am solitary and abhorred."

• Reflects the monster's isolation and lack of identity.

"Increase of knowledge only discovered to me more clearly what a wretched outcast I was."

• Highlights the monster's internalization of his societal rejection.

"The wretch—the miserable monster."

• Victor's refusal to name the creature denies him a true identity.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Key Plot Points

• Offred's Struggle for Identity: Offred's name, signifying ownership by the Commander, and her attempts to remember her real name signify her struggle for self-identity.
• Name Changes: The handmaids' names change with their commanders, indicating their lack of personal identity and autonomy.
• Historical Notes: The discovery of Offred's tapes in the future and the academic discussion around them highlight the manipulation and control over personal narratives.

Key Characters

• Offred: Her name represents her struggle for identity within the oppressive regime.
• The Commander: His ownership over Offred is reflected in her name.
• Nick: Represents a connection to Offred's past identity.
• Serena Joy: Her identity is linked to her role within the regime, contrasting with Offred's struggle.
• Professor Pieixoto: His interpretation of Offred's story emphasizes the control over her narrative.

Key Quotations

"My name isn't Offred, I have another name, which nobody uses now because it's forbidden."

• Highlights Offred's internal struggle to retain her identity.

"I tell therefore you are."

• Emphasizes the power of narrative in maintaining identity.

"We are two-legged wombs, that's all: sacred vessels, ambulatory chalices."

• Reflects the reduction of women's identities to their reproductive functions.

Knowledge and Power

Overview

The pursuit of knowledge and its power link is a crucial theme in both texts. In "Frankenstein," Victor's quest for scientific knowledge leads to the creation of the creature, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical implications of playing God. In "The Handmaid's Tale," the regime uses selective knowledge and education to maintain control over women and suppress dissent. Offred's access to forbidden knowledge becomes a form of resistance against the oppressive system.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Key Plot Points

• Victor's Scientific Quest: Victor's obsessive pursuit of knowledge leads to the creation of the monster.
• The Monster's Education: The creature's self-education reveals the power dynamics between creator and creation.
• Victor's Downfall: Victor's failure to foresee the consequences of his quest for knowledge leads to his ruin.

Key Characters

• Victor Frankenstein: Embodies the pursuit of forbidden knowledge and its consequences.
• The Monster: Represents the results of Victor's misuse of knowledge.
• Henry Clerval: Contrasts Victor's ambition with a more balanced pursuit of knowledge.
• Robert Walton: His quest for knowledge mirrors Victor's, framing the narrative.

Key Quotations

"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world."

• Reflects Victor's ambition and the danger of overreaching.

"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge."

• Victor's warning about the pursuit of knowledge.

"I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body."

• Highlights Victor's obsessive quest for scientific power.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Key Plot Points

• Control of Information: The regime's control over knowledge and information is central to its power.
• Offred's Secret Reading: Offred's access to forbidden books and magazines represents her form of resistance.
• Historical Notes: The academic analysis of Offred's tapes in the future reveals the regime's manipulation of knowledge.

Key Characters

• Offred: Uses forbidden knowledge as a form of resistance.
• The Commander: His role in the regime reflects the power of controlling knowledge.
• Serena Joy: Represents the regime's selective use of knowledge to maintain control.
• Professor Pieixoto: His interpretation of Offred's story highlights the control over narratives.

Key Quotations

"Knowledge is power."

• Reflects the regime's control over information.

"The Commander's Wife directs, pointing with her stick."

• Symbolizes the control over knowledge and power dynamics.

"The pen between my fingers is sensuous, alive almost, I can feel its power, the power of the words it contains."

• Emphasizes the power of knowledge and writing in Offred's resistance.

Frame Narrative

Overview

Both novels utilize a frame narrative structure to present their stories. "Frankenstein" is framed by Walton's letters to his sister, through which Victor's and the creature's stories are recounted. This structure emphasizes the subjectivity and reliability of the narrative. "The Handmaid's Tale" is presented as a series of recordings discovered and transcribed by future historians, adding layers of interpretation and questioning the authenticity of Offred's account.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Key Plot Points

• Walton's Letters: The narrative begins and ends with Walton's letters to his sister, framing the story.
• Victor's Story: Victor's account is embedded within Walton's letters, providing a subjective perspective.
• The Monster's Narrative: The monster's story is recounted within Victor's narrative, adding another layer.

Key Characters

• Robert Walton: His letters frame the narrative, highlighting subjectivity.
• Victor Frankenstein: His story is central to the frame narrative structure.
• The Monster: His narrative adds depth and complexity to the story.
• Margaret Saville: The recipient of Walton's letters, representing the outermost frame.

Key Quotations

"You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been."

• Reflects the framing of the narrative and the sharing of cautionary tales.

"Frankenstein discovered that I made notes concerning his history: he asked to see them and then himself corrected and augmented them in many places."

• Highlights the subjectivity and unreliability of the narrative.

"Since you have preserved my narration," said he, "I would not that a mutilated one should go down to posterity."

• Emphasizes the control over narrative and perspective.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Key Plot Points

• Discovery of the Tapes**:** The narrative is presented as a series of recordings discovered and transcribed by future historians.
• Offred's Story: Offred's account is central to the narrative, framed by the academic analysis in the Historical Notes.
• Historical Notes: The academic discussion of Offred's tapes adds a layer of interpretation and questions the authenticity of her story.

Key Characters

• Offred: Her recordings form the core narrative.
• The Commander: His actions are recounted through Offred's perspective.
• Professor Pieixoto: His analysis frames the narrative and questions its authenticity.
• Margaret Atwood: As the author, her role is crucial in constructing the layered narrative.

Key Quotations

"The tapes were arranged in no particular order."

• Highlights the disjointed and fragmented nature of the narrative.

"Our job is not to censure but to understand."

• Reflects the academic approach to Offred's story and the questioning of its reliability.

"I wish this story were different. I wish it were more civilised. I wish it showed me in a better light."

• Emphasizes the subjectivity and personal nature of Offred's account.

Justice and Fears of the Time

Overview

Both "Frankenstein" and "The Handmaid's Tale" reflect societal fears and injustices of their respective eras. "Frankenstein" addresses anxieties related to scientific advancement, the French Revolution, and societal upheaval. The creature embodies the fear of the "other" and the consequences of societal neglect and rejection. "The Handmaid's Tale" reflects contemporary fears about declining birth rates, the rise of authoritarian regimes, and the erosion of women's rights, with the Gileadean regime representing extreme patriarchal control and religious fundamentalism.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Key Plot Points

• Victor's Scientific Ambition: Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of creating life highlights fears of unchecked scientific advancements and playing God.
• The Creature's Rejection: The creature's continuous rejection by society exemplifies the fear of the unknown and societal prejudice.
• The Creature's Revenge: The creature's vengeance against Victor and his loved ones underscores the consequences of societal neglect and injustice.
• Victor's Downfall: Victor's eventual isolation and despair represent the dangers of overreaching ambition and the failure to consider ethical implications.

Key Characters

• Victor Frankenstein: His ambition and subsequent guilt reflect societal fears of scientific hubris and the ethical boundaries of human knowledge.

• The Creature: A representation of the "other," highlighting fears of societal rejection and the consequences of neglect.

• Elizabeth Lavenza: Victor's fiancée, whose death at the hands of the creature underscores the personal costs of Victor's ambition.

• Robert Walton: An explorer whose narrative frames Victor's story, drawing parallels between his ambition and Victor's tragic fate.

Key Quotations

"You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been."

• This quote highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge without ethical considerations.

"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world."

• Reflects Victor's initial idealism and ambition, foreshadowing the tragic consequences of his actions.

"I am solitary and abhorred."

• The creature's lament reflects the consequences of societal rejection and the fear of the "other."

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Key Plot Points

• Establishment of Gilead: The rise of the totalitarian regime in Gilead reflects fears of authoritarianism and the loss of individual rights.
• Offred's Subjugation: Offred's life as a Handmaid exemplifies the fear of extreme patriarchal control and the erosion of women's rights.
• Resistance and Rebellion: Acts of resistance by Offred and others highlight the human spirit's resilience against oppressive regimes.
• Historical Notes: The epilogue reveals Gilead's eventual downfall, offering a reflection on the impermanence of oppressive systems.

Key Characters

• Offred: Her journey reflects the struggle for identity and resistance in an oppressive regime, symbolizing the fear of losing personal autonomy.
• The Commander: Represents the corrupting influence of power and the complicity of those who uphold the regime.
• Serena Joy: Her complex role as both oppressor and oppressed highlights the contradictions within the Gileadean society.
• Nick: His relationship with Offred represents a glimmer of hope and human connection amidst oppression.

Key Quotations

"We were the people who were not in the papers. We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the stories."

• Reflects the erasure of individual identities and the importance of personal stories in oppressive regimes.

"Nolite te bastardes carborundorum."

• A symbol of resistance and hope for Offred, emphasizing the human spirit's resilience.

"Better never means better for everyone... It always means worse, for some."

• Highlights the inherent inequality and injustice in the Gileadean regime.

Longing for Human Connection

Overview

Both "Frankenstein" and "The Handmaid's Tale" explore the deep human need for connection and the consequences of its denial. The creature in "Frankenstein" longs for companionship and acceptance, leading to tragedy when denied. In "The Handmaid's Tale," Offred's relationships highlight her yearning for genuine human connection in a dehumanizing system, offering moments of resistance and hope.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Key Plot Points

• The Creature's Creation: The creature's immediate longing for acceptance and companionship underscores the human need for connection.
• The De Lacey Family: The creature's failed attempt to integrate with the De Lacey family highlights societal rejection.
• Request for a Companion: The creature's demand for a female companion emphasizes his profound isolation and desire for companionship.
• Victor's Isolation: Victor's increasing isolation and obsession with revenge reflect his failure to maintain human connections.

Key Characters

• The Creature: His longing for connection and subsequent rejection drive the novel's central conflicts and tragedies.
• Victor Frankenstein: His inability to connect with his creation and his eventual isolation highlight the consequences of neglecting human relationships.
• The De Lacey Family: Their kindness and eventual rejection of the creature underscore societal prejudice and the impact of isolation.
• Elizabeth Lavenza: Her relationship with Victor represents the potential for human connection that is ultimately destroyed.

Key Quotations

"I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects."

• Reflects the creature's deep longing for companionship and the pain of isolation.

"I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart."

• Highlights Victor's failure to connect with his creation and the immediate consequences of his ambition.

"I am malicious because I am miserable; am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?"

• The creature's words underscore the relationship between his actions and his profound sense of rejection and isolation.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Key Plot Points

• Offred's Relationship with Nick: Their secret relationship represents a form of emotional resistance and a longing for genuine human connection.
• Memories of Her Family: Offred's memories of her husband and daughter highlight her yearning for the lost connections of her past life.
• Bond with Other Handmaids: Offred's interactions with other Handmaids, like Ofglen, emphasize the importance of solidarity and connection in resisting the regime.
• Historical Notes: The epilogue's analysis of Offred's story highlights the enduring importance of personal narratives and human connection.

Key Characters

• Offred: Her longing for connection and her relationships with others drive her resistance and provide moments of hope.
• Nick: His relationship with Offred represents a form of rebellion and emotional connection within the oppressive system.
• Serena Joy: Despite her role in the regime, her moments of vulnerability with Offred highlight complex human emotions and the need for connection.
• Ofglen: Her bond with Offred underscores the importance of solidarity and mutual support in resisting oppression.

Key Quotations

"We were the people who were not in the papers. We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the stories."

• Emphasizes the importance of personal connections and stories in resisting dehumanization.

"I want Luke here so badly. I want to be held and told my name. I want to be valued in ways that I am not; I want to be more than valuable. I repeat my former name, remind myself of what I once could do."

• Reflects Offred's deep yearning for her past connections and identity.

"Nolite te bastardes carborundorum."

• Symbolizes hope and resistance through shared human experience and connection.