Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This book was different from the other novels in many ways. Normally, there are females, or heroines that change the story's plot. In this story, Dr. Jekyll had accomplished alot as a scientist and had an eminent future. This wasn't something that gave him satification, for he was very unhappy and wanted to perform a experiment that gave him excitement in his life. This was where Hyde came into play which was the most confusing part of the story in my point of view. His dual personalities gave the book its twisted taste. At one minute, the doctor was partient, the next he was very impatient and violent. This is where good vesus evil came into play with the doctors fight over his self control. The ending of the book was very dramatic and confused me. Doctor Jekyll was said to have died as Hyde but transformed back into Dr. Jekyll. I felt this gave the reader a chance to figure it out for themself. Stevenson's main focus in the novel is on this struggle between good and evil in Jekyll's soul. This was what really caught my attention and gave me the feeling of connection to this story. The sybolic evidence of Jekyll's dual nature really gave this story a great gothic tone.

The Mortal Immortal

Science fiction is brought into play in Mary Shelley's short story "Mortal Immortal." What was impossible seemed possible in this story. Winzy, the main character, has fallen under a "spell" working with Corneilus, the mad scientist performing the experiements throughout the story. Winzy had many desires in life, including his desire to make his lover that ran away come back to him. Shelley made this possible with a love potion that would send her running back to his arms. As a result of Winzy's hope to cure his love, he becomes a "Mortal Immortal." As mentioned in class, it may be hard to trust the narrator because of some of the comments made such as being alive for 323 years. It is hard to tell what is real in this story and what to believe. This short story really threw me through a loop and really got me confused. I wasn't sure what happened to Winzy at the end of the story.

Northanger Abbey

This was my most favorite of all of the books so far. Most everything about this book kept me attentive. Catherine Moreland was an eager young heroine that loved learning and reading everything about gothic novels, including her favorite "the mysteries of udolpho." The dramitic irony that was displayed throughout the book made this books master plot very interesting. Catherine had not a clue that Isabelle was betraying her by having an affair with her brother while dragging her along to hang out with her brother in order to distract her. I felt that the ending was very exciting with the accusation Catherine makes about General Tilney. It gave the book its drama that was needed to spice things up. Overall I think this book was great, considering it ended happily and Catherine was able to end up with Henry, the man she loved.

Romance of the Forest Part Two

Adeline has become more independent and bold at this point, in my point of view. After running away with peter this told me that she was willing to push the limits of the steriotypical role of a woman of her time. I believe by the end of the novel, Adeline gains affluence and tranforms from her role as the damsel in distress. She makes this obvious with her attempt to save Theodore, who had previously attempted to save her, from his death sentence. Overall I think this was a great book, and that Ann Radcliffe did a great job of portraying Adeline's transformation as unique, considering she gave off a fairly quiet, reclusive impression.

The Romance of the Forest Part One

This was a good book, very long! It was my first experience gothic romance in a novel. I felt like this book kept you on your toes and really thought that Adeline played a huge role of that. It was obvious that her imaginations would run wild. Adeline made it apparent that she would not let anyone, including men, control her. This may be the reason that every male had likeing for her and her rebel personality. I believe that Radcliff's creation of a beautiful, admirable heroine make this book memorable. The way the book was set up made it much easier to understand. I would like to read more of Radcliff's books in the future.

The Castle of Otronto

This book was very interested, yet very complex in my opinion. It had its ups and downs throughout the entire story. I felt like at times it was very bleak and I was unable to keep myself attentive. I did however like the ending. I also like how to story brought chivalry into play. How Theodore was always helping Isabelle get herself our of troubled situations was represented this in many ways. The very opposite of this however would have to be how Manfred cared more about the Helmet and its come abouts than he did about his own son's death. Overall I thought it was a good book and would love to read others like it due to the fact that I thought the overall tone of the book was very thoughtful.

About Me

Hey there! My name is Ross and I am a junior at TCU. My major is Environmental Science, and I plan on learning more about Gothic Literature and how it could possibly change my perspective of fiction as a whole. Gothic Literature does interest me in many ways, and has allowed me to view things in a different way.