Title
Truth in Listening: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Date
5-30-2013 10:20 AM
Location
Health and Wellness Center (HWC) 205
Department
English, Writing and Linguistics
Session Chair
Marjory Lange
Session Title
English: Linguistics, Literature, Writing
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Marjory Lange
Presentation Type
Symposium
Abstract
In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, the act of listening reveals what cannot be seen: ideas, history and truth. The only people who discover the inner goodness of both the creature and Frankenstein are those who listen to their tales before judging them. Characters who are capable of ‘hearing’ beyond what they initially experience, discover the truth, while those who rely on sight alone are blinded to innocence, purity of intentions and virtue. Truth, in fact, cannot be seen at all; it must be heard.
Recommended Citation
Sanderson, Heather, "Truth in Listening: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein" (2013). Academic Excellence Showcase Schedule. 9.
http://digitalcommons.wou.edu/aes_event/2013/ewl/9
Truth in Listening: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Health and Wellness Center (HWC) 205
In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, the act of listening reveals what cannot be seen: ideas, history and truth. The only people who discover the inner goodness of both the creature and Frankenstein are those who listen to their tales before judging them. Characters who are capable of ‘hearing’ beyond what they initially experience, discover the truth, while those who rely on sight alone are blinded to innocence, purity of intentions and virtue. Truth, in fact, cannot be seen at all; it must be heard.