Monster Island

Why are zombies so popular? I have friends who actually have set strategies and plans for if or when a zombie outbreak happens. No one I know is preparing for werewolf or vampire attacks. Zombies are a more believable monster made of infection and science. We know that science is capable of doing some catastrophic things. Why not a zombie like virus? Everyone in Florida knows about the Miami zombie. The homeless man that ate another mans face off. This was on the news, they actually said the word zombie. If that doesn’t say something big then I don’t know what will.

First off, having everyone you know turn into a mindless killer is fascinating for most people. This is not some creature from outer space or deep under the sea this is your Mom, your gym teacher, that lady who smiles at you on the way to work. These are the people you see every day, and now they are trying to kill you and eat your flesh. It’s a concept that hits home. Its not us against them its you against the world.

 In my opinion a zombie is the only monster that is acceptable to kill without remorse. No I take that back, it is necessary to kill as many as possible. A lot of movies and games take advantage of this violence and make it fun to kill zombies. They are not real people; they are not even on the level of any animal.

I think is was clever of David Wellington to have all third world countries thrive during the zombie outbreak. They are use to war and fighting for survival. While the average American has never had to. I think zombies are so popular is because the average Joe has no idea how they would react when the zombies started racing towards them. What kind of person would you be? Would you take charge and fight like a Somalia girl or would you run away cowardly like our main character? In every day life we hold back those animal urges and instincts. But once you have the chance to unleash them who knows what could happen. I think that is a very compelling fantasy. It is what drives horror, the idea of unlocking your primal self. 

Frankenstein

What makes a monster? Victor created the monster from the dead. Was the monster born a monster or was he shaped and molded to be one. Nature or nurture is the most fundamental concept in psychology.  Is it the chicken or the egg? Are you born with traits from your parents or are you shaped and molded into who you are. Although we don’t know who the real parents of the body are, I believe the monster was not born evil but instead made one by his experiences. Or lack of experiences. Victor should have taken responsibility and been a father to the thing he created. But he was cowardly and selfish. Children need a guardian to teach them right or wrong. They need to be around other children and adults to study and play. The awkward and ugly appearance of the monster frightened others he encountered. He had a good heart and tried to be normal. He saved a girl from downing and in return he was shot. The only way he could have been accepted is with the protection and guidance of a parent. The monster begged Victor to create a mate to ease his deep loneliness. For only someone like him could have accepted and cared for him. Victor agreed but then out of fear destroyed the female monster. The monster had hopes and dreams of a friend and when they were taken away he wanted revenge. The monster said over Victor’s dead body that he feels abandoned and taken advantage of. He was filled with self-pity and rage. We all can sympathize with the “monster.”

This is how he was shaped into being evil. Countless experiences taught him again and again that there was no hope for him. In everyone’s eyes he was evil, no matter what he did. Everyone had stereotyped him as monster. But the reader is left to ponder who is the real monster? Victor or the creature he brought to life? The monster is by first instinct kind and gentle but that kindness is beaten out of him. Victor on the other hand, created life for power hungry and naïve reasons. Then he left his miracle of science to fend for its self. Victor is not awkward and ugly like the monster. But on the inside he is selfish and cruel. In my opinion by the end of the book they are both evil. Together they fueled each other’s rage and drove one another to insanity. I guess it takes a monster to make a monster.

-Lauren Eisenburger