Darn Monster Ruins Everything

"He had vowed to be with me on my wedding-night... Elizabeth alone had the power to draw me from these fits; her gentle voice would soothe me when transported by passion and inspire me with human feelings when sunk in torpor." pg 180-1

Victor feels Elizabeth is the only left source of happiness in his life. Foreshadowing her death, the only thing capable of keeping Victor sane was his companionship with Elizabeth. I just wanted them to get married already and every time I read into hope, the dumb monster came and tore it all away! Shelley creates the monster in part to accentuate and symbolize pure benevolence in his younger days, before he had experienced true rejection and heartache, and later, the malevalence found in souls who thirst for love. Frankenstein has this passion with Elizabeth and that dumb monster envies it. So what does he do? Strangles her to death on their wedding night. Thanks a lot for a happy ending to a happy story Shelley!!!!

Grief

Let me just say that I can't stand Azar. He comes up in the most disturbing stories, like when he blew up Ted Lavender's puppy (page 35) or when he kicked O'Brien in the head after their trick on Jorgenson (page 206). So when I re-read this chapter and the way Azar mocks the dancing girl, I felt like I'd like to say some not-so-nice things to Azar. Despite this, I don't know what it's like being in war; I know from this story that it changes people, but I am ignorant to the ways in which being out there messes with one's head and personality.

The dancing girl is a symbol for anyone who has ever lost a loved one, especially in a war. She dealt with the death of her family by putting "the palms of her hands against her ears... and [dancing] sideways for a short while..." (page 129). "Her face had a dreamy look, quiet and composed." This just suggests the human individuality of dealing of loss and disaster. We all have our own ways of coping: some weep, some grow silent and close off the world, some celebrate the life lost, some dance.

Belmonte

For some reason, I feel for this guy! Here he is watching Romero capture the hearts and eyes of all spectating. Belmonte came out of retirement to try and accomplish what only Romero could do. "He had meant to have a great afternoon, and instead it was an afternoon of sneers, shouted insults... Sometimes he turned to smile that toothed, long-jawed, lipless smile when he was called something particularly insulting" (pg 218). I don't think Belmonte is trying to be rude by smiling back, but merely trying to push past not only the physical pain, but also the pain of once-fans shouting out him. However, the fact that he came back and sort of played the bull-fighting system by giving tragic sensations to those in the crowd makes me frown on his lack of honesty in the sport he once was an 'aficionado' in.
To me, he symbolizes all who have tried and failed to recapture passion for something whether it be hobbies, relationships, or careers only to be overshadowed by the more interesting of the age. He could also be those who look for the glory for themselves and have a hard time sharing the limelight. "Glory fades and all we're left with are the memories made."