“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, “Theology”
by Paul Lawrence Dunbar and “Tableau” by Countee Cullen, along with the film “Chasing
Coral” all exhibit the beauty of different perspectives. Loyola sponsors the
Baltimore Environmental Film Series every year. This year, “Chasing Coral” was
the film they presented. It was very intriguing and informative about the makeup
of coral reefs and the recent environmental effects by which they are
encompassing. Most importantly, it gave viewers a different perspective, similar
to “Frankenstein”, “Theology”, and “Tableau”.
When Victor Frankenstein first created
his animate creature, he was petrified by the monster’s appearance. In fact, he
left his own house just to avoid contact with his creation. Left alone in a new
world, the monster had to fend for himself. He learned to survive through food,
water, shelter, and warmth through fire. He also soon learned to communicate
through language. When Victor went to the glacier to destress, he encountered
his prior creation. The monster took him into a cave and discussed the
difficulties he had to face because of Victor’s departure. He also told Victor
about his neighbors and what he has learned from observing their behavior. This
activity provided the monster with a humane characteristic, inevitably forcing
Victor to look upon his creation in a new respect. As the two continue to talk
they seem to develop a bettered relationship, due to change in perspective.
“Theology” by Paul Lawrence Dunbar
also proves the beauty of perspective. He does this through belief and
religion. The quote “The upward longing of my soul doth tell me so” proves his
reliance on perspective and the confidence in his beliefs. In that particular
example, the speaker’s perspective provides motivation for his life on earth. “There
is a hell, I’m quite as sure;” tells us the speaker understands that if his
motivation fails, he will spend eternity in hell. Perspective in this poem is
the structure by which the speaker lives his life.
“Tableau” by Countee Cullen can be
summarized as an embrace between the white and black race, which was considered
socially unacceptable in earlier years of society. The speaker uses in-depth
imagery to describe the beauty of this mass believed inappropriate action.
However, her perspective differs from many others of this generation. Many have
found this embrace demoralizing and wrong, while the speaker uses phrases such
as “The golden splendor of the day” and “The sable pride of the night” as
descriptions. “Oblivious to look and word/ They pass, and see no wonder”
captures the innocence of the unity of the two boys and the difference in perspective
society failed to develop.
“Chasing Coral” was a fantastic film
focusing on the activity, makeup, and environmental factors of coral reefs. As
many know, coral reefs are a major scuba diving and sightseeing landmark for
people across the world. Many do not know however, the amazing perks these
reefs have for other aspects of marine life. While we perceive beauty, fish perceive
structure and hospitality. Over 50% of biodiversity of marine life is located
at coral reefs. That is ABSURD! As we continue to embrace the beauty of this
amazing structures, these underground “cities” continue to house more and more
species every day.
Perspective can provide extreme
differences in how many life their lives. In “Frankenstein”, Victor’s new perspective
of his creation can potentially result in a new and improved relationship. “Theology”
exhibits how perspective can alter an entire way of life through belief and
religion. “Tableau” offered a new perspective to a popular inhumane belief,
hoping to change the lives of many. Lastly, “Chasing Coral” provided evidence
of the contrasting perspectives different species encompass when gazing at the
beauty of nature.
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