If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Nothing could equal my delight on seeing Clervel []. (15.8) This is a communication that both the monster and Victor probably wish they'd never read. "Doctor Waldman: You really believe you can bring life to the dead? Frankenstein Quotes By Chapter, Volume I, Letters. Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, released in 1818, is a classic tale of Victor Frankensteins creation of a living being composed of dead body parts. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. WebVictor's studies give him the education and ability to reanimate life. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, 40 Best Frankenstein's Monster Quotes By Mary Shelley, Best 'Frankenstein' Quotes From The Movies, 41 Quotes From Frankenstein For Your Gothic Literature Studies, 32 Richard Siken Quotes From The Inspiring 'Crush' Poet, 30 The Purpose Driven Life Quotes From The Famous Bible Study, 70 Best Salon Quotes And Sayings To Leave You Feeling Beautiful. Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? Frankenstein quotes from the monster #1: Important quotes from frankenstein i shall certainly find no friend on the wide ocean, i desire the company of 1 / 10. As soon as the creature is completed, Frankenstein's beautiful dream turns into a deformed, hideous reality. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. Frankenstein Now I know what it feels like to be God! Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed?, ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Page 128, Anguish and despair had penetrated into the core of my heart; I bore a hell within me, which nothing could extinguish., ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: Victor Frankenstein as the narrator), Page 128, One as deformed and horrible as myself, could not deny herself to me. Nature reminds him that he is just a man, and therefore powerless to the great forces of the world. Beautiful! "Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. Many things I read surpassed my understanding and experience. I determined to go without a guide, for I was well acquainted with the path, and the presence of another would destroy the solitary grandeur of the scene." "Accursed creator! "Its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed that it was the wretch, the filthy demon to whom I had given life. Look at that castle which overhangs yon precipice; and that also on the island, almost concealed amongst the foliage of those lovely trees; and now that group of labourers coming from among their vines; and that village half hid in the recess of the mountain. 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Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and be overwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures., ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: Robert Walton), Page 18, I agree with you, replied the stranger; we are unfashioned creatures, but half made up, if one wiser, better, dearer than ourselves such a friend ought to be do not lend his aid to perfectionate our weak and faulty natures. Bits of murderers? Farewell., ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Page 216. Keep an eye on your inbox. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. I chose to go back to the original (though edited by Percy Shelley) text for this project. (Chapter 15). When Victor aka Dr. Frankenstein was asked asked as to why he created the monster, he replied, "A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. Why does man boast of sensibilities superior to those apparent in the brute; it only renders them more necessary beings. Who was I? He can no longer be a subject for pity; we must reserve that for his miserable survivors. Frankenstein's achievement is so disturbing that he runs away from it immediately. This passage returns to the theme of enlightenment, reiterating that the singleminded search for enlightenment makes a peaceful life impossible. Share this post with your classmates if youve found it useful. Captain Walton writes these lines in a letter to his sister at the close of the novel. Victor Moritz: Henry - In the name of God! Nothing contributes so much to tranquillize the mind as a steady Pearson, Julia. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man!, ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Page 91, I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time during may months, calm and serene joy. Soon these burning miseries will be extinct. Discover the meaning of these important passages, as well as how each quote connects to the novel's broader themes. You may deem me romantic, my dear sister, but I bitterly feel the want of a friend. This statement is made by Victor Frankenstein at the start of the novel as he recounts his childhood to Captain Walton. He feels that learning enlightens the soul. Below is a list of significant quotes from Frankenstein regrets giving life to this monster and escapes. But these are not thoughts befitting me; I will endeavor to resign myself cheerfully to death, and will indulge a hope of meeting you in another world.. FRANKENSTEIN QUOTES Who shall conceive the horrors of my secret toil, as I dabbled among the unhallowed damps of the grave, or tortured the living animal to animate the lifeless clay? My organs were indeed harsh, but supple; and although my voice was very unlike the soft music of their tones, yet I pronounced such words as I understood with tolerable ease. I, who had ever been surrounded by amiable companions, continually engaged in endeavouring to bestow mutual pleasure, I was now alone. Apart from emotion, he learns French and calls it godlike science. It had then filled me with a sublime ecstasy, that gave wings to the soul, and allowed it to soar from the obscure world to light and joy. I could not doubt it. The creature compares his experience in the De Lacey cottage to the fable of the ass and the lap-dog, in which the ass pretends to be a lap dog and gets beaten for his behavior. "When I looked around I saw and heard of none like me. You purpose to kill me. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: Quotes Explained | Literature Evil stitched to evil stitched to evil. WebThe role of education and literacy in Frankenstein is to allow a creature who is not a man to learn about the world of man and its culture. ", 8. These questions continually recurred, but I was unable to solve them." . We rise; One wandering thought pollutes the day. The sight of the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect of solemnizing my mind and causing me to forget the passing cares of life. Related Characters: Robert Walton (speaker), Margaret Saville Related Themes: Page Number and Citation: 10 Cite this Quote For a long time I could not conceive how one man could go forth to murder his fellow, or even why there were laws and governments; but when I heard details of vice and bloodshed, my wonder ceased, and I turned away with disgust and loathing., ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Page 110, I learned that the possessions most esteemed by your fellow-creatures were, high and unsullied descent united with riches. I look on the hands which executed the deed; I think on the heart in which the imagination of it was conceived, and long for the moment when these hands will meet my eyes, when that imagination will haunt my thoughts no more., ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Pages 214, 215, Polluted by crimes, and torn by the bitterest remorse, where can I find rest but in death?, ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Page 215, But soon, he cried, with sad and solemn enthusiasm, I shall die, and what I now feel be no longer felt. This underlines one of the novels central themes: the importance of having companions. Frankenstein cannot bear being without his family and friends. Its making him mad. Like the archangel who aspired to omnipotence, I am chained in an eternal hell. Frankenstein If you will comply with my conditions, I will leave them and you at peace; but if you refuse, I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends., ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: Victor Frankenstein), Page 90, I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Page 90, Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it., Listen to me, Frankenstein. Go and see for yourself. It has never lived. Pearson, Julia. Frankenstein Quotes by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley We are not providing medical, health care, nutrition therapy, or coaching services to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any kind of physical ailment, mental or medical condition. beloved friend! WebHis friends mourn and weep, but he is at rest: he does not now feel the murderers grasp; a sod covers his gently form, and he knows no pain. I was, besides, endowed with a figure hideously deformed and loathsome; I was not even of the same nature as man. []vivid flashes of lightning dazzled my eyes, illuminating the lake, making it appear like a vast sheet of fire; then for an instant every thing seemed of a pitchy darkness, until the eye recovered itself from the preceding flash. You accuse me of murder; and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. "You must create a female for me, with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being. "I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. Follow me; I seek the everlasting ices of the north, where you will feel the misery of cold and frost to which I am impassive. ", 15. I do not ever remember to have trembled at a tale of superstition, or to have feared the apparition of a spirit. Alas! The Monster and the Humanities Here you will find the Creature's words to Victor. If you like our article on Frankenstein monster then do check out 'Dracula' quotes and Mary Shelley quotes. He finds some answers in reading the classics of literature. Embrace fond woe, or cast our cares away; "When I was unseen and unknown, and which rather increased than satisfied the desire I had of becoming one among my fellows. Frankenstein Quotes Explained "You do not quite get what I mean. "A man would make but a very sorry chemist if he attended to that department of human knowledge alone. In spite of the We feel, conceive, or reason; laugh or weep, ", 18. "Dangerous? You hate me; but your abhorrence cannot equal that with which I regard myself. I went back to the text to see how relevant it is in its original form, and pulled these 40 quotes to show how truly great Frankenstein is. ", 13. Study had before secluded me from the intercourse of my fellow-creatures, and rendered me unsocial; but Clervel called forth the better feelings of my heart; he taught me again to love the aspect of nature, and the cheerful faces of children. "There is something at work in my soul, which I do not understand. Nothing contributes so much to tranquillize the mind as a steady purpose- a point on which the soul can focus its intellectual eye, ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: Robert Walton), Page 8, My education was neglected, yet I was passionately fond of reading., I also became a poet, and for one year lived in a Paradise of my own creation; I imagined that I also might obtain a niche in the temple where the names of Homer and Shakespeare are consecrated., My life might have been passed in ease and luxury, but I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path. Great God! I made it with my own hands, from the bodies I took from graves, from the gallows, anywhere! WebLetter 2 Quotes I have no friend, Margaret: when I am glowing with the enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy; if I am assailed by disappointment, no one will endeavour to sustain me in dejection. While Frankenstein discovers the physical and metaphysical secrets, his creation is obsessed with more philosophical "secrets" of life: what is the meaning of life? He is able to read which helps in shaping his identity. WebGCSE English Literature Frankenstein learning resources for adults, children, parents and teachers. The creature warned Frankenstein that he would be with Frankenstein and Elizabeth on the night of their wedding, and Frankenstein took this as the creature was going to kill him; In that hour I should die, and at once satisfy and extinguish his malice. https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-quotes-4582659 (accessed May 1, 2023). Frankenstein: The Monster Quotes | SparkNotes "Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou dravest from joy for no misdeed. ", 26. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. what did this mean? What was I? ", 36. ", 14. Who am I? the creature asks. I sympathized with, and partly understood them, but I was unformed in mind, I was dependent on none, and related to none . "So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation." To be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate, but the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious self-interest, are full of brotherly love and charity., ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Page 125, Cursed, cursed creator! "I will revenge my injuries; if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear. My companion must be of the same species, and have the same defects with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being, ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Page 136, If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!, ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: The Monster), Page 137, It is true, we shall be monsters, cut off from all the world; but on that account we shall be more attached to one another., If I have no ties and no affections, hatred and vice must be my portion; the love of another will destroy the cause of my crimes, and I shall become a thing of whose existence every one will be ignorant. Frankenstein: Quotes about Science I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature. Accursed creator! After much anguish and conflict, Victor wants to end his creation and destroy himself. ", 6. He personifies his soulthe soul of Frankensteinand claims that his soul told him he would discover the secrets of the world. Rejected by his creator, the monster tries to learn about humans by observing a family. This does not influence our choices. Satan had his companions, fellow devils, to admire and encourage him, but I am solitary and abhorred." Now two people are dead because of us. and wherefore was it glorious? But I am a blasted tree; the bolt has entered my soul; and I felt then that I should survive to exhibit, what I shall soon cease to be a miserable spectacle of wrecked humanity, pitiable to others, and abhorrent to myself., ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: Victor Frankenstein as the narrator), Page 155, But he found that a travellers life is one that includes much pain amidst its enjoyments. What did this mean? By bringing the creature to life, Frankenstein succeeds in his inquiry, but that form of scientific enlightenment cannot answer the creature's existential questions. Frankenstein Quotes: Ambition | SparkNotes In the university whither I was going I must form my own friends and be my own protector. "It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or in it highest sense, the physical secrets of the world." I cannot describe to you the agony that these reflections inflicted upon me; I tried to dispel them, but sorrow only I created it. He believes that he can also possess the same powers that are possessed by women when they give birth to young ones. If our impulses were confined to hunger, thirst, and desire, we might be nearly free; but now we are moved by every wind that blows and a chance word or scene that that word may convey to us., We rest; A dream has power to poison sleep. (Chapter 15). Henry strives to attain knowledge and sees importance in going to great lengths to receive an education. ", 24. What is the purpose? The following Frankenstein quotes address the novel's key themes, including the pursuit of knowledge, the power of nature, and human nature. These are the reflections of the first days; but when the lapse of time proves the reality of the evil, then the actual bitterness of grief commences. His love for nature and the perspective it provides is invoked throughout the novel. The novel has become a classic work of Romantic literature and has been adapted numerous times in different forms of media. Frankenstein Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. 33. The summer months passed while I was thus engaged, heart and soul, in one pursuit. While living in the De Lacey cottage, strove to gain acceptance from the family despite his "harsh" appearance. (Chapter 24). Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is about a scientist named Victor Frankenstein. '", 19. This creation, in essence, This quote is on page 163 of Frankenstein by the Monster. "I desire the company of a man of a man who could sympathise with me, whose eyes would reply to mine." Poor old Waldman. This ice is not made of such stuff as your hearts may be; it is mutable and cannot withstand you if you say that it shall not. But I I have lost everything, and cannot begin life anew., ~Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, (Character: Victor Frankenstein), Page 19. What may not be expected in a country of eternal light? "You fool, Victor Frankenstein of Geneva, how could you know what you had unleashed? Henry adores the use of languages and the emotions it can evoke from a person. Frankenstein Setting Quotes. Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is 200 years old, but the story is as fresh as areanimated corpse? 'Frankenstein' Quotes Explained. Isolation in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley | Theme, Quotes Why did I live? Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. This passage suggests that science can only go so far in helping us understand the world, as it cannot answer our existential and moral questions. According to the creature, Adam is beautiful and alluring" in the image of the almighty, but Frankensteins creation is filthy and horrid. This contrast demonstrates the stark difference between the abilities of God and the abilities of Frankenstein. 'All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Do you need to write about Frankenstein, but its hard to find what you need? I could not doubt it. A thousand times rather would I have confessed myself guilty of the crime ascribed to Justine; but I was absent when it was committed, and such a declaration would have been considered as the ravings of a madman, and would not have exculpated her who suffered through me. I, who had ever been surrounded by amiable companions, continually engaged in endeavouring to bestow mutual pleasureI was now alone. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. The ambition of the inquirer seemed to limit itself to the annihilation of those visions on which my interest in science was chiefly founded. Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. ", 9. WebFrankenstein Quotes and Analysis I felt the greatest eagerness to hear the promised narrative, partly from curiosity, and partly from a strong desire to ameliorate his fate, if it The quote also raises the question of ultimate responsibility for the murders committed by the creature. Mary Shelley. . It is so long before the mind can persuade itself that she whom we saw every day and whose very existence appeared a part of our own can have departed foreverthat the brightness of a beloved eye can have been extinguished and the sound of a voice so familiar and dear to the ear can be hushed, never more to be heard. All men hate the wretched; how, then, must I be hated, who am miserable beyond all living things! Analyze the creature's quotations and learn about his thoughts and Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. My life had hitherto been remarkably secluded and domestic, and this had given me invincible repugnance to new countenances. Julia Pearson is a writer and editor who specializes in English literature and composition, creating content in partnership with CollegeBoard for CLEP study guides. Thus, Shelley seems to be asking whether such an ambition is a worthwhile goal, and whether such knowledge is truly enlightening.