Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press)
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Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press)
And then I thought again of his words—“I will be with you on your wedding-night.” That then was the period fixed for the fulfilment of my destiny. In that hour I should die, and at once satisfy and extinguish his malice. The prospect did not move me to fear; yet when I thought of my beloved Elizabeth,—of her tears and endless sorrow, when she
... See moreMary Shelley • Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press)
Once again, Victor thinks only of himself. "Poor Elizabeth will be so sad at the lack of my presence." He is despicable.
The leaves of that year had withered before my work drew near to a close; and now every day shewed me more plainly how well I had succeeded. But my enthusiasm was checked by my anxiety, and I appeared rather like one doomed by slavery to toil in the mines, or any other unwholesome trade, than an artist occupied by his favourite employment. Every
... See moreMary Shelley • Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press)
Learning from the cottagers and doing them kindnesses.
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. My vices are the children of a forced solitude that I abhor; and my virtues will necessarily arise when I live in communion with an equal. I
... See moreMary Shelley • Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press)
But in Clerval I saw the image of my former self; he was inquisitive, and anxious to gain experience and instruction. The difference of manners which he observed was to him an inexhaustible source of instruction and amusement. He was for ever busy; and the only check to his enjoyments was my sorrowful and dejected mien.
Mary Shelley • Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press)
Henry as Victor’s nostalgia.
Victor's recovery. Letter from Elizabeth. Explorations around Ingolstadt with Henry Clerval.
I prophesied truly, and failed only in one single circumstance, that in all the misery I imagined and dreaded, I did not conceive the hundredth part of the anguish I was destined to endure.
Mary Shelley • Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press)
She consoled me, amused her uncle, instructed my brothers; and I never beheld her so enchanting as at this time, when she was continually endeavouring to contribute to the happiness of others, entirely forgetful of herself.
Mary Shelley • Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press)
Every bit the opposite of our self-absorbed Victor.
Remember, that I am thy creature: I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Every where I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
Mary Shelley • Frankenstein: Annotated for Scientists, Engineers, and Creators of All Kinds (The MIT Press)
The monstrous spring from misery. The cure is literally love.