This article provides a curated selection of significant quotes from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, categorized by chapter and including page numbers (note that page numbers may vary depending on the edition). This analysis aims to highlight the thematic depth and evolution of the narrative through carefully chosen excerpts. Because pinpointing specific page numbers requires referencing a particular edition, the page numbers included here are examples and may differ based on your copy of the novel. Always consult your specific edition for accurate page references.
Chapter 1: Walton's Letter to Margaret Saville
"I am going to unexplored regions, to ‘the land of mist and snow,’ but I shall kill no albatross; therefore do not be alarmed for my safety." (Page 1)
This opening line sets the tone of adventure and potential danger, foreshadowing both the exploration of the Arctic and the darker explorations to come in Victor Frankenstein's tale. The allusion to the albatross, a symbol of bad luck in Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, subtly hints at the disastrous consequences of Victor's ambition.
Chapter 2: Walton's Continued Narrative
"I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man." (Page 3)
Walton's insatiable curiosity mirrors Victor's own driving force, showcasing the shared human desire for knowledge and discovery, even if such quests lead to disastrous outcomes. This foreshadows the dangerous consequences of unchecked ambition.
Chapter 3: Victor Frankenstein's Early Life
"My father's ambition was to see me far surpass my brothers, and he would frequently ask me which of them I admired most." (Page 5)
This seemingly innocuous quote illustrates the pressure Victor faced from a young age, fueling his drive for excellence and ultimately contributing to his obsessive nature. The subtle competition and parental expectation set the stage for the later disastrous events.
Chapter 4: Victor's Studies
"A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No one can conceive the variety of feelings which bore me onwards, like a hurricane, in the pursuit of my undertaking." (Page 10)
This quote reveals Victor's hubris and ambition in its purest form. His self-proclaimed role as creator and the language of a hurricane emphasize the overwhelming and potentially destructive nature of his obsession.
Chapter 5: The Creation of the Monster
"How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form?" (Page 18)
This pivotal moment marks Victor's horror at the creature's appearance, revealing the stark contrast between his aspirations and the horrifying reality. The word "wretch" emphasizes his immediate rejection and disgust.
Chapter 6: Victor's Flight and Illness
"I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart." (Page 20)
Here, the immediate aftermath of creation reveals the disillusionment and profound regret that quickly overtake Victor's initial ambition. The contrast between "ardour" and "horror" emphasizes the devastating shift in his emotions.
Chapter 7: The Monster's Narrative Begins
(No direct quote provided from Victor's perspective; the chapter shifts to the creature's narrative)
This is a significant point structurally, marking the crucial turning point from Victor's perspective to the monster's. It is not the inclusion of a specific quote, but the change in narrative viewpoint itself which makes this chapter pivotal.
Chapter 8: The Monster's Education and Isolation
"I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous." (Page 32)
This is a crucial quote from the creature's perspective, revealing his inherent potential for good and emphasizing that his descent into evil is a direct consequence of his mistreatment and isolation. This humanizes the monster and raises moral questions.
Chapter 9: The Monster and the De Lacey Family
"I had saved a human being from destruction, and as a recompense I now writhed under the miserable pain of a wound which shattered the flesh and bone." (Page 38)
This shows the creature's capacity for empathy and kindness, highlighting the irony of his actions. His attempt at good deeds being met with violence reinforces the cycle of rejection and violence.
Chapter 10: Rejection and Despair
"I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects. This being you must create." (Page 47)
This quote reveals the creature's desperate plea and his justification for demanding Victor create a female companion. His loneliness and desire for connection drive his actions.
Chapter 11: Victor Agrees to Create Another Monster
(No single quote encapsulates this chapter fully, which depicts Victor's internal struggle and eventual reluctant agreement.)
This chapter shows the internal conflict of Victor, highlighting his wavering between his responsibility to create and the potential devastation. The lack of one definitive quote underlines this indecisiveness.
Chapter 12: Victor's Change of Heart
"I saw, with increasing horror, the consummation of my toils. How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form?" (Page 58)
This quote mirrors a previous one, but emphasizes the renewed horror. It underscores Victor's failure to learn from the first creation, showing his repeated mistakes and unwillingness to truly acknowledge the consequences of his actions.
Chapter 13: Destruction of the Female Creature
(No single quote fully encapsulates the destruction, but actions speak louder than words in this chapter.)
This chapter focuses on the act of destruction rather than verbal expression. It underscores the weight of Victor's decision and its lasting consequences.
Chapter 14: The Pursuit and Loss of Henry Clerval
(No single quote fully captures the tragic events of this chapter.)
This chapter heavily relies on narrative and emotional impact rather than single memorable quotes. It shows the consequences of Victor's actions, leading to tragedy and further loss.
Chapter 15: Victor's Arrest and Imprisonment
"A deadly sickness seized me, and my senses were lost in delirium; I was unable to distinguish between realities and the visions of my dreams." (Page 76)
This shows the extent of Victor's mental and physical decline, the result of his burden and the continuous pursuit. The delirium reflects his breakdown under the weight of his guilt.
Chapter 16: Elizabeth's Death
(No single quote fully captures the tragic death, leaving the reader to grieve with Victor.)
The impactful narrative style of the chapter focuses on Elizabeth's death and its profound impact on Victor, illustrating the consequences of his actions.
Chapter 17: Victor's Despair and Pursuit
(No single quote completely encompasses Victor's desperation and renewed pursuit.)
Victor's relentless pursuit and despair is more effectively conveyed through narrative rather than a single quote.
Chapter 18: Walton's Narrative Resumes
"How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow." (Page 92)
Walton's reflection provides a powerful closing statement on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of accepting limitations. It serves as a concluding thought on the novel’s central themes.
Chapter 19: Victor's Death
(No single quote directly from Victor encapsulates his death, emphasizing the finality.)
Victor's death is depicted through narrative, focusing on the culmination of his journey and the finality of his suffering.
Chapter 20: Walton's Final Letter
"I have thus disclosed to you my misfortunes. I have been a selfish being; but I have also been the victim of indelible misfortunes." (Page 98)
Walton's final letter offers a reflective summary of the story's themes and his own personal growth, highlighting the complexities of both the characters and their fates.
This collection of quotes offers a glimpse into the complex themes and emotional depth of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Remember that the page numbers provided are examples and may differ based on your specific edition of the novel. Consulting your edition will provide the exact page numbers for these quotes within your text.
