Key quote: "For when I would account to myself for the birth of that passion, which afterwards ruled my destiny"
Victor, Chapter 2
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Key quote: "For when I would account to myself for the birth of that passion, which afterwards ruled my destiny"
Victor, Chapter 2
Analysis
Victor reflects on the origins of his ambition. This highlights the theme of ambition, a force beyond his control.
Key quote: "... a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient"
Victor, Chapter 2
Analysis
Victor critiques his father's dismissal of modern science, indicating his relentless pursuit of knowledge. This contributes to the theme of ambition, showcasing Victor's defiance towards traditional beliefs.
Key quote: "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge ..."
Victor, Chapter 4
Analysis
Victor warns Walton about the dangers of ambition, suggesting that knowledge can lead to destruction. This emphasises the theme of ambition, portraying knowledge as a double-edged sword with perilous consequences.
Key quote: "Are you, then, so easily turned from your design?"
Victor, Walton in continuum
Analysis
Victor challenges Walton's wavering determination, highlighting his relentless pursuit of goals. This reinforces the theme of ambition, illustrating the perseverance required to achieve one's ambitions.
Key quote: "I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path"
Walton, Letter 1
Analysis
Walton prioritises glory over material wealth, showcasing his ambitious nature. Walton seems driven by the need for recognition.
Key quote: "A new species would bless me as its creator and source;"
Victor, Chapter 4
Analysis
Victor anticipates the glory of creating a new species, highlighting his ambitious desire for power, control and recognition.
Key quote: "Sorrow only increased with knowledge. Oh, that I had for ever remained in my native wood"
The creature, Chapter 13
Analysis
The creature laments the anguish caused by knowledge, expressing a longing for a simpler existence in nature. This underscores the theme of nature versus nurture, portraying knowledge as a source of sorrow and discontent.
Key quote: "I have strangled the innocent as they slept and grasped to death his throat who never injured me or any other living thing"
Walton in continuum
Analysis
Walton reflects the creature's remorse for his violent actions, revealing the creature's transformation into a vengeful being. This highlights the theme of nature versus nurture, showcasing the impact of societal rejection.
Key quote: "The appearance of the monster; he seemed to jeer, as with his fiendish finger he pointed towards the corpse of my wife"
Victor, Chapter 24
Analysis
Victor observes the creature's malevolent glee, symbolising his transformation into a demonic figure. This emphasises the theme of power, portraying the creature's ability to inflict psychological torment on Victor.
Key quote: "I saw around me nothing but a dense and frightful darkness, penetrated by no light but the glimmer of two eyes that glared upon me"
Victor, Chapter 21
Analysis
Victor describes his sense of isolation and terror, symbolising the creature's dominance over him. This underscores the theme of power, illustrating the creature's ability to instil fear and paranoia in Victor.
Key quote: "Frankenstein discovered that I made notes concerning his history; he asked to see them and then himself corrected and augmented them in many places ..."
Walton, Chapter 24
Analysis
The creature reveals Victor's manipulation of his narrative, highlighting Victor's exertion of power and control. This contributes to the theme of power, portraying Victor as shaping the perception of his creation for his own benefit.
Key quote: "The appearance of Justine was calm"
Victor, Chapter 8
Analysis
Victor objectifies Justine, focusing solely on her outward appearance. This reflects the theme of gender, illustrating Victor's superficial relationship with women.
Key quote: "The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence ..."
Victor, Chapter 8
Analysis
Victor compares his suffering to Justine's, portraying himself as the true victim. This reinforces the theme of gender, highlighting Victor's inability to empathise with Justine's plight.