Frankenstein Quotes And Page Numbers

Frankenstein Quotes and Page Numbers: Unpacking Shelley's Masterpiece

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a gothic masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers centuries after its publication. Its enduring power stems not only from its chilling narrative but also from the profound philosophical questions it raises about creation, responsibility, and the nature of humanity. This article delves into some of the most significant quotes from Frankenstein, providing their corresponding page numbers (based on commonly available editions; page numbers may vary slightly depending on the specific edition) and offering insightful analysis of their context and meaning. Understanding these key passages is crucial to appreciating the novel's complex themes and enduring legacy. This exploration will help you understand the novel's impact on literature and its continuing relevance to contemporary society.

Introduction: Contextualizing the Quotes

Before diving into specific quotes, it's essential to remember that page numbers can vary depending on the edition of Frankenstein you're reading. This article will aim for consistency, using a common edition as a reference point. However, always refer to your specific edition for precise location. Furthermore, understanding the context of each quote is critical. Isolated sentences can lose their power and meaning without the surrounding narrative. We'll explore each quote within its literary context to better grasp its significance.

Key Quotes and Their Significance

The following sections explore significant quotes from Frankenstein, categorized thematically for clarity. Page numbers are approximate and may vary slightly based on the edition.

I. On Creation and Ambition:

• "Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay / To mould me Man, did I solicit thee / From darkness to promote me?" (Paradise Lost, X, 743-745, paraphrased by the creature). While not a direct quote from Shelley, this paraphrase from Milton's Paradise Lost is crucial. It highlights the creature's resentment and questioning of his creator. This powerful allusion sets the stage for the creature's subsequent actions and emphasizes his sense of abandonment and injustice. (Page numbers will vary significantly depending on the edition and its inclusion of this quotation).

• "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." (Chapter 11, approximately page 100). This quote reveals Victor Frankenstein's immediate reaction upon bringing his creation to life. The overwhelming horror and disgust highlight the catastrophic consequences of unchecked ambition and the unforeseen repercussions of scientific hubris. The stark contrast between his initial desire and his final disgust underlines the dangers of pursuing knowledge without considering ethical implications.

• "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?" (Chapter 11, approximately page 100-101). This passage reinforces Victor's immediate revulsion and the sheer terror he feels upon witnessing the creature he created. It also sets the tone for the rest of the novel, emphasizing the profound psychological impact of his actions. The use of words like "catastrophe" and "wretch" clearly emphasizes Victor's feelings.

II. On Isolation and Rejection:

• "I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous." (Chapter 16, approximately page 150). This quote from the creature powerfully articulates his plea for understanding and compassion. He argues that his monstrous actions are a direct result of his isolation and the rejection he faced from society. This statement reveals the creature's capacity for good and underscores the novel's exploration of nurture versus nature.

• "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." (Chapter 16, approximately page 150). This passage reveals the creature's awareness of his own potential for goodness and his profound sense of injustice. He compares himself to Adam, highlighting his right to happiness and the cruelty of his rejection. The reference to the fallen angel further emphasizes his sense of alienation and suffering.

• "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." (Chapter 16, approximately page 153). This demonstrates the creature's desperate need for companionship and understanding. His loneliness drives him to make extreme demands on Victor, revealing the devastating consequences of isolation and rejection. The request for a female companion underscores his need for connection and belonging.

III. On Responsibility and Consequences:

• "I, who had bestowed animation upon lifeless matter, had only accomplished the commencement of my labour; I had created a being capable of suffering, and I was now to become the minister of its fate." (Chapter 10, approximately page 90). This powerful reflection demonstrates Victor's growing awareness of the gravity of his actions. He realizes that his creation extends beyond mere physical existence, encompassing the being's potential for suffering. It highlights his emerging sense of responsibility for the creature's well-being and foreshadows the consequences of his actions.

• "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!" (Chapter 24, approximately page 220). This quote emphasizes the dangers of unchecked ambition and the potential for knowledge to lead to destruction. Victor's regret highlights the importance of humility and recognizing the limits of human capabilities. This serves as a cautionary tale about the pursuit of knowledge without considering its ethical implications.

IV. On Nature and Humanity:

• "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, 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!" (Chapter 24, approximately page 220). This statement, repeated for emphasis, acts as a final warning against hubris and the dangers of scientific ambition. It reinforces the novel's central theme concerning the limitations of human understanding and the importance of respecting the natural order.

• "I started from my sleep with horror; a cold dew covered my forehead; my teeth chattered; and every limb shivered." (Chapter 5, approximately page 40). This passage depicts Victor's initial terror after the creature's creation, highlighting the psychological and emotional trauma caused by his actions.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Frankenstein

These are just a few of the many powerful quotes from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Each quote, when considered within its broader context, contributes to the novel's enduring power and its continued relevance to contemporary issues. By examining these passages, we gain a deeper understanding of the novel's complex themes, including the dangers of unchecked ambition, the importance of compassion, and the enduring power of human connection. The novel's exploration of these themes continues to resonate with readers today, making Frankenstein a timeless classic. The quotes presented here serve as a valuable starting point for exploring the depth and complexity of Shelley's masterpiece, prompting further reflection on the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the responsibility that accompanies the pursuit of knowledge. The impact of the novel's exploration of these themes continues to shape discussions on bioethics, artificial intelligence, and the very nature of humanity itself. Through these key excerpts, we can better understand the powerful message Shelley aimed to convey, a message that remains as urgent and relevant today as it was in 1818.