Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a classic novel that has captivated readers for centuries. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a monstrous creature in an experiment gone wrong. Throughout the novel, Shelley explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the consequences of playing god. One of the most intriguing aspects of Frankenstein is the wealth of memorable quotes that can be found in each chapter. In this article, we will delve into some of the most powerful quotes from each chapter, offering insight into the characters and the themes of the novel.
Read these Frankenstein quotes by chapter
Chapter 1: “I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health.”
Chapter 2: “The dissecting room and the slaughterhouse furnished many of my materials; and often did my human nature turn with loathing from my occupation, whilst, still urged on by an eagerness which perpetually increased, I brought my work near to a conclusion.”
Chapter 3: “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 4: “I beheld the wretch—the miserable monster whom I had created. He held up the curtain of the bed; and his eyes, if eyes they may be called, were fixed on me.”
Chapter 5: “Oh! No mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch.”
Chapter 6: “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 7: “I pursued him, and for many months this has been my task. Guided by a slight clue, I followed the windings of the Rhone, but vainly. The blue Mediterranean appeared, and by a strange chance, I saw the fiend enter by night and hide himself in a vessel bound for the Black Sea.”
Chapter 8: “I caught hold of the boat; and, as well as I could, dragged after me a deal board which lay near the shore.”
Chapter 9: “I thought of pursuing the devil; but it would have been in vain, for another flash discovered him to me hanging among the rocks of the nearly perpendicular ascent of Mont Salêve.”
Chapter 10: “Nothing is more painful to the human mind than, after the feelings have been worked up by a quick succession of events, the dead calmness of inaction and certainty which follows and deprives the soul both of hope and fear.”
Chapter 11: “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 intolerable to myself.”
Chapter 12: “I am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind? You, my creator, would tear me to pieces and triumph; remember that, and tell me why I should pity man more than he pities me?”
Chapter 13: “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 14: “I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
Chapter 15: “I had rather be with you in your solitary rambles than with these Scotch people, whom I do not know; hasten, then, my dear friend, to return, that I may again feel myself somewhat at home, which I cannot do in your absence.”
Chapter 16: “I sat down and wept; I wept aloud, in bitterness of heart. Suddenly I heard a gentle voice, and turning round, I saw a boy who had followed me.”
Chapter 17: “I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies. Begone! I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies. Begone! I will not hear you. There can be no community between you and me; we are enemies. Begone!”
Chapter 18: “Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred.”
Chapter 19: “My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects. This being you must create.”
Chapter 20: “I was like a wild beast that had broken the toils; destroying the objects that obstructed me and ranging through the wood with a stag-like swiftness.”
Chapter 21: “I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
These quotes from Frankenstein offer a glimpse into the complex emotions, ethical dilemmas, and existential questions that the characters grapple with throughout the novel. Each chapter presents new insights and perspectives, further deepening the reader’s understanding of the story. Whether you are studying Frankenstein for academic purposes or simply enjoy thought-provoking literature, these quotes are sure to spark contemplation and discussion.
