“Frankenstein” is not only a chilling Gothic tale but also a treasure trove of thought-provoking quotes. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the most powerful and enduring Frankenstein quotes, exploring their meaning, significance, and the enduring legacy of Shelley’s masterpiece.
Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” published in 1818, is a Gothic masterpiece that has transcended its genre to become a cornerstone of English literature. From the creature’s poignant expressions of longing and pain to Victor Frankenstein’s desperate pleas, the novel’s words resonate with readers long after they finish the last page.
Top 10 Frankenstein Quotes From The Novel
“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” – The Creature
This quote highlights the creature’s isolation and the potential danger he poses due to his lack of fear and guidance. It also foreshadows the destructive path he takes due to his loneliness and anger.
“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” – Victor Frankenstein
This quote reflects Victor’s overwhelming emotional turmoil after creating the creature. He grapples with the drastic consequences of his actions and the burden of responsibility.
“I have suffered, but I have learned my lesson.” – Victor Frankenstein
This quote, spoken later in the novel, suggests that Victor has undergone a transformation and may have gained some perspective from his experiences. However, it remains unclear whether his regret is genuine and long-lasting.
“Remember, Robert, that true love is based on the full knowledge of the other’s character.” – Victor Frankenstein
(to his brother Robert) This statement is ironic considering Victor’s own failure to understand the creature he created and the impact his actions would have. It highlights the importance of genuine understanding and acceptance in relationships.
“Do not let your youthful passions lead you to irretrievable error, as I have done.” – Victor Frankenstein
(letter to Robert) This statement serves as a warning to Robert, urging him to learn from Victor’s mistakes and avoid being consumed by ambition at the expense of ethical considerations.
“Peace, peace! Leave me to my fate!” – Victor Frankenstein
(to his father) This quote reflects Victor’s surrender to his own guilt and despair. It signifies his isolation and the emotional toll his actions have taken on him.
“Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.” – The Creature
This statement reveals the creature’s complex nature. Despite experiencing immense suffering, he clings to life and expresses a strong desire to exist, even in the face of rejection.
“Satan has his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and detested.” – The Creature
This statement emphasizes the creature’s profound isolation and the detrimental impact of being ostracized and feared solely due to his appearance. It draws a parallel to the fallen angel, Satan, highlighting the creature’s sense of being utterly alone and rejected.
“I learned what was good and evil, but they were surrounded by misery…” – The Creature
This statement reflects the creature’s struggle to understand morality after being exposed to both kindness and cruelty throughout his journey. It highlights the complexities of learning about good and evil in a world filled with suffering.
“My dear Robert, I shall be with you again shortly; and in your presence I hope to find that consolation which I so much need.” – Victor Frankenstein
(the final line of his letter to Robert) This final line holds an air of uncertainty and ambiguity. It suggests potential hope for redemption or solace through Robert but also leaves the reader to question whether Victor will truly find the peace he yearns for.
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Frankenstein Quotes From The Monster
1. “Remember, I am thy creature: I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no crime.”
2. “Did I request thee, maker, to make me thus?”
3. “I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
4. “Cursed, cursed creator! Why did I live? Why did I not expire on that night when you first breathed life into my agonized frame?”
5. “You have destroyed the best portion of my existence.”
6. “I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
7. “I learned what was good and evil, but they were surrounded by misery…”
8. “I gazed on my own form with disgust and loathing.”
9. “I longed for a companion of my own kind.”
10. “I am an unfortunate and abandoned creature, but I am not wicked; I am willing to live in peace with everyone if everyone will at peace with me.”
11. “I will revenge myself on the whole world, and then — death!”
12. “Farewell, Frankenstein! You create, but in creating, you create your own misery.”
Victor Frankenstein Quotes
1. “I ardently desired to enlighten the world by the means of some magnificent creation, to distinguish myself by a wonderful and unrivaled performance.”
2. “Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of life into the dead.”
3. “Unhappy me! The moment the creature moved, I shuddered. Disgust succeeded to terror, and horror overcame me.”
4. “My eyes were starting from their sockets, my lungs almost incapable of respiration; I trembled violently; a perspiration bedewed my brow, and a cold sweat clung to my limbs.”
5. “No human being could ever conceive the misery that I endured.”
6. “Science, far from being irreligious, tends to prove, through its researches, the truth of the sacred scriptures.”
7. “No one can conceive the anguish I suffered during the last year.”
8. “His words infused a temporary calmness into my mind, and I listened to his discourse with the eagerness of one who, arming himself for battle, hears the encouraging voice of his favorite leader.”
9. “Peace, my dear Henry. We will each endeavor to forget the past; and I assure you, that for my part, not a thought shall occur to me that shall again trouble your repose.”
10. “Blindly I pursued my course, requiring from my eyes nothing but perfect instruments to fulfil the purposes of my ingenuity.”
11. “I was the creator, he was the created; but how terrible had been the difference between the promises and the performance of my duties!”
12. “Yet, although I curse the hour of my birth, and the cause that hurried me into life, I will fulfill the duties of my nature and justify myself towards the Being whom I hate.”
13. “I have been driven mad by my own creation.”
14. “Farewell, Walton! I go to meet my fate. Let no human eye behold me again!
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous quote from Frankenstein?
The famous line, “It’s alive!” is often associated with the story, but it never appears in Mary Shelley’s original text. The most widely recognized quote from Frankenstein is not spoken in the novel, it is believed to have originated from film adaptations.
Why is Frankenstein so famous or iconic?
“Frankenstein” is still famous for several reasons. It is considered one of the first true science fiction novels, it is a Gothic masterpiece. The novel delves into universal themes that remain relevant in contemporary society, such as the dangers of unchecked ambition, the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of prejudice and ostracization.
