Frankenstein Key Quotes

• "For when I would account to myself for the birth of that passion, which afterwards ruled my destiny"

  Victor, Chapter 2

  Victor reflects on the origins of his ambition. This highlights the theme of ambition, a force beyond his control.
• "... a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient"

  Victor, Chapter 2


  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.
• "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge ..."

  Victor, Chapter 4


  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.
• "Are you, then, so easily turned from your design?"

  Victor, Walton in continuum


  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.
•  "I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path"

  Walton, Letter 1


  Walton prioritises glory over material wealth, showcasing his ambitious nature. Walton seems driven by the need for recognition.
• "A new species would bless me as its creator and source;"

  Victor, Chapter 4


  Victor anticipates the glory of creating a new species, highlighting his ambitious desire for power, control and recognition.
• "Sorrow only increased with knowledge. Oh, that I had for ever remained in my native wood"

  The creature, Chapter 13


  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.
•  "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


  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.
• "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


  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.
• "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


  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.
•  "Frankenstein discovered that I made notes concerning his history; he asked to see them and then himself corrected and augmented them in many places ..."

  The creature, Chapter 24


  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.
• "The appearance of Justine was calm"

  Victor, Chapter 8


  Victor objectifies Justine, focusing solely on her outward appearance. This reflects the theme of gender, illustrating Victor's superficial relationship with women.
• "The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence ..."

  Victor, Chapter 8


  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.