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Questions and Answers
What does 'his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips' describe?
What does 'his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips' describe?
The monster's features, just after creation.
What emotion does Frankenstein express in 'breathless horror and disgust filled my heart'?
What emotion does Frankenstein express in 'breathless horror and disgust filled my heart'?
Disgust at the monster's appearance.
What does 'demonical corpse' imply about the monster?
What does 'demonical corpse' imply about the monster?
The monster is dismissed as evil before he even speaks.
What does the quote 'I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends' reveal about the monster?
What does the quote 'I will glut the maw of death, until it be satiated with the blood of your remaining friends' reveal about the monster?
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What is the significance of the quote 'I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel'?
What is the significance of the quote 'I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel'?
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What does 'These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow-beings' indicate?
What does 'These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow-beings' indicate?
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What emotion does the monster express in '..I sat down and wept'?
What emotion does the monster express in '..I sat down and wept'?
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What does the phrase '..fearfully took refuge in a low hovel, quite bare' describe?
What does the phrase '..fearfully took refuge in a low hovel, quite bare' describe?
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What does the quote 'Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed' express?
What does the quote 'Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed' express?
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What does 'I feel the spirit of revenge enkindled in my heart' signify?
What does 'I feel the spirit of revenge enkindled in my heart' signify?
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What does 'I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind' reflect?
What does 'I vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind' reflect?
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What does 'The child still struggled, and loaded me with epithets which carried despair to my heart' reveal?
What does 'The child still struggled, and loaded me with epithets which carried despair to my heart' reveal?
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What is implied by 'I do not destroy the lamb and the kid to glut my appetite'?
What is implied by 'I do not destroy the lamb and the kid to glut my appetite'?
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What does 'the bitter sting of remorse will not cease to rankle my wounds' indicate?
What does 'the bitter sting of remorse will not cease to rankle my wounds' indicate?
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Study Notes
Monster's Appearance
- Described as having a "shrivelled complexion and straight black lips," highlighting the grotesque nature of his creation.
- Initial reaction from Frankenstein is profound disgust, marked by "breathless horror and disgust filled my heart," showcasing his immediate revulsion.
Perception of Evil
- The monster is labeled a "demonical corpse," emphasizing societal rejection and preconceptions of monstrosity before he even speaks.
- The first words from the monster are aggressive, stating, "I will glut the maw of death," revealing his violent nature and setting a tone of vengeance.
Struggle with Identity
- The line, "I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel," conveys the monster's inner conflict and desire for acceptance.
- Expresses feelings of isolation, stating, "These bleak skies I hail..." indicating that nature offers him more solace than humanity.
Emergence of Emotion
- The monster openly weeps, revealing vulnerability with "I sat down and wept," reflecting on his abandonment right after creation.
- Lives in a "low hovel, quite bare," which symbolizes his lonely existence and lack of place in the world.
Despair and Revenge
- In moments of despair, he questions, "Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence?" illustrating intense self-loathing and creating sympathy from the reader.
- Anger grows, expressed through "I feel the spirit of revenge enkindled in my heart," indicating a transformation into bitterness stemming from betrayal.
Regret and Humanity
- Vows "eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind," as a direct consequence of relentless rejection and his brutal experiences.
- Experiences guilt while recounting the murder of William, revealing humanity with "loaded me with epithets which carried despair to my heart."
Nature vs. Nurture
- Claims, "I do not destroy the lamb and the kid to glut my appetite," portraying himself as more compassionate and gentle than humans, suggesting an innate kindness undermined by circumstances.
Final Reflections
- In Walton's final letter, the monster reflects, "the bitter sting of remorse will not cease to rankle my wounds," a sobering acknowledgment of guilt and consequence, contrasting with Frankenstein's detachment from responsibility.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key quotes from Chapter 5 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Each flashcard presents a notable phrase and its context related to the monster's description and the creator's reaction. Dive into the themes of horror and creation as depicted in this classic novel.
