Reading Help Frankenstein Ch.1-9
beneficence and made the doing good the end and aim of his soaring `
` ambition. `
` `
` I feel exquisite pleasure in dwelling on the recollections of `
` childhood, before misfortune had tainted my mind and changed its bright `
` visions of extensive usefulness into gloomy and narrow reflections upon `
` self. Besides, in drawing the picture of my early days, I also record `
` those events which led, by insensible steps, to my after tale of `
` misery, for when I would account to myself for the birth of that `
` passion which afterwards ruled my destiny I find it arise, like a `
` mountain river, from ignoble and almost forgotten sources; but, `
` swelling as it proceeded, it became the torrent which, in its course, `
` has swept away all my hopes and joys. Natural philosophy is the genius `
` that has regulated my fate; I desire, therefore, in this narration, to `
` state those facts which led to my predilection for that science. When `
` I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the `
` baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a `
` day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of `
` the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory `
` which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he `
` relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed `
` to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my `
` discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page `
` of my book and said, "Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not `
` waste your time upon this; it is sad trash." `
` `
` If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to `
` me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a `
` modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much `
` greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were `
` chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under `
` such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and `
` have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with `
` greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the `
` train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led `
` to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by `
` no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I `
` continued to read with the greatest avidity. When I returned home my `
` first care was to procure the whole works of this author, and `
` afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus. I read and studied the `
` wild fancies of these writers with delight; they appeared to me `
` treasures known to few besides myself. I have described myself as `
` always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the `
` secrets of nature. In spite of the intense labour and wonderful `
` discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies `
` discontented and unsatisfied. Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed `
` that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and `
` unexplored ocean of truth. Those of his successors in each branch of `
` natural philosophy with whom I was acquainted appeared even to my boy's `
` apprehensions as tyros engaged in the same pursuit. `
` `
` The untaught peasant beheld the elements around him and was acquainted `
` with their practical uses. The most learned philosopher knew little `
` more. He had partially unveiled the face of Nature, but her immortal `
` lineaments were still a wonder and a mystery. He might dissect, `
` anatomize, and give names; but, not to speak of a final cause, causes `
` in their secondary and tertiary grades were utterly unknown to him. I `
` had gazed upon the fortifications and impediments that seemed to keep `
` human beings from entering the citadel of nature, and rashly and `
` ignorantly I had repined. `
` `
` But here were books, and here were men who had penetrated deeper and `
` knew more. I took their word for all that they averred, and I became `
` their disciple. It may appear strange that such should arise in the `
` eighteenth century; but while I followed the routine of education in `
` the schools of Geneva, I was, to a great degree, self-taught with `
` regard to my favourite studies. My father was not scientific, and I `
` was left to struggle with a child's blindness, added to a student's `
` thirst for knowledge. Under the guidance of my new preceptors I `
` entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the `
` philosopher's stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon `
` obtained my undivided attention. Wealth was an inferior object, but `
` what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease from `
` the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent `
` death! Nor were these my only visions. The raising of ghosts or `
` devils was a promise liberally accorded by my favourite authors, the `
` fulfilment of which I most eagerly sought; and if my incantations were `
` always unsuccessful, I attributed the failure rather to my own `
` inexperience and mistake than to a want of skill or fidelity in my `
` instructors. And thus for a time I was occupied by exploded systems, `
` mingling, like an unadept, a thousand contradictory theories and `
` floundering desperately in a very slough of multifarious knowledge, `
` guided by an ardent imagination and childish reasoning, till an `
` accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about `
` fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we `
` witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from `
` behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with `
` frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, `
` while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and `
` delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire `
` issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from `
` our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had `
` disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited `
` it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. `
` It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin `
` ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed. `
` `
` Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of `
` electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural `
` philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on `
` the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of `
` electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to `
` me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, `
` Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by `
` some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my `
` accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever `
` be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew `
` despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps `
` most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former `
` occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed `
` and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a `
` would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of `
` real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the `
` mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as `
` being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration. `
` `
` Thus strangely are our souls constructed, and by such slight ligaments `
` are we bound to prosperity or ruin. When I look back, it seems to me `
` as if this almost miraculous change of inclination and will was the `
` immediate suggestion of the guardian angel of my life--the last effort `
` made by the spirit of preservation to avert the storm that was even `
` then hanging in the stars and ready to envelop me. Her victory was `
` announced by an unusual tranquillity and gladness of soul which `
` followed the relinquishing of my ancient and latterly tormenting `
` studies. It was thus that I was to be taught to associate evil with `
` their prosecution, happiness with their disregard. `
` `
` It was a strong effort of the spirit of good, but it was ineffectual. `
` Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and `
` terrible destruction. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 3 `
` `
` When I had attained the age of seventeen my parents resolved that I `
` should become a student at the university of Ingolstadt. I had `
` hitherto attended the schools of Geneva, but my father thought it `
` necessary for the completion of my education that I should be made `
` acquainted with other customs than those of my native country. My `
` departure was therefore fixed at an early date, but before the day `
` resolved upon could arrive, the first misfortune of my life `
` occurred--an omen, as it were, of my future misery. Elizabeth had `
` caught the scarlet fever; her illness was severe, and she was in the `
` greatest danger. During her illness many arguments had been urged to `
` persuade my mother to refrain from attending upon her. She had at `
` first yielded to our entreaties, but when she heard that the life of `
` her favourite was menaced, she could no longer control her anxiety. She `
` attended her sickbed; her watchful attentions triumphed over the `
` malignity of the distemper--Elizabeth was saved, but the consequences `
` of this imprudence were fatal to her preserver. On the third day my `
` mother sickened; her fever was accompanied by the most alarming `
` symptoms, and the looks of her medical attendants prognosticated the `
` worst event. On her deathbed the fortitude and benignity of this best `
` of women did not desert her. She joined the hands of Elizabeth and `
` myself. "My children," she said, "my firmest hopes of future happiness `
` were placed on the prospect of your union. This expectation will now `
` be the consolation of your father. Elizabeth, my love, you must supply `
` my place to my younger children. Alas! I regret that I am taken from `
` you; and, happy and beloved as I have been, is it not hard to quit you `
` all? But these are not thoughts befitting me; I will endeavour to `
` resign myself cheerfully to death and will indulge a hope of meeting `
` you in another world." `
` `
` She died calmly, and her countenance expressed affection even in death. `
` I need not describe the feelings of those whose dearest ties are rent `
` by that most irreparable evil, the void that presents itself to the `
` soul, and the despair that is exhibited on the countenance. It is so `
` long before the mind can persuade itself that she whom we saw every day `
` and whose very existence appeared a part of our own can have departed `
` forever--that the brightness of a beloved eye can have been `
` extinguished and the sound of a voice so familiar and dear to the ear `
` can be hushed, never more to be heard. These are the reflections of `
` the first days; but when the lapse of time proves the reality of the `
` evil, then the actual bitterness of grief commences. Yet from whom has `
` not that rude hand rent away some dear connection? And why should I `
` describe a sorrow which all have felt, and must feel? The time at `
` length arrives when grief is rather an indulgence than a necessity; and `
` the smile that plays upon the lips, although it may be deemed a `
` sacrilege, is not banished. My mother was dead, but we had still `
` duties which we ought to perform; we must continue our course with the `
` rest and learn to think ourselves fortunate whilst one remains whom the `
` spoiler has not seized. `
` `
` My departure for Ingolstadt, which had been deferred by these events, `
` was now again determined upon. I obtained from my father a respite of `
` some weeks. It appeared to me sacrilege so soon to leave the repose, `
` akin to death, of the house of mourning and to rush into the thick of `
` life. I was new to sorrow, but it did not the less alarm me. I was `
` unwilling to quit the sight of those that remained to me, and above `
` all, I desired to see my sweet Elizabeth in some degree consoled. `
` `
` She indeed veiled her grief and strove to act the comforter to us all. `
` She looked steadily on life and assumed its duties with courage and `
` zeal. She devoted herself to those whom she had been taught to call `
` her uncle and cousins. Never was she so enchanting as at this time, `
` when she recalled the sunshine of her smiles and spent them upon us. `
` She forgot even her own regret in her endeavours to make us forget. `
` `
` The day of my departure at length arrived. Clerval spent the last `
` evening with us. He had endeavoured to persuade his father to permit `
` him to accompany me and to become my fellow student, but in vain. His `
`
` ambition. `
` `
` I feel exquisite pleasure in dwelling on the recollections of `
` childhood, before misfortune had tainted my mind and changed its bright `
` visions of extensive usefulness into gloomy and narrow reflections upon `
` self. Besides, in drawing the picture of my early days, I also record `
` those events which led, by insensible steps, to my after tale of `
` misery, for when I would account to myself for the birth of that `
` passion which afterwards ruled my destiny I find it arise, like a `
` mountain river, from ignoble and almost forgotten sources; but, `
` swelling as it proceeded, it became the torrent which, in its course, `
` has swept away all my hopes and joys. Natural philosophy is the genius `
` that has regulated my fate; I desire, therefore, in this narration, to `
` state those facts which led to my predilection for that science. When `
` I was thirteen years of age we all went on a party of pleasure to the `
` baths near Thonon; the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a `
` day confined to the inn. In this house I chanced to find a volume of `
` the works of Cornelius Agrippa. I opened it with apathy; the theory `
` which he attempts to demonstrate and the wonderful facts which he `
` relates soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed `
` to dawn upon my mind, and bounding with joy, I communicated my `
` discovery to my father. My father looked carelessly at the title page `
` of my book and said, "Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not `
` waste your time upon this; it is sad trash." `
` `
` If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to `
` me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a `
` modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much `
` greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were `
` chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under `
` such circumstances I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside and `
` have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with `
` greater ardour to my former studies. It is even possible that the `
` train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led `
` to my ruin. But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by `
` no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents, and I `
` continued to read with the greatest avidity. When I returned home my `
` first care was to procure the whole works of this author, and `
` afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus. I read and studied the `
` wild fancies of these writers with delight; they appeared to me `
` treasures known to few besides myself. I have described myself as `
` always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the `
` secrets of nature. In spite of the intense labour and wonderful `
` discoveries of modern philosophers, I always came from my studies `
` discontented and unsatisfied. Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed `
` that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and `
` unexplored ocean of truth. Those of his successors in each branch of `
` natural philosophy with whom I was acquainted appeared even to my boy's `
` apprehensions as tyros engaged in the same pursuit. `
` `
` The untaught peasant beheld the elements around him and was acquainted `
` with their practical uses. The most learned philosopher knew little `
` more. He had partially unveiled the face of Nature, but her immortal `
` lineaments were still a wonder and a mystery. He might dissect, `
` anatomize, and give names; but, not to speak of a final cause, causes `
` in their secondary and tertiary grades were utterly unknown to him. I `
` had gazed upon the fortifications and impediments that seemed to keep `
` human beings from entering the citadel of nature, and rashly and `
` ignorantly I had repined. `
` `
` But here were books, and here were men who had penetrated deeper and `
` knew more. I took their word for all that they averred, and I became `
` their disciple. It may appear strange that such should arise in the `
` eighteenth century; but while I followed the routine of education in `
` the schools of Geneva, I was, to a great degree, self-taught with `
` regard to my favourite studies. My father was not scientific, and I `
` was left to struggle with a child's blindness, added to a student's `
` thirst for knowledge. Under the guidance of my new preceptors I `
` entered with the greatest diligence into the search of the `
` philosopher's stone and the elixir of life; but the latter soon `
` obtained my undivided attention. Wealth was an inferior object, but `
` what glory would attend the discovery if I could banish disease from `
` the human frame and render man invulnerable to any but a violent `
` death! Nor were these my only visions. The raising of ghosts or `
` devils was a promise liberally accorded by my favourite authors, the `
` fulfilment of which I most eagerly sought; and if my incantations were `
` always unsuccessful, I attributed the failure rather to my own `
` inexperience and mistake than to a want of skill or fidelity in my `
` instructors. And thus for a time I was occupied by exploded systems, `
` mingling, like an unadept, a thousand contradictory theories and `
` floundering desperately in a very slough of multifarious knowledge, `
` guided by an ardent imagination and childish reasoning, till an `
` accident again changed the current of my ideas. When I was about `
` fifteen years old we had retired to our house near Belrive, when we `
` witnessed a most violent and terrible thunderstorm. It advanced from `
` behind the mountains of Jura, and the thunder burst at once with `
` frightful loudness from various quarters of the heavens. I remained, `
` while the storm lasted, watching its progress with curiosity and `
` delight. As I stood at the door, on a sudden I beheld a stream of fire `
` issue from an old and beautiful oak which stood about twenty yards from `
` our house; and so soon as the dazzling light vanished, the oak had `
` disappeared, and nothing remained but a blasted stump. When we visited `
` it the next morning, we found the tree shattered in a singular manner. `
` It was not splintered by the shock, but entirely reduced to thin `
` ribbons of wood. I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed. `
` `
` Before this I was not unacquainted with the more obvious laws of `
` electricity. On this occasion a man of great research in natural `
` philosophy was with us, and excited by this catastrophe, he entered on `
` the explanation of a theory which he had formed on the subject of `
` electricity and galvanism, which was at once new and astonishing to `
` me. All that he said threw greatly into the shade Cornelius Agrippa, `
` Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus, the lords of my imagination; but by `
` some fatality the overthrow of these men disinclined me to pursue my `
` accustomed studies. It seemed to me as if nothing would or could ever `
` be known. All that had so long engaged my attention suddenly grew `
` despicable. By one of those caprices of the mind which we are perhaps `
` most subject to in early youth, I at once gave up my former `
` occupations, set down natural history and all its progeny as a deformed `
` and abortive creation, and entertained the greatest disdain for a `
` would-be science which could never even step within the threshold of `
` real knowledge. In this mood of mind I betook myself to the `
` mathematics and the branches of study appertaining to that science as `
` being built upon secure foundations, and so worthy of my consideration. `
` `
` Thus strangely are our souls constructed, and by such slight ligaments `
` are we bound to prosperity or ruin. When I look back, it seems to me `
` as if this almost miraculous change of inclination and will was the `
` immediate suggestion of the guardian angel of my life--the last effort `
` made by the spirit of preservation to avert the storm that was even `
` then hanging in the stars and ready to envelop me. Her victory was `
` announced by an unusual tranquillity and gladness of soul which `
` followed the relinquishing of my ancient and latterly tormenting `
` studies. It was thus that I was to be taught to associate evil with `
` their prosecution, happiness with their disregard. `
` `
` It was a strong effort of the spirit of good, but it was ineffectual. `
` Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and `
` terrible destruction. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 3 `
` `
` When I had attained the age of seventeen my parents resolved that I `
` should become a student at the university of Ingolstadt. I had `
` hitherto attended the schools of Geneva, but my father thought it `
` necessary for the completion of my education that I should be made `
` acquainted with other customs than those of my native country. My `
` departure was therefore fixed at an early date, but before the day `
` resolved upon could arrive, the first misfortune of my life `
` occurred--an omen, as it were, of my future misery. Elizabeth had `
` caught the scarlet fever; her illness was severe, and she was in the `
` greatest danger. During her illness many arguments had been urged to `
` persuade my mother to refrain from attending upon her. She had at `
` first yielded to our entreaties, but when she heard that the life of `
` her favourite was menaced, she could no longer control her anxiety. She `
` attended her sickbed; her watchful attentions triumphed over the `
` malignity of the distemper--Elizabeth was saved, but the consequences `
` of this imprudence were fatal to her preserver. On the third day my `
` mother sickened; her fever was accompanied by the most alarming `
` symptoms, and the looks of her medical attendants prognosticated the `
` worst event. On her deathbed the fortitude and benignity of this best `
` of women did not desert her. She joined the hands of Elizabeth and `
` myself. "My children," she said, "my firmest hopes of future happiness `
` were placed on the prospect of your union. This expectation will now `
` be the consolation of your father. Elizabeth, my love, you must supply `
` my place to my younger children. Alas! I regret that I am taken from `
` you; and, happy and beloved as I have been, is it not hard to quit you `
` all? But these are not thoughts befitting me; I will endeavour to `
` resign myself cheerfully to death and will indulge a hope of meeting `
` you in another world." `
` `
` She died calmly, and her countenance expressed affection even in death. `
` I need not describe the feelings of those whose dearest ties are rent `
` by that most irreparable evil, the void that presents itself to the `
` soul, and the despair that is exhibited on the countenance. It is so `
` long before the mind can persuade itself that she whom we saw every day `
` and whose very existence appeared a part of our own can have departed `
` forever--that the brightness of a beloved eye can have been `
` extinguished and the sound of a voice so familiar and dear to the ear `
` can be hushed, never more to be heard. These are the reflections of `
` the first days; but when the lapse of time proves the reality of the `
` evil, then the actual bitterness of grief commences. Yet from whom has `
` not that rude hand rent away some dear connection? And why should I `
` describe a sorrow which all have felt, and must feel? The time at `
` length arrives when grief is rather an indulgence than a necessity; and `
` the smile that plays upon the lips, although it may be deemed a `
` sacrilege, is not banished. My mother was dead, but we had still `
` duties which we ought to perform; we must continue our course with the `
` rest and learn to think ourselves fortunate whilst one remains whom the `
` spoiler has not seized. `
` `
` My departure for Ingolstadt, which had been deferred by these events, `
` was now again determined upon. I obtained from my father a respite of `
` some weeks. It appeared to me sacrilege so soon to leave the repose, `
` akin to death, of the house of mourning and to rush into the thick of `
` life. I was new to sorrow, but it did not the less alarm me. I was `
` unwilling to quit the sight of those that remained to me, and above `
` all, I desired to see my sweet Elizabeth in some degree consoled. `
` `
` She indeed veiled her grief and strove to act the comforter to us all. `
` She looked steadily on life and assumed its duties with courage and `
` zeal. She devoted herself to those whom she had been taught to call `
` her uncle and cousins. Never was she so enchanting as at this time, `
` when she recalled the sunshine of her smiles and spent them upon us. `
` She forgot even her own regret in her endeavours to make us forget. `
` `
` The day of my departure at length arrived. Clerval spent the last `
` evening with us. He had endeavoured to persuade his father to permit `
` him to accompany me and to become my fellow student, but in vain. His `
`