Reading Help Frankenstein Ch.1-9
passed away during my labours; but I did not watch the blossom or the `
` expanding leaves--sights which before always yielded me supreme `
` delight--so deeply was I engrossed in my occupation. The leaves of `
` that year had withered before my work drew near to a close, and now `
` every day showed me more plainly how well I had succeeded. But my `
` enthusiasm was checked by my anxiety, and I appeared rather like one `
` doomed by slavery to toil in the mines, or any other unwholesome trade `
` than an artist occupied by his favourite employment. Every night I was `
` oppressed by a slow fever, and I became nervous to a most painful `
` degree; the fall of a leaf startled me, and I shunned my fellow `
` creatures as if I had been guilty of a crime. Sometimes I grew alarmed `
` at the wreck I perceived that I had become; the energy of my purpose `
` alone sustained me: my labours would soon end, and I believed that `
` exercise and amusement would then drive away incipient disease; and I `
` promised myself both of these when my creation should be complete. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 5 `
` `
` It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment `
` of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I `
` collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a `
` spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was `
` already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the `
` panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the `
` half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature `
` open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs. `
` `
` How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate `
` the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to `
` form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as `
` beautiful. Beautiful! Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered `
` the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous `
` black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these `
` luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, `
` that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which `
` they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips. `
` `
` The different accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings `
` of human nature. 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. I had desired it with an ardour `
` that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty `
` of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my `
` heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I `
` rushed out of the room and continued a long time traversing my `
` bed-chamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep. At length lassitude `
` succeeded to the tumult I had before endured, and I threw myself on the `
` bed in my clothes, endeavouring to seek a few moments of `
` forgetfulness. But it was in vain; I slept, indeed, but I was `
` disturbed by the wildest dreams. I thought I saw Elizabeth, in the `
` bloom of health, walking in the streets of Ingolstadt. Delighted and `
` surprised, I embraced her, but as I imprinted the first kiss on her `
` lips, they became livid with the hue of death; her features appeared to `
` change, and I thought that I held the corpse of my dead mother in my `
` arms; a shroud enveloped her form, and I saw the grave-worms crawling `
` in the folds of the flannel. I started from my sleep with horror; a `
` cold dew covered my forehead, my teeth chattered, and every limb became `
` convulsed; when, by the dim and yellow light of the moon, as it forced `
` its way through the window shutters, 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. His `
` jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin `
` wrinkled his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear; one `
` hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped and `
` rushed downstairs. I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the `
` house which I inhabited, where I remained during the rest of the night, `
` walking up and down in the greatest agitation, listening attentively, `
` catching and fearing each sound as if it were to announce the approach `
` of the demoniacal corpse to which I had so miserably given life. `
` `
` Oh! No mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy `
` again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I `
` had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then, but when those `
` muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing `
` such as even Dante could not have conceived. `
` `
` I passed the night wretchedly. Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and `
` hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly `
` sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness. Mingled with `
` this horror, I felt the bitterness of disappointment; dreams that had `
` been my food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now become a `
` hell to me; and the change was so rapid, the overthrow so complete! `
` `
` Morning, dismal and wet, at length dawned and discovered to my `
` sleepless and aching eyes the church of Ingolstadt, its white steeple `
` and clock, which indicated the sixth hour. The porter opened the gates `
` of the court, which had that night been my asylum, and I issued into `
` the streets, pacing them with quick steps, as if I sought to avoid the `
` wretch whom I feared every turning of the street would present to my `
` view. I did not dare return to the apartment which I inhabited, but `
` felt impelled to hurry on, although drenched by the rain which poured `
` from a black and comfortless sky. `
` `
` I continued walking in this manner for some time, endeavouring by `
` bodily exercise to ease the load that weighed upon my mind. I `
` traversed the streets without any clear conception of where I was or `
` what I was doing. My heart palpitated in the sickness of fear, and I `
` hurried on with irregular steps, not daring to look about me: `
` `
` `
` Like one who, on a lonely road, `
` Doth walk in fear and dread, `
` And, having once turned round, walks on, `
` And turns no more his head; `
` Because he knows a frightful fiend `
` Doth close behind him tread. `
` `
` [Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner."] `
` `
` `
` Continuing thus, I came at length opposite to the inn at which the `
` various diligences and carriages usually stopped. Here I paused, I `
` knew not why; but I remained some minutes with my eyes fixed on a coach `
` that was coming towards me from the other end of the street. As it `
` drew nearer I observed that it was the Swiss diligence; it stopped just `
` where I was standing, and on the door being opened, I perceived Henry `
` Clerval, who, on seeing me, instantly sprung out. "My dear `
` Frankenstein," exclaimed he, "how glad I am to see you! How fortunate `
` that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting!" `
` `
` Nothing could equal my delight on seeing Clerval; his presence brought `
` back to my thoughts my father, Elizabeth, and all those scenes of home `
` so dear to my recollection. I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot `
` my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time `
` during many months, calm and serene joy. I welcomed my friend, `
` therefore, in the most cordial manner, and we walked towards my `
` college. Clerval continued talking for some time about our mutual `
` friends and his own good fortune in being permitted to come to `
` Ingolstadt. "You may easily believe," said he, "how great was the `
` difficulty to persuade my father that all necessary knowledge was not `
` comprised in the noble art of book-keeping; and, indeed, I believe I `
` left him incredulous to the last, for his constant answer to my `
` unwearied entreaties was the same as that of the Dutch schoolmaster in `
` The Vicar of Wakefield: `I have ten thousand florins a year without `
` Greek, I eat heartily without Greek.' But his affection for me at `
` length overcame his dislike of learning, and he has permitted me to `
` undertake a voyage of discovery to the land of knowledge." `
` `
` "It gives me the greatest delight to see you; but tell me how you left `
` my father, brothers, and Elizabeth." `
` `
` "Very well, and very happy, only a little uneasy that they hear from `
` you so seldom. By the by, I mean to lecture you a little upon their `
` account myself. But, my dear Frankenstein," continued he, stopping `
` short and gazing full in my face, "I did not before remark how very ill `
` you appear; so thin and pale; you look as if you had been watching for `
` several nights." `
` `
` "You have guessed right; I have lately been so deeply engaged in one `
` occupation that I have not allowed myself sufficient rest, as you see; `
` but I hope, I sincerely hope, that all these employments are now at an `
` end and that I am at length free." `
` `
` I trembled excessively; I could not endure to think of, and far less to `
` allude to, the occurrences of the preceding night. I walked with a `
` quick pace, and we soon arrived at my college. I then reflected, and `
` the thought made me shiver, that the creature whom I had left in my `
` apartment might still be there, alive and walking about. I dreaded to `
` behold this monster, but I feared still more that Henry should see `
` him. Entreating him, therefore, to remain a few minutes at the bottom `
` of the stairs, I darted up towards my own room. My hand was already on `
` the lock of the door before I recollected myself. I then paused, and a `
` cold shivering came over me. I threw the door forcibly open, as `
` children are accustomed to do when they expect a spectre to stand in `
` waiting for them on the other side; but nothing appeared. I stepped `
` fearfully in: the apartment was empty, and my bedroom was also freed `
` from its hideous guest. I could hardly believe that so great a good `
` fortune could have befallen me, but when I became assured that my enemy `
` had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy and ran down to Clerval. `
` `
` We ascended into my room, and the servant presently brought breakfast; `
` but I was unable to contain myself. It was not joy only that possessed `
` me; I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse `
` beat rapidly. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same `
` place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud. `
` Clerval at first attributed my unusual spirits to joy on his arrival, `
` but when he observed me more attentively, he saw a wildness in my eyes `
` for which he could not account, and my loud, unrestrained, heartless `
` laughter frightened and astonished him. `
` `
` "My dear Victor," cried he, "what, for God's sake, is the matter? Do `
` not laugh in that manner. How ill you are! What is the cause of all `
` this?" `
` `
` "Do not ask me," cried I, putting my hands before my eyes, for I `
` thought I saw the dreaded spectre glide into the room; "HE can tell. `
` Oh, save me! Save me!" I imagined that the monster seized me; I `
` struggled furiously and fell down in a fit. `
` `
` Poor Clerval! What must have been his feelings? A meeting, which he `
` anticipated with such joy, so strangely turned to bitterness. But I `
` was not the witness of his grief, for I was lifeless and did not `
` recover my senses for a long, long time. `
` `
` This was the commencement of a nervous fever which confined me for `
` several months. During all that time Henry was my only nurse. I `
` afterwards learned that, knowing my father's advanced age and unfitness `
` for so long a journey, and how wretched my sickness would make `
` Elizabeth, he spared them this grief by concealing the extent of my `
` disorder. He knew that I could not have a more kind and attentive `
`
` expanding leaves--sights which before always yielded me supreme `
` delight--so deeply was I engrossed in my occupation. The leaves of `
` that year had withered before my work drew near to a close, and now `
` every day showed me more plainly how well I had succeeded. But my `
` enthusiasm was checked by my anxiety, and I appeared rather like one `
` doomed by slavery to toil in the mines, or any other unwholesome trade `
` than an artist occupied by his favourite employment. Every night I was `
` oppressed by a slow fever, and I became nervous to a most painful `
` degree; the fall of a leaf startled me, and I shunned my fellow `
` creatures as if I had been guilty of a crime. Sometimes I grew alarmed `
` at the wreck I perceived that I had become; the energy of my purpose `
` alone sustained me: my labours would soon end, and I believed that `
` exercise and amusement would then drive away incipient disease; and I `
` promised myself both of these when my creation should be complete. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 5 `
` `
` It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment `
` of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I `
` collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a `
` spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was `
` already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the `
` panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the `
` half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature `
` open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs. `
` `
` How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate `
` the wretch whom with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to `
` form? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as `
` beautiful. Beautiful! Great God! His yellow skin scarcely covered `
` the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous `
` black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but these `
` luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes, `
` that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which `
` they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips. `
` `
` The different accidents of life are not so changeable as the feelings `
` of human nature. 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. I had desired it with an ardour `
` that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty `
` of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my `
` heart. Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I `
` rushed out of the room and continued a long time traversing my `
` bed-chamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep. At length lassitude `
` succeeded to the tumult I had before endured, and I threw myself on the `
` bed in my clothes, endeavouring to seek a few moments of `
` forgetfulness. But it was in vain; I slept, indeed, but I was `
` disturbed by the wildest dreams. I thought I saw Elizabeth, in the `
` bloom of health, walking in the streets of Ingolstadt. Delighted and `
` surprised, I embraced her, but as I imprinted the first kiss on her `
` lips, they became livid with the hue of death; her features appeared to `
` change, and I thought that I held the corpse of my dead mother in my `
` arms; a shroud enveloped her form, and I saw the grave-worms crawling `
` in the folds of the flannel. I started from my sleep with horror; a `
` cold dew covered my forehead, my teeth chattered, and every limb became `
` convulsed; when, by the dim and yellow light of the moon, as it forced `
` its way through the window shutters, 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. His `
` jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin `
` wrinkled his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear; one `
` hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped and `
` rushed downstairs. I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the `
` house which I inhabited, where I remained during the rest of the night, `
` walking up and down in the greatest agitation, listening attentively, `
` catching and fearing each sound as if it were to announce the approach `
` of the demoniacal corpse to which I had so miserably given life. `
` `
` Oh! No mortal could support the horror of that countenance. A mummy `
` again endued with animation could not be so hideous as that wretch. I `
` had gazed on him while unfinished; he was ugly then, but when those `
` muscles and joints were rendered capable of motion, it became a thing `
` such as even Dante could not have conceived. `
` `
` I passed the night wretchedly. Sometimes my pulse beat so quickly and `
` hardly that I felt the palpitation of every artery; at others, I nearly `
` sank to the ground through languor and extreme weakness. Mingled with `
` this horror, I felt the bitterness of disappointment; dreams that had `
` been my food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now become a `
` hell to me; and the change was so rapid, the overthrow so complete! `
` `
` Morning, dismal and wet, at length dawned and discovered to my `
` sleepless and aching eyes the church of Ingolstadt, its white steeple `
` and clock, which indicated the sixth hour. The porter opened the gates `
` of the court, which had that night been my asylum, and I issued into `
` the streets, pacing them with quick steps, as if I sought to avoid the `
` wretch whom I feared every turning of the street would present to my `
` view. I did not dare return to the apartment which I inhabited, but `
` felt impelled to hurry on, although drenched by the rain which poured `
` from a black and comfortless sky. `
` `
` I continued walking in this manner for some time, endeavouring by `
` bodily exercise to ease the load that weighed upon my mind. I `
` traversed the streets without any clear conception of where I was or `
` what I was doing. My heart palpitated in the sickness of fear, and I `
` hurried on with irregular steps, not daring to look about me: `
` `
` `
` Like one who, on a lonely road, `
` Doth walk in fear and dread, `
` And, having once turned round, walks on, `
` And turns no more his head; `
` Because he knows a frightful fiend `
` Doth close behind him tread. `
` `
` [Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner."] `
` `
` `
` Continuing thus, I came at length opposite to the inn at which the `
` various diligences and carriages usually stopped. Here I paused, I `
` knew not why; but I remained some minutes with my eyes fixed on a coach `
` that was coming towards me from the other end of the street. As it `
` drew nearer I observed that it was the Swiss diligence; it stopped just `
` where I was standing, and on the door being opened, I perceived Henry `
` Clerval, who, on seeing me, instantly sprung out. "My dear `
` Frankenstein," exclaimed he, "how glad I am to see you! How fortunate `
` that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting!" `
` `
` Nothing could equal my delight on seeing Clerval; his presence brought `
` back to my thoughts my father, Elizabeth, and all those scenes of home `
` so dear to my recollection. I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot `
` my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time `
` during many months, calm and serene joy. I welcomed my friend, `
` therefore, in the most cordial manner, and we walked towards my `
` college. Clerval continued talking for some time about our mutual `
` friends and his own good fortune in being permitted to come to `
` Ingolstadt. "You may easily believe," said he, "how great was the `
` difficulty to persuade my father that all necessary knowledge was not `
` comprised in the noble art of book-keeping; and, indeed, I believe I `
` left him incredulous to the last, for his constant answer to my `
` unwearied entreaties was the same as that of the Dutch schoolmaster in `
` The Vicar of Wakefield: `I have ten thousand florins a year without `
` Greek, I eat heartily without Greek.' But his affection for me at `
` length overcame his dislike of learning, and he has permitted me to `
` undertake a voyage of discovery to the land of knowledge." `
` `
` "It gives me the greatest delight to see you; but tell me how you left `
` my father, brothers, and Elizabeth." `
` `
` "Very well, and very happy, only a little uneasy that they hear from `
` you so seldom. By the by, I mean to lecture you a little upon their `
` account myself. But, my dear Frankenstein," continued he, stopping `
` short and gazing full in my face, "I did not before remark how very ill `
` you appear; so thin and pale; you look as if you had been watching for `
` several nights." `
` `
` "You have guessed right; I have lately been so deeply engaged in one `
` occupation that I have not allowed myself sufficient rest, as you see; `
` but I hope, I sincerely hope, that all these employments are now at an `
` end and that I am at length free." `
` `
` I trembled excessively; I could not endure to think of, and far less to `
` allude to, the occurrences of the preceding night. I walked with a `
` quick pace, and we soon arrived at my college. I then reflected, and `
` the thought made me shiver, that the creature whom I had left in my `
` apartment might still be there, alive and walking about. I dreaded to `
` behold this monster, but I feared still more that Henry should see `
` him. Entreating him, therefore, to remain a few minutes at the bottom `
` of the stairs, I darted up towards my own room. My hand was already on `
` the lock of the door before I recollected myself. I then paused, and a `
` cold shivering came over me. I threw the door forcibly open, as `
` children are accustomed to do when they expect a spectre to stand in `
` waiting for them on the other side; but nothing appeared. I stepped `
` fearfully in: the apartment was empty, and my bedroom was also freed `
` from its hideous guest. I could hardly believe that so great a good `
` fortune could have befallen me, but when I became assured that my enemy `
` had indeed fled, I clapped my hands for joy and ran down to Clerval. `
` `
` We ascended into my room, and the servant presently brought breakfast; `
` but I was unable to contain myself. It was not joy only that possessed `
` me; I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse `
` beat rapidly. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same `
` place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud. `
` Clerval at first attributed my unusual spirits to joy on his arrival, `
` but when he observed me more attentively, he saw a wildness in my eyes `
` for which he could not account, and my loud, unrestrained, heartless `
` laughter frightened and astonished him. `
` `
` "My dear Victor," cried he, "what, for God's sake, is the matter? Do `
` not laugh in that manner. How ill you are! What is the cause of all `
` this?" `
` `
` "Do not ask me," cried I, putting my hands before my eyes, for I `
` thought I saw the dreaded spectre glide into the room; "HE can tell. `
` Oh, save me! Save me!" I imagined that the monster seized me; I `
` struggled furiously and fell down in a fit. `
` `
` Poor Clerval! What must have been his feelings? A meeting, which he `
` anticipated with such joy, so strangely turned to bitterness. But I `
` was not the witness of his grief, for I was lifeless and did not `
` recover my senses for a long, long time. `
` `
` This was the commencement of a nervous fever which confined me for `
` several months. During all that time Henry was my only nurse. I `
` afterwards learned that, knowing my father's advanced age and unfitness `
` for so long a journey, and how wretched my sickness would make `
` Elizabeth, he spared them this grief by concealing the extent of my `
` disorder. He knew that I could not have a more kind and attentive `
`