Reading Help Frankenstein Ch.10-24
forget the past in my union with her. `
` `
` I now made arrangements for my journey, but one feeling haunted me `
` which filled me with fear and agitation. During my absence I should `
` leave my friends unconscious of the existence of their enemy and `
` unprotected from his attacks, exasperated as he might be by my `
` departure. But he had promised to follow me wherever I might go, and `
` would he not accompany me to England? This imagination was dreadful in `
` itself, but soothing inasmuch as it supposed the safety of my friends. `
` I was agonized with the idea of the possibility that the reverse of `
` this might happen. But through the whole period during which I was the `
` slave of my creature I allowed myself to be governed by the impulses of `
` the moment; and my present sensations strongly intimated that the fiend `
` would follow me and exempt my family from the danger of his `
` machinations. `
` `
` It was in the latter end of September that I again quitted my native `
` country. My journey had been my own suggestion, and Elizabeth `
` therefore acquiesced, but she was filled with disquiet at the idea of `
` my suffering, away from her, the inroads of misery and grief. It had `
` been her care which provided me a companion in Clerval--and yet a man `
` is blind to a thousand minute circumstances which call forth a woman's `
` sedulous attention. She longed to bid me hasten my return; a thousand `
` conflicting emotions rendered her mute as she bade me a tearful, silent `
` farewell. `
` `
` I threw myself into the carriage that was to convey me away, hardly `
` knowing whither I was going, and careless of what was passing around. `
` I remembered only, and it was with a bitter anguish that I reflected on `
` it, to order that my chemical instruments should be packed to go with `
` me. Filled with dreary imaginations, I passed through many beautiful `
` and majestic scenes, but my eyes were fixed and unobserving. I could `
` only think of the bourne of my travels and the work which was to occupy `
` me whilst they endured. `
` `
` After some days spent in listless indolence, during which I traversed `
` many leagues, I arrived at Strasbourg, where I waited two days for `
` Clerval. He came. Alas, how great was the contrast between us! He `
` was alive to every new scene, joyful when he saw the beauties of the `
` setting sun, and more happy when he beheld it rise and recommence a new `
` day. He pointed out to me the shifting colours of the landscape and `
` the appearances of the sky. "This is what it is to live," he cried; `
` "how I enjoy existence! But you, my dear Frankenstein, wherefore are `
` you desponding and sorrowful!" In truth, I was occupied by gloomy `
` thoughts and neither saw the descent of the evening star nor the golden `
` sunrise reflected in the Rhine. And you, my friend, would be far more `
` amused with the journal of Clerval, who observed the scenery with an `
` eye of feeling and delight, than in listening to my reflections. I, a `
` miserable wretch, haunted by a curse that shut up every avenue to `
` enjoyment. `
` `
` We had agreed to descend the Rhine in a boat from Strasbourg to `
` Rotterdam, whence we might take shipping for London. During this `
` voyage we passed many willowy islands and saw several beautiful towns. `
` We stayed a day at Mannheim, and on the fifth from our departure from `
` Strasbourg, arrived at Mainz. The course of the Rhine below Mainz `
` becomes much more picturesque. The river descends rapidly and winds `
` between hills, not high, but steep, and of beautiful forms. We saw `
` many ruined castles standing on the edges of precipices, surrounded by `
` black woods, high and inaccessible. This part of the Rhine, indeed, `
` presents a singularly variegated landscape. In one spot you view `
` rugged hills, ruined castles overlooking tremendous precipices, with `
` the dark Rhine rushing beneath; and on the sudden turn of a promontory, `
` flourishing vineyards with green sloping banks and a meandering river `
` and populous towns occupy the scene. `
` `
` We travelled at the time of the vintage and heard the song of the `
` labourers as we glided down the stream. Even I, depressed in mind, and `
` my spirits continually agitated by gloomy feelings, even I was `
` pleased. I lay at the bottom of the boat, and as I gazed on the `
` cloudless blue sky, I seemed to drink in a tranquillity to which I had `
` long been a stranger. And if these were my sensations, who can `
` describe those of Henry? He felt as if he had been transported to `
` fairy-land and enjoyed a happiness seldom tasted by man. "I have `
` seen," he said, "the most beautiful scenes of my own country; I have `
` visited the lakes of Lucerne and Uri, where the snowy mountains descend `
` almost perpendicularly to the water, casting black and impenetrable `
` shades, which would cause a gloomy and mournful appearance were it not `
` for the most verdant islands that believe the eye by their gay `
` appearance; I have seen this lake agitated by a tempest, when the wind `
` tore up whirlwinds of water and gave you an idea of what the `
` water-spout must be on the great ocean; and the waves dash with fury `
` the base of the mountain, where the priest and his mistress were `
` overwhelmed by an avalanche and where their dying voices are still said `
` to be heard amid the pauses of the nightly wind; I have seen the `
` mountains of La Valais, and the Pays de Vaud; but this country, Victor, `
` pleases me more than all those wonders. The mountains of Switzerland `
` are more majestic and strange, but there is a charm in the banks of `
` this divine river that I never before saw equalled. Look at that `
` castle which overhangs yon precipice; and that also on the island, `
` almost concealed amongst the foliage of those lovely trees; and now `
` that group of labourers coming from among their vines; and that village `
` half hid in the recess of the mountain. Oh, surely the spirit that `
` inhabits and guards this place has a soul more in harmony with man than `
` those who pile the glacier or retire to the inaccessible peaks of the `
` mountains of our own country." Clerval! Beloved friend! Even now it `
` delights me to record your words and to dwell on the praise of which `
` you are so eminently deserving. He was a being formed in the "very `
` poetry of nature." His wild and enthusiastic imagination was chastened `
` by the sensibility of his heart. His soul overflowed with ardent `
` affections, and his friendship was of that devoted and wondrous nature `
` that the world-minded teach us to look for only in the imagination. But `
` even human sympathies were not sufficient to satisfy his eager mind. `
` The scenery of external nature, which others regard only with `
` admiration, he loved with ardour:-- `
` `
` `
` -----The sounding cataract `
` Haunted him like a passion: the tall rock, `
` The mountain, and the deep and gloomy wood, `
` Their colours and their forms, were then to him `
` An appetite; a feeling, and a love, `
` That had no need of a remoter charm, `
` By thought supplied, or any interest `
` Unborrow'd from the eye. `
` `
` [Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey".] `
` `
` `
` And where does he now exist? Is this gentle and lovely being lost `
` forever? Has this mind, so replete with ideas, imaginations fanciful `
` and magnificent, which formed a world, whose existence depended on the `
` life of its creator;--has this mind perished? Does it now only exist `
` in my memory? No, it is not thus; your form so divinely wrought, and `
` beaming with beauty, has decayed, but your spirit still visits and `
` consoles your unhappy friend. `
` `
` Pardon this gush of sorrow; these ineffectual words are but a slight `
` tribute to the unexampled worth of Henry, but they soothe my heart, `
` overflowing with the anguish which his remembrance creates. I will `
` proceed with my tale. `
` `
` Beyond Cologne we descended to the plains of Holland; and we resolved `
` to post the remainder of our way, for the wind was contrary and the `
` stream of the river was too gentle to aid us. Our journey here lost `
` the interest arising from beautiful scenery, but we arrived in a few `
` days at Rotterdam, whence we proceeded by sea to England. It was on a `
` clear morning, in the latter days of December, that I first saw the `
` white cliffs of Britain. The banks of the Thames presented a new `
` scene; they were flat but fertile, and almost every town was marked by `
` the remembrance of some story. We saw Tilbury Fort and remembered the `
` Spanish Armada, Gravesend, Woolwich, and Greenwich--places which I had `
` heard of even in my country. `
` `
` At length we saw the numerous steeples of London, St. Paul's towering `
` above all, and the Tower famed in English history. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 19 `
` `
` London was our present point of rest; we determined to remain several `
` months in this wonderful and celebrated city. Clerval desired the `
` intercourse of the men of genius and talent who flourished at this `
` time, but this was with me a secondary object; I was principally `
` occupied with the means of obtaining the information necessary for the `
` completion of my promise and quickly availed myself of the letters of `
` introduction that I had brought with me, addressed to the most `
` distinguished natural philosophers. `
` `
` If this journey had taken place during my days of study and happiness, `
` it would have afforded me inexpressible pleasure. But a blight had `
` come over my existence, and I only visited these people for the sake of `
` the information they might give me on the subject in which my interest `
` was so terribly profound. Company was irksome to me; when alone, I `
` could fill my mind with the sights of heaven and earth; the voice of `
` Henry soothed me, and I could thus cheat myself into a transitory `
` peace. But busy, uninteresting, joyous faces brought back despair to `
` my heart. I saw an insurmountable barrier placed between me and my `
` fellow men; this barrier was sealed with the blood of William and `
` Justine, and to reflect on the events connected with those names filled `
` my soul with anguish. `
` `
` But in Clerval I saw the image of my former self; he was inquisitive `
` and anxious to gain experience and instruction. The difference of `
` manners which he observed was to him an inexhaustible source of `
` instruction and amusement. He was also pursuing an object he had long `
` had in view. His design was to visit India, in the belief that he had `
` in his knowledge of its various languages, and in the views he had `
` taken of its society, the means of materially assisting the progress of `
` European colonization and trade. In Britain only could he further the `
` execution of his plan. He was forever busy, and the only check to his `
` enjoyments was my sorrowful and dejected mind. I tried to conceal this `
` as much as possible, that I might not debar him from the pleasures `
` natural to one who was entering on a new scene of life, undisturbed by `
` any care or bitter recollection. I often refused to accompany him, `
` alleging another engagement, that I might remain alone. I now also `
` began to collect the materials necessary for my new creation, and this `
` was to me like the torture of single drops of water continually falling `
` on the head. Every thought that was devoted to it was an extreme `
` anguish, and every word that I spoke in allusion to it caused my lips `
` to quiver, and my heart to palpitate. `
` `
` After passing some months in London, we received a letter from a person `
` in Scotland who had formerly been our visitor at Geneva. He mentioned `
` the beauties of his native country and asked us if those were not `
` sufficient allurements to induce us to prolong our journey as far north `
` as Perth, where he resided. Clerval eagerly desired to accept this `
` invitation, and I, although I abhorred society, wished to view again `
` mountains and streams and all the wondrous works with which Nature `
` adorns her chosen dwelling-places. We had arrived in England at the `
` beginning of October, and it was now February. We accordingly `
`
` `
` I now made arrangements for my journey, but one feeling haunted me `
` which filled me with fear and agitation. During my absence I should `
` leave my friends unconscious of the existence of their enemy and `
` unprotected from his attacks, exasperated as he might be by my `
` departure. But he had promised to follow me wherever I might go, and `
` would he not accompany me to England? This imagination was dreadful in `
` itself, but soothing inasmuch as it supposed the safety of my friends. `
` I was agonized with the idea of the possibility that the reverse of `
` this might happen. But through the whole period during which I was the `
` slave of my creature I allowed myself to be governed by the impulses of `
` the moment; and my present sensations strongly intimated that the fiend `
` would follow me and exempt my family from the danger of his `
` machinations. `
` `
` It was in the latter end of September that I again quitted my native `
` country. My journey had been my own suggestion, and Elizabeth `
` therefore acquiesced, but she was filled with disquiet at the idea of `
` my suffering, away from her, the inroads of misery and grief. It had `
` been her care which provided me a companion in Clerval--and yet a man `
` is blind to a thousand minute circumstances which call forth a woman's `
` sedulous attention. She longed to bid me hasten my return; a thousand `
` conflicting emotions rendered her mute as she bade me a tearful, silent `
` farewell. `
` `
` I threw myself into the carriage that was to convey me away, hardly `
` knowing whither I was going, and careless of what was passing around. `
` I remembered only, and it was with a bitter anguish that I reflected on `
` it, to order that my chemical instruments should be packed to go with `
` me. Filled with dreary imaginations, I passed through many beautiful `
` and majestic scenes, but my eyes were fixed and unobserving. I could `
` only think of the bourne of my travels and the work which was to occupy `
` me whilst they endured. `
` `
` After some days spent in listless indolence, during which I traversed `
` many leagues, I arrived at Strasbourg, where I waited two days for `
` Clerval. He came. Alas, how great was the contrast between us! He `
` was alive to every new scene, joyful when he saw the beauties of the `
` setting sun, and more happy when he beheld it rise and recommence a new `
` day. He pointed out to me the shifting colours of the landscape and `
` the appearances of the sky. "This is what it is to live," he cried; `
` "how I enjoy existence! But you, my dear Frankenstein, wherefore are `
` you desponding and sorrowful!" In truth, I was occupied by gloomy `
` thoughts and neither saw the descent of the evening star nor the golden `
` sunrise reflected in the Rhine. And you, my friend, would be far more `
` amused with the journal of Clerval, who observed the scenery with an `
` eye of feeling and delight, than in listening to my reflections. I, a `
` miserable wretch, haunted by a curse that shut up every avenue to `
` enjoyment. `
` `
` We had agreed to descend the Rhine in a boat from Strasbourg to `
` Rotterdam, whence we might take shipping for London. During this `
` voyage we passed many willowy islands and saw several beautiful towns. `
` We stayed a day at Mannheim, and on the fifth from our departure from `
` Strasbourg, arrived at Mainz. The course of the Rhine below Mainz `
` becomes much more picturesque. The river descends rapidly and winds `
` between hills, not high, but steep, and of beautiful forms. We saw `
` many ruined castles standing on the edges of precipices, surrounded by `
` black woods, high and inaccessible. This part of the Rhine, indeed, `
` presents a singularly variegated landscape. In one spot you view `
` rugged hills, ruined castles overlooking tremendous precipices, with `
` the dark Rhine rushing beneath; and on the sudden turn of a promontory, `
` flourishing vineyards with green sloping banks and a meandering river `
` and populous towns occupy the scene. `
` `
` We travelled at the time of the vintage and heard the song of the `
` labourers as we glided down the stream. Even I, depressed in mind, and `
` my spirits continually agitated by gloomy feelings, even I was `
` pleased. I lay at the bottom of the boat, and as I gazed on the `
` cloudless blue sky, I seemed to drink in a tranquillity to which I had `
` long been a stranger. And if these were my sensations, who can `
` describe those of Henry? He felt as if he had been transported to `
` fairy-land and enjoyed a happiness seldom tasted by man. "I have `
` seen," he said, "the most beautiful scenes of my own country; I have `
` visited the lakes of Lucerne and Uri, where the snowy mountains descend `
` almost perpendicularly to the water, casting black and impenetrable `
` shades, which would cause a gloomy and mournful appearance were it not `
` for the most verdant islands that believe the eye by their gay `
` appearance; I have seen this lake agitated by a tempest, when the wind `
` tore up whirlwinds of water and gave you an idea of what the `
` water-spout must be on the great ocean; and the waves dash with fury `
` the base of the mountain, where the priest and his mistress were `
` overwhelmed by an avalanche and where their dying voices are still said `
` to be heard amid the pauses of the nightly wind; I have seen the `
` mountains of La Valais, and the Pays de Vaud; but this country, Victor, `
` pleases me more than all those wonders. The mountains of Switzerland `
` are more majestic and strange, but there is a charm in the banks of `
` this divine river that I never before saw equalled. Look at that `
` castle which overhangs yon precipice; and that also on the island, `
` almost concealed amongst the foliage of those lovely trees; and now `
` that group of labourers coming from among their vines; and that village `
` half hid in the recess of the mountain. Oh, surely the spirit that `
` inhabits and guards this place has a soul more in harmony with man than `
` those who pile the glacier or retire to the inaccessible peaks of the `
` mountains of our own country." Clerval! Beloved friend! Even now it `
` delights me to record your words and to dwell on the praise of which `
` you are so eminently deserving. He was a being formed in the "very `
` poetry of nature." His wild and enthusiastic imagination was chastened `
` by the sensibility of his heart. His soul overflowed with ardent `
` affections, and his friendship was of that devoted and wondrous nature `
` that the world-minded teach us to look for only in the imagination. But `
` even human sympathies were not sufficient to satisfy his eager mind. `
` The scenery of external nature, which others regard only with `
` admiration, he loved with ardour:-- `
` `
` `
` -----The sounding cataract `
` Haunted him like a passion: the tall rock, `
` The mountain, and the deep and gloomy wood, `
` Their colours and their forms, were then to him `
` An appetite; a feeling, and a love, `
` That had no need of a remoter charm, `
` By thought supplied, or any interest `
` Unborrow'd from the eye. `
` `
` [Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey".] `
` `
` `
` And where does he now exist? Is this gentle and lovely being lost `
` forever? Has this mind, so replete with ideas, imaginations fanciful `
` and magnificent, which formed a world, whose existence depended on the `
` life of its creator;--has this mind perished? Does it now only exist `
` in my memory? No, it is not thus; your form so divinely wrought, and `
` beaming with beauty, has decayed, but your spirit still visits and `
` consoles your unhappy friend. `
` `
` Pardon this gush of sorrow; these ineffectual words are but a slight `
` tribute to the unexampled worth of Henry, but they soothe my heart, `
` overflowing with the anguish which his remembrance creates. I will `
` proceed with my tale. `
` `
` Beyond Cologne we descended to the plains of Holland; and we resolved `
` to post the remainder of our way, for the wind was contrary and the `
` stream of the river was too gentle to aid us. Our journey here lost `
` the interest arising from beautiful scenery, but we arrived in a few `
` days at Rotterdam, whence we proceeded by sea to England. It was on a `
` clear morning, in the latter days of December, that I first saw the `
` white cliffs of Britain. The banks of the Thames presented a new `
` scene; they were flat but fertile, and almost every town was marked by `
` the remembrance of some story. We saw Tilbury Fort and remembered the `
` Spanish Armada, Gravesend, Woolwich, and Greenwich--places which I had `
` heard of even in my country. `
` `
` At length we saw the numerous steeples of London, St. Paul's towering `
` above all, and the Tower famed in English history. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 19 `
` `
` London was our present point of rest; we determined to remain several `
` months in this wonderful and celebrated city. Clerval desired the `
` intercourse of the men of genius and talent who flourished at this `
` time, but this was with me a secondary object; I was principally `
` occupied with the means of obtaining the information necessary for the `
` completion of my promise and quickly availed myself of the letters of `
` introduction that I had brought with me, addressed to the most `
` distinguished natural philosophers. `
` `
` If this journey had taken place during my days of study and happiness, `
` it would have afforded me inexpressible pleasure. But a blight had `
` come over my existence, and I only visited these people for the sake of `
` the information they might give me on the subject in which my interest `
` was so terribly profound. Company was irksome to me; when alone, I `
` could fill my mind with the sights of heaven and earth; the voice of `
` Henry soothed me, and I could thus cheat myself into a transitory `
` peace. But busy, uninteresting, joyous faces brought back despair to `
` my heart. I saw an insurmountable barrier placed between me and my `
` fellow men; this barrier was sealed with the blood of William and `
` Justine, and to reflect on the events connected with those names filled `
` my soul with anguish. `
` `
` But in Clerval I saw the image of my former self; he was inquisitive `
` and anxious to gain experience and instruction. The difference of `
` manners which he observed was to him an inexhaustible source of `
` instruction and amusement. He was also pursuing an object he had long `
` had in view. His design was to visit India, in the belief that he had `
` in his knowledge of its various languages, and in the views he had `
` taken of its society, the means of materially assisting the progress of `
` European colonization and trade. In Britain only could he further the `
` execution of his plan. He was forever busy, and the only check to his `
` enjoyments was my sorrowful and dejected mind. I tried to conceal this `
` as much as possible, that I might not debar him from the pleasures `
` natural to one who was entering on a new scene of life, undisturbed by `
` any care or bitter recollection. I often refused to accompany him, `
` alleging another engagement, that I might remain alone. I now also `
` began to collect the materials necessary for my new creation, and this `
` was to me like the torture of single drops of water continually falling `
` on the head. Every thought that was devoted to it was an extreme `
` anguish, and every word that I spoke in allusion to it caused my lips `
` to quiver, and my heart to palpitate. `
` `
` After passing some months in London, we received a letter from a person `
` in Scotland who had formerly been our visitor at Geneva. He mentioned `
` the beauties of his native country and asked us if those were not `
` sufficient allurements to induce us to prolong our journey as far north `
` as Perth, where he resided. Clerval eagerly desired to accept this `
` invitation, and I, although I abhorred society, wished to view again `
` mountains and streams and all the wondrous works with which Nature `
` adorns her chosen dwelling-places. We had arrived in England at the `
` beginning of October, and it was now February. We accordingly `
`