Reading Help Frankenstein Ch.10-24
the amphitheatre of mountains which forms its eastern boundary. The `
` spire of Evian shone under the woods that surrounded it and the range `
` of mountain above mountain by which it was overhung. `
` `
` The wind, which had hitherto carried us along with amazing rapidity, `
` sank at sunset to a light breeze; the soft air just ruffled the water `
` and caused a pleasant motion among the trees as we approached the `
` shore, from which it wafted the most delightful scent of flowers and `
` hay. The sun sank beneath the horizon as we landed, and as I touched `
` the shore I felt those cares and fears revive which soon were to clasp `
` me and cling to me forever. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 23 `
` `
` It was eight o'clock when we landed; we walked for a short time on the `
` shore, enjoying the transitory light, and then retired to the inn and `
` contemplated the lovely scene of waters, woods, and mountains, obscured `
` in darkness, yet still displaying their black outlines. `
` `
` The wind, which had fallen in the south, now rose with great violence `
` in the west. The moon had reached her summit in the heavens and was `
` beginning to descend; the clouds swept across it swifter than the `
` flight of the vulture and dimmed her rays, while the lake reflected the `
` scene of the busy heavens, rendered still busier by the restless waves `
` that were beginning to rise. Suddenly a heavy storm of rain descended. `
` `
` I had been calm during the day, but so soon as night obscured the `
` shapes of objects, a thousand fears arose in my mind. I was anxious `
` and watchful, while my right hand grasped a pistol which was hidden in `
` my bosom; every sound terrified me, but I resolved that I would sell my `
` life dearly and not shrink from the conflict until my own life or that `
` of my adversary was extinguished. Elizabeth observed my agitation for `
` some time in timid and fearful silence, but there was something in my `
` glance which communicated terror to her, and trembling, she asked, `
` "What is it that agitates you, my dear Victor? What is it you fear?" `
` `
` "Oh! Peace, peace, my love," replied I; "this night, and all will be `
` safe; but this night is dreadful, very dreadful." `
` `
` I passed an hour in this state of mind, when suddenly I reflected how `
` fearful the combat which I momentarily expected would be to my wife, `
` and I earnestly entreated her to retire, resolving not to join her `
` until I had obtained some knowledge as to the situation of my enemy. `
` `
` She left me, and I continued some time walking up and down the passages `
` of the house and inspecting every corner that might afford a retreat to `
` my adversary. But I discovered no trace of him and was beginning to `
` conjecture that some fortunate chance had intervened to prevent the `
` execution of his menaces when suddenly I heard a shrill and dreadful `
` scream. It came from the room into which Elizabeth had retired. As I `
` heard it, the whole truth rushed into my mind, my arms dropped, the `
` motion of every muscle and fibre was suspended; I could feel the blood `
` trickling in my veins and tingling in the extremities of my limbs. This `
` state lasted but for an instant; the scream was repeated, and I rushed `
` into the room. Great God! Why did I not then expire! Why am I here `
` to relate the destruction of the best hope and the purest creature on `
` earth? She was there, lifeless and inanimate, thrown across the bed, `
` her head hanging down and her pale and distorted features half covered `
` by her hair. Everywhere I turn I see the same figure--her bloodless `
` arms and relaxed form flung by the murderer on its bridal bier. Could `
` I behold this and live? Alas! Life is obstinate and clings closest `
` where it is most hated. For a moment only did I lose recollection; I `
` fell senseless on the ground. `
` `
` When I recovered I found myself surrounded by the people of the inn; `
` their countenances expressed a breathless terror, but the horror of `
` others appeared only as a mockery, a shadow of the feelings that `
` oppressed me. I escaped from them to the room where lay the body of `
` Elizabeth, my love, my wife, so lately living, so dear, so worthy. She `
` had been moved from the posture in which I had first beheld her, and `
` now, as she lay, her head upon her arm and a handkerchief thrown across `
` her face and neck, I might have supposed her asleep. I rushed towards `
` her and embraced her with ardour, but the deadly languor and coldness `
` of the limbs told me that what I now held in my arms had ceased to be `
` the Elizabeth whom I had loved and cherished. The murderous mark of `
` the fiend's grasp was on her neck, and the breath had ceased to issue `
` from her lips. While I still hung over her in the agony of despair, I `
` happened to look up. The windows of the room had before been darkened, `
` and I felt a kind of panic on seeing the pale yellow light of the moon `
` illuminate the chamber. The shutters had been thrown back, and with a `
` sensation of horror not to be described, I saw at the open window a `
` figure the most hideous and abhorred. A grin was on the face of the `
` monster; he seemed to jeer, as with his fiendish finger he pointed `
` towards the corpse of my wife. I rushed towards the window, and `
` drawing a pistol from my bosom, fired; but he eluded me, leaped from `
` his station, and running with the swiftness of lightning, plunged into `
` the lake. `
` `
` The report of the pistol brought a crowd into the room. I pointed to `
` the spot where he had disappeared, and we followed the track with `
` boats; nets were cast, but in vain. After passing several hours, we `
` returned hopeless, most of my companions believing it to have been a `
` form conjured up by my fancy. After having landed, they proceeded to `
` search the country, parties going in different directions among the `
` woods and vines. `
` `
` I attempted to accompany them and proceeded a short distance from the `
` house, but my head whirled round, my steps were like those of a drunken `
` man, I fell at last in a state of utter exhaustion; a film covered my `
` eyes, and my skin was parched with the heat of fever. In this state I `
` was carried back and placed on a bed, hardly conscious of what had `
` happened; my eyes wandered round the room as if to seek something that `
` I had lost. `
` `
` After an interval I arose, and as if by instinct, crawled into the room `
` where the corpse of my beloved lay. There were women weeping around; I `
` hung over it and joined my sad tears to theirs; all this time no `
` distinct idea presented itself to my mind, but my thoughts rambled to `
` various subjects, reflecting confusedly on my misfortunes and their `
` cause. I was bewildered, in a cloud of wonder and horror. The death `
` of William, the execution of Justine, the murder of Clerval, and lastly `
` of my wife; even at that moment I knew not that my only remaining `
` friends were safe from the malignity of the fiend; my father even now `
` might be writhing under his grasp, and Ernest might be dead at his `
` feet. This idea made me shudder and recalled me to action. I started `
` up and resolved to return to Geneva with all possible speed. `
` `
` There were no horses to be procured, and I must return by the lake; but `
` the wind was unfavourable, and the rain fell in torrents. However, it `
` was hardly morning, and I might reasonably hope to arrive by night. I `
` hired men to row and took an oar myself, for I had always experienced `
` relief from mental torment in bodily exercise. But the overflowing `
` misery I now felt, and the excess of agitation that I endured rendered `
` me incapable of any exertion. I threw down the oar, and leaning my `
` head upon my hands, gave way to every gloomy idea that arose. If I `
` looked up, I saw scenes which were familiar to me in my happier time `
` and which I had contemplated but the day before in the company of her `
` who was now but a shadow and a recollection. Tears streamed from my `
` eyes. The rain had ceased for a moment, and I saw the fish play in the `
` waters as they had done a few hours before; they had then been observed `
` by Elizabeth. Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and `
` sudden change. The sun might shine or the clouds might lower, but `
` nothing could appear to me as it had done the day before. A fiend had `
` snatched from me every hope of future happiness; no creature had ever `
` been so miserable as I was; so frightful an event is single in the `
` history of man. But why should I dwell upon the incidents that followed `
` this last overwhelming event? Mine has been a tale of horrors; I have `
` reached their acme, and what I must now relate can but be tedious to `
` you. Know that, one by one, my friends were snatched away; I was left `
` desolate. My own strength is exhausted, and I must tell, in a few `
` words, what remains of my hideous narration. I arrived at Geneva. My `
` father and Ernest yet lived, but the former sunk under the tidings that `
` I bore. I see him now, excellent and venerable old man! His eyes `
` wandered in vacancy, for they had lost their charm and their `
` delight--his Elizabeth, his more than daughter, whom he doted on with `
` all that affection which a man feels, who in the decline of life, `
` having few affections, clings more earnestly to those that remain. `
` Cursed, cursed be the fiend that brought misery on his grey hairs and `
` doomed him to waste in wretchedness! He could not live under the `
` horrors that were accumulated around him; the springs of existence `
` suddenly gave way; he was unable to rise from his bed, and in a few `
` days he died in my arms. `
` `
` What then became of me? I know not; I lost sensation, and chains and `
` darkness were the only objects that pressed upon me. Sometimes, `
` indeed, I dreamt that I wandered in flowery meadows and pleasant vales `
` with the friends of my youth, but I awoke and found myself in a `
` dungeon. Melancholy followed, but by degrees I gained a clear `
` conception of my miseries and situation and was then released from my `
` prison. For they had called me mad, and during many months, as I `
` understood, a solitary cell had been my habitation. `
` `
` Liberty, however, had been a useless gift to me, had I not, as I `
` awakened to reason, at the same time awakened to revenge. As the `
` memory of past misfortunes pressed upon me, I began to reflect on their `
` cause--the monster whom I had created, the miserable daemon whom I had `
` sent abroad into the world for my destruction. I was possessed by a `
` maddening rage when I thought of him, and desired and ardently prayed `
` that I might have him within my grasp to wreak a great and signal `
` revenge on his cursed head. `
` `
` Nor did my hate long confine itself to useless wishes; I began to `
` reflect on the best means of securing him; and for this purpose, about `
` a month after my release, I repaired to a criminal judge in the town `
` and told him that I had an accusation to make, that I knew the `
` destroyer of my family, and that I required him to exert his whole `
` authority for the apprehension of the murderer. The magistrate `
` listened to me with attention and kindness. `
` `
` "Be assured, sir," said he, "no pains or exertions on my part shall be `
` spared to discover the villain." `
` `
` "I thank you," replied I; "listen, therefore, to the deposition that I `
` have to make. It is indeed a tale so strange that I should fear you `
` would not credit it were there not something in truth which, however `
` wonderful, forces conviction. The story is too connected to be `
` mistaken for a dream, and I have no motive for falsehood." My manner as `
` I thus addressed him was impressive but calm; I had formed in my own `
` heart a resolution to pursue my destroyer to death, and this purpose `
` quieted my agony and for an interval reconciled me to life. I now `
` related my history briefly but with firmness and precision, marking the `
` dates with accuracy and never deviating into invective or exclamation. `
` `
` The magistrate appeared at first perfectly incredulous, but as I `
` continued he became more attentive and interested; I saw him sometimes `
` shudder with horror; at others a lively surprise, unmingled with `
` disbelief, was painted on his countenance. When I had concluded my `
` narration I said, "This is the being whom I accuse and for whose `
` seizure and punishment I call upon you to exert your whole power. It `
` is your duty as a magistrate, and I believe and hope that your feelings `
`
` spire of Evian shone under the woods that surrounded it and the range `
` of mountain above mountain by which it was overhung. `
` `
` The wind, which had hitherto carried us along with amazing rapidity, `
` sank at sunset to a light breeze; the soft air just ruffled the water `
` and caused a pleasant motion among the trees as we approached the `
` shore, from which it wafted the most delightful scent of flowers and `
` hay. The sun sank beneath the horizon as we landed, and as I touched `
` the shore I felt those cares and fears revive which soon were to clasp `
` me and cling to me forever. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 23 `
` `
` It was eight o'clock when we landed; we walked for a short time on the `
` shore, enjoying the transitory light, and then retired to the inn and `
` contemplated the lovely scene of waters, woods, and mountains, obscured `
` in darkness, yet still displaying their black outlines. `
` `
` The wind, which had fallen in the south, now rose with great violence `
` in the west. The moon had reached her summit in the heavens and was `
` beginning to descend; the clouds swept across it swifter than the `
` flight of the vulture and dimmed her rays, while the lake reflected the `
` scene of the busy heavens, rendered still busier by the restless waves `
` that were beginning to rise. Suddenly a heavy storm of rain descended. `
` `
` I had been calm during the day, but so soon as night obscured the `
` shapes of objects, a thousand fears arose in my mind. I was anxious `
` and watchful, while my right hand grasped a pistol which was hidden in `
` my bosom; every sound terrified me, but I resolved that I would sell my `
` life dearly and not shrink from the conflict until my own life or that `
` of my adversary was extinguished. Elizabeth observed my agitation for `
` some time in timid and fearful silence, but there was something in my `
` glance which communicated terror to her, and trembling, she asked, `
` "What is it that agitates you, my dear Victor? What is it you fear?" `
` `
` "Oh! Peace, peace, my love," replied I; "this night, and all will be `
` safe; but this night is dreadful, very dreadful." `
` `
` I passed an hour in this state of mind, when suddenly I reflected how `
` fearful the combat which I momentarily expected would be to my wife, `
` and I earnestly entreated her to retire, resolving not to join her `
` until I had obtained some knowledge as to the situation of my enemy. `
` `
` She left me, and I continued some time walking up and down the passages `
` of the house and inspecting every corner that might afford a retreat to `
` my adversary. But I discovered no trace of him and was beginning to `
` conjecture that some fortunate chance had intervened to prevent the `
` execution of his menaces when suddenly I heard a shrill and dreadful `
` scream. It came from the room into which Elizabeth had retired. As I `
` heard it, the whole truth rushed into my mind, my arms dropped, the `
` motion of every muscle and fibre was suspended; I could feel the blood `
` trickling in my veins and tingling in the extremities of my limbs. This `
` state lasted but for an instant; the scream was repeated, and I rushed `
` into the room. Great God! Why did I not then expire! Why am I here `
` to relate the destruction of the best hope and the purest creature on `
` earth? She was there, lifeless and inanimate, thrown across the bed, `
` her head hanging down and her pale and distorted features half covered `
` by her hair. Everywhere I turn I see the same figure--her bloodless `
` arms and relaxed form flung by the murderer on its bridal bier. Could `
` I behold this and live? Alas! Life is obstinate and clings closest `
` where it is most hated. For a moment only did I lose recollection; I `
` fell senseless on the ground. `
` `
` When I recovered I found myself surrounded by the people of the inn; `
` their countenances expressed a breathless terror, but the horror of `
` others appeared only as a mockery, a shadow of the feelings that `
` oppressed me. I escaped from them to the room where lay the body of `
` Elizabeth, my love, my wife, so lately living, so dear, so worthy. She `
` had been moved from the posture in which I had first beheld her, and `
` now, as she lay, her head upon her arm and a handkerchief thrown across `
` her face and neck, I might have supposed her asleep. I rushed towards `
` her and embraced her with ardour, but the deadly languor and coldness `
` of the limbs told me that what I now held in my arms had ceased to be `
` the Elizabeth whom I had loved and cherished. The murderous mark of `
` the fiend's grasp was on her neck, and the breath had ceased to issue `
` from her lips. While I still hung over her in the agony of despair, I `
` happened to look up. The windows of the room had before been darkened, `
` and I felt a kind of panic on seeing the pale yellow light of the moon `
` illuminate the chamber. The shutters had been thrown back, and with a `
` sensation of horror not to be described, I saw at the open window a `
` figure the most hideous and abhorred. A grin was on the face of the `
` monster; he seemed to jeer, as with his fiendish finger he pointed `
` towards the corpse of my wife. I rushed towards the window, and `
` drawing a pistol from my bosom, fired; but he eluded me, leaped from `
` his station, and running with the swiftness of lightning, plunged into `
` the lake. `
` `
` The report of the pistol brought a crowd into the room. I pointed to `
` the spot where he had disappeared, and we followed the track with `
` boats; nets were cast, but in vain. After passing several hours, we `
` returned hopeless, most of my companions believing it to have been a `
` form conjured up by my fancy. After having landed, they proceeded to `
` search the country, parties going in different directions among the `
` woods and vines. `
` `
` I attempted to accompany them and proceeded a short distance from the `
` house, but my head whirled round, my steps were like those of a drunken `
` man, I fell at last in a state of utter exhaustion; a film covered my `
` eyes, and my skin was parched with the heat of fever. In this state I `
` was carried back and placed on a bed, hardly conscious of what had `
` happened; my eyes wandered round the room as if to seek something that `
` I had lost. `
` `
` After an interval I arose, and as if by instinct, crawled into the room `
` where the corpse of my beloved lay. There were women weeping around; I `
` hung over it and joined my sad tears to theirs; all this time no `
` distinct idea presented itself to my mind, but my thoughts rambled to `
` various subjects, reflecting confusedly on my misfortunes and their `
` cause. I was bewildered, in a cloud of wonder and horror. The death `
` of William, the execution of Justine, the murder of Clerval, and lastly `
` of my wife; even at that moment I knew not that my only remaining `
` friends were safe from the malignity of the fiend; my father even now `
` might be writhing under his grasp, and Ernest might be dead at his `
` feet. This idea made me shudder and recalled me to action. I started `
` up and resolved to return to Geneva with all possible speed. `
` `
` There were no horses to be procured, and I must return by the lake; but `
` the wind was unfavourable, and the rain fell in torrents. However, it `
` was hardly morning, and I might reasonably hope to arrive by night. I `
` hired men to row and took an oar myself, for I had always experienced `
` relief from mental torment in bodily exercise. But the overflowing `
` misery I now felt, and the excess of agitation that I endured rendered `
` me incapable of any exertion. I threw down the oar, and leaning my `
` head upon my hands, gave way to every gloomy idea that arose. If I `
` looked up, I saw scenes which were familiar to me in my happier time `
` and which I had contemplated but the day before in the company of her `
` who was now but a shadow and a recollection. Tears streamed from my `
` eyes. The rain had ceased for a moment, and I saw the fish play in the `
` waters as they had done a few hours before; they had then been observed `
` by Elizabeth. Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and `
` sudden change. The sun might shine or the clouds might lower, but `
` nothing could appear to me as it had done the day before. A fiend had `
` snatched from me every hope of future happiness; no creature had ever `
` been so miserable as I was; so frightful an event is single in the `
` history of man. But why should I dwell upon the incidents that followed `
` this last overwhelming event? Mine has been a tale of horrors; I have `
` reached their acme, and what I must now relate can but be tedious to `
` you. Know that, one by one, my friends were snatched away; I was left `
` desolate. My own strength is exhausted, and I must tell, in a few `
` words, what remains of my hideous narration. I arrived at Geneva. My `
` father and Ernest yet lived, but the former sunk under the tidings that `
` I bore. I see him now, excellent and venerable old man! His eyes `
` wandered in vacancy, for they had lost their charm and their `
` delight--his Elizabeth, his more than daughter, whom he doted on with `
` all that affection which a man feels, who in the decline of life, `
` having few affections, clings more earnestly to those that remain. `
` Cursed, cursed be the fiend that brought misery on his grey hairs and `
` doomed him to waste in wretchedness! He could not live under the `
` horrors that were accumulated around him; the springs of existence `
` suddenly gave way; he was unable to rise from his bed, and in a few `
` days he died in my arms. `
` `
` What then became of me? I know not; I lost sensation, and chains and `
` darkness were the only objects that pressed upon me. Sometimes, `
` indeed, I dreamt that I wandered in flowery meadows and pleasant vales `
` with the friends of my youth, but I awoke and found myself in a `
` dungeon. Melancholy followed, but by degrees I gained a clear `
` conception of my miseries and situation and was then released from my `
` prison. For they had called me mad, and during many months, as I `
` understood, a solitary cell had been my habitation. `
` `
` Liberty, however, had been a useless gift to me, had I not, as I `
` awakened to reason, at the same time awakened to revenge. As the `
` memory of past misfortunes pressed upon me, I began to reflect on their `
` cause--the monster whom I had created, the miserable daemon whom I had `
` sent abroad into the world for my destruction. I was possessed by a `
` maddening rage when I thought of him, and desired and ardently prayed `
` that I might have him within my grasp to wreak a great and signal `
` revenge on his cursed head. `
` `
` Nor did my hate long confine itself to useless wishes; I began to `
` reflect on the best means of securing him; and for this purpose, about `
` a month after my release, I repaired to a criminal judge in the town `
` and told him that I had an accusation to make, that I knew the `
` destroyer of my family, and that I required him to exert his whole `
` authority for the apprehension of the murderer. The magistrate `
` listened to me with attention and kindness. `
` `
` "Be assured, sir," said he, "no pains or exertions on my part shall be `
` spared to discover the villain." `
` `
` "I thank you," replied I; "listen, therefore, to the deposition that I `
` have to make. It is indeed a tale so strange that I should fear you `
` would not credit it were there not something in truth which, however `
` wonderful, forces conviction. The story is too connected to be `
` mistaken for a dream, and I have no motive for falsehood." My manner as `
` I thus addressed him was impressive but calm; I had formed in my own `
` heart a resolution to pursue my destroyer to death, and this purpose `
` quieted my agony and for an interval reconciled me to life. I now `
` related my history briefly but with firmness and precision, marking the `
` dates with accuracy and never deviating into invective or exclamation. `
` `
` The magistrate appeared at first perfectly incredulous, but as I `
` continued he became more attentive and interested; I saw him sometimes `
` shudder with horror; at others a lively surprise, unmingled with `
` disbelief, was painted on his countenance. When I had concluded my `
` narration I said, "This is the being whom I accuse and for whose `
` seizure and punishment I call upon you to exert your whole power. It `
` is your duty as a magistrate, and I believe and hope that your feelings `
`