Quote Of The Book My Father Was

Analysis: This quote represents the book because the lack of knowledge his father had, left him to be curious and believe in doing the unthinkable, which he was able to do. As a boy he used his imagination, combined with his need for knowledge allowed him to be as creative with science as he pleased. This led to the creation of the Monster. This quote shows the reader how Frankenstein’s interest in science all began.

Why I Chose the Quote: I found this quote to be a representation of the novel because it is the backstory to Victor Frankenstein’s scientific interest. As soon as he realized that there was so much to learn, he begun to use his childhood imagination to eventually create the unthinkable.

Quote 1: “Thus ended a day memorable to me; it decided my future destiny”(Shelly, pg.35)

Analysis: The day that Victor deemed memorable was the day that he decided to study science. At such a young and impressionable age, only seventeen, meeting professor Waldman was like destiny. Waldman showed Victor aspects of science that made him intrigued. With science, he found something he knew he wanted a profession in.

Why I Chose the Quote: I chose this quote because it connects to the importance of Victor’s interest in the pursuit of science. At such a young age, it is impressive that he found a subject he loved so much, he would go on to pursue. I myself do not know what I am planning on doing in the future. I wish I was able to find something I loved as much as Victor loved science.

Quote 2: “If such lovely creatures were miserable, it was less strange that I, an imperfect and solitary being, should be wretched. Yet why were these gentle beings unhappy?” (Shelly, pg.98)

Analysis: The monster is wondering why people are so unhappy. At first he was unable to understand it. He thought that since they were so lovely, they should be happy rather than upset. However, he did not know the reason as to why they were upset.

Why I Chose the Quote: This quote is a good reminder that just because someone seems perfect, they might not be happy. It shows that there is more to a person rather than just appearance. You can look completely fine but really feel terrible on the inside. This quote stuck out to me because I have been on the brink of having an anxiety attack and someone has told me that “I don’t look upset”. There are many layers to a person, not just the layer they choose to show.

Quote 3: “I perceived that the words they spoke sometimes produced pleasure or pain, smiles or sadness, in the minds and countenances of the hearers.” (Shelly, pg. 100)

Analysis: This quote shows that the Monster is picking up on human characteristics. As he spends time with humans, he becomes more like one. This is essentially what Frankenstein wanted, however he is too depressed by the lack of surface beauty of the Monster.

Why I Chose the Quote: I found this quote to be an excellent representation of the Monster’s humanization. He is picking up on human characteristics because he finds himself wanting to be one. It serves as a reminder that people are willing to go to drastic measures just to fit in.

Quote 4: “…a godlike science, and I intended to become acquainted with it.” (Shelley, pg.100)

Analysis: The Monster is trying hard to be human. He finds Felix and Agatha and he wants to not only be like them but he also wants to help them. Showing compassion and emotion mesmerizes the Monster, making him want to learn how to be one.

Why I Chose the Quote: Once again, this quote represents the Monster picking up on human characteristics. He wants to be human like Felix and Agatha. He wants to be able to relate to them. I find it incredibly touching that the Monster wants to share a bond with humans.

Quote 5: “I had admired the perfect forms of my cottagers- their grace, beauty, and delicate complexions; but how was I terrified when I viewed myself in a transparent pool! … and when i became fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am, I was filled with the bitterest sensations of despondence and mortification. (Shelley, pg. 101-102)

Analysis: Once the Monster realizes that he does not look like a human, even though he is beginning to feel like one, he instantly becomes mortified at what he sees. He begins to feel so much like a human, that in a way he starts to believe he is one. Looking in the pond of water, is a reality check for him. He remembers that he is not beautiful like the humans.

Why I Chose the Quote: I chose this quote because I felt it relates a lot to self esteem and perception. A person can feel good about themselves or a situation but, if one small thing were to go wrong or for there to be a negative aspect, people will focus on just the bad. I myself do that quite often. For that reason, this quote really stuck out to me.

Quote 6: “One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought, for the dominion I should acquire and transmit over the elemental foes of our race.” (Shelley, pg 13)

Analysis: This quote foreshadows Victor’s actions of actually creating the Monster. He was basically a grave robber. He took body parts of others and used them for a science experience that could potentially not even work. On a moral and spiritual level, it is incredibly wrong and disrespectful.

Why I Chose the Quote: I chose this quote because I found it rather bizarre that Victor had no moral regard for people living or dead.

Quote 7: “The world to me was a secret which I desired to divine. Curiosity, earnest research to learn hidden laws of nature, gladness akin to rapture, as they were unfolded to me, are among the earliest sensations I can remember” (Shelley 22)

Analysis: This quote represents Victor Frankenstein’s view on the world. At a young age, his childlike imagination and his extreme interest in science combined together to form Victor’s driven passion to create the unthinkable.

Why I Chose the Quote: I felt this quote stuck out to me because it was another representation of Victor’s obsession with creating life. Instead of having a kid like a normal person, he decided to steal body parts and sew them together and use lightning to bring the Monster to life

Quote 8: ““Thus spoke my prophetic soul, as, torn by remorse, horror, and despair, I beheld those I loved spend vain sorrow upon the graves of William and Justine, the first hapless victims to my unhallowed arts” (Shelley 76)

Analysis: Victor is full of remorse because he creating the Monster that killed William and Justine, members of his family. Victor did not realize the repercussions of trying to recreate life. Only once it was too late, was when he realized the severity of his actions.

Why I Chose the Quote: I chose this quote because this was where Victor had the “Oops, I screwed up”. As a reader, I knew what he was trying to do was stupid but, I’m glad his character was able to realize the mistake.

Quote 9: “The appearance of Justine was calm. She was dressed in mourning, and her countenance, always engaging, was rendered, by the solemnity of her feelings, exquisitely beautiful. Yet she appeared confident in innocence and did not tremble, although gazed on and execrated by thousands, for all the kindness which her beauty might otherwise have excited was obliterated in the minds of the spectators by the imagination of the enormity she was supposed to have committed”(Shelley 68).

Analysis: This quote is from the trial of Justine Moritz, the housekeeper of the Frankenstein family. Justine was accused of murdering William because she was found with his locket in her possession. What officers and Victor himself failed to realize was that Justine was framed by the Monster. The Monster had become very intelligent and was angry at Victor. In the Monster’s eyes, murdering William would serve as revenge on Victor.

Why I Chose the Quote: I was shocked that Justine did not fight for her innocence. Justine did not deserve to die but, for the sake of the plot, it made sense. It was another way for the Monster to hurt Victor.

Quote 10: “I am alone, and miserable; man will not associate with me, but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me.” (Shelley 171)

Analysis: The Monster says this because he blames Victor for his suffering since he could not have cared less what the Monster looked like. The Monster feels that his appearance is the reason he is so miserable. For that reason, the Monster feels incredibly content with killing William.

Why I Chose the Quote: This quote really made me think about how human’s brains work. The Monster developed the eye for an eye mentality really quickly. I began to wonder if all humans, to a certain extent, have this mentality. Since the Monster is technically a human, it would make sense.