“Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder; and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man!”
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Quote Analysis
In this quote from Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," the creature is expressing his frustration and disbelief at the hypocrisy of Victor Frankenstein. The creature points out the irony in Victor accusing him of murder while planning to destroy his own creation. The creature reflects on the flawed sense of justice in humanity, highlighting the theme of abandonment and betrayal in the novel. This quote reveals the complexities of morality and accountability explored throughout the story.
The Perils of Playing God
In this quote from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the monster rebukes Victor Frankenstein for his hypocrisy in condemning him for his actions while also seeking to destroy his own creation. This idea of creator turning against creation can be seen as a cautionary tale for modern society in the way we handle technology and innovation. As we continue to push the boundaries of science and creation, it is important to consider the consequences of our actions and the ethical implications of playing god.
Quote from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
The quote showcases the intense emotions of the character as they argue with Frankenstein about the concept of justice and creation.
"“Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder; and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man!” - Mary Shelley"
Reflecting on the Consequences of Frankenstein's Actions
In this quote from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the creature confronts Frankenstein about the hypocrisy of condemning the creature for its actions while planning to destroy it. This raises thought-provoking questions about justice, responsibility, and the consequences of one's creations. Consider the following reflection questions:
- How does this quote challenge your perspective on justice and responsibility?
- In what ways do you see parallels between Frankenstein's actions and real-world ethical dilemmas?
- Do you believe Frankenstein has a moral obligation to his creation, despite its actions?
- How does this quote prompt you to consider the ethics of creating and controlling life?
- What lessons can be drawn from this quote about the consequences of one's actions and decisions?
Similar quotes
“You accuse me of murder; and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, Praise the eternal justice of man!”
“You are in the wrong," replied the fiend; "and, instead of threatening, I am content to reason with you. I am malicious because I am miserable; am I not shunned and hated by all mankind? You, my creator, would tear me to pieces and triumph; remember that, and tell me why I should pity man more than he pities me? Would you not call it murder if you could Precipitate me into one of those ice-rifts, and destroy my frame, the work of your own hands. Shall I respect man, when he contemns me? Let him live with me in the interchange of kindness, and instead of injury, I would bestow every benefit upon him with tears of gratitude at his acceptance. But that cannot be; the human senses are insurmountable barriers to our union. Yet mine shall not be the submission of abject slavery. I will revenge my injuries: if I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear; and chiefly towards you my arch-enemy, because my creator, do I swear inextinguishable hatred. Have a care: I will work at your destruction, nor finish until I desolate your heart , so that you curse the hour of your birth.”
“Be calm! I entreat you to hear me before you give vent to your hatred on my devoted head. Have I not suffered enough, that you seek to increase my misery? Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it. Remember, thou hast made me more powerful than thyself; my height is superior to thine, my joints more supple. But I will not be tempted to set myself in opposition to thee. I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me. Oh, Frankenstein, be not equitable to every other and trample upon me alone, to whom thy justice, and even thy clemency and affection, is most due. Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
“Hateful day when I received life!' I exclaimed in agony. 'Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemlance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred.' - Frankenstein”
“Yet you, my creator, detest and spurn me, thy creature, to whom thou art bound by ties only dissoluble by the annhilation of one of us.”
“Farewell! I leave you, and in you the last of humankind whom these eyes will ever behold. Farewell, Frankenstein! If thou wert yet alive and yet cherished a desire of revenge against me, it would be better satiated in my life than in my destruction. But it was not so; thou didst seek my extinction, that I might not cause greater wretchedness; and if yet, in some mode unknown to me, thou hadst not ceased to think and feel, thou wouldst not desire against me a vengeance greater than that which I feel. Blasted as thou wert, my agony was still superior to thine, for the bitter sting of remorse will not cease to rankle in my wounds until death shall close them forever.”