“She died calmly; and her countenance expressed affection even in death. I need not describe the feelings of those who dearest ties are rent by that most irreparable evil, the void that presents itself to the soul, and the despair that is exhibited on the countenance. It is so long before the mind can persuade itself that she, whom we saw every day, and whose very existence appeared a part of our own, can have departed for ever - that the brightness of a beloved eye can have been extinguished, and the sound of a voice so familiar, and dear to the ear can be hushed, never more to be heard. These are the reflections of the first days; but when the lapse of time proves the reality of the evil then the actual bitterness of grief commences. Yet from whom has not that rude hand rent away some dear connexion; and why should I describe a sorrow which all have felt, and must feel? The time at length arrives when grief is rather an indulgence than a necessity; and the smile that plays upon the lips, although it may be deemed sacrilege, is not banished. My mother was dead, but we had still duties which we ought to preform; we must continue our course with the rest, and learn to think ourselves fortunate, whilst one remains whom the spoiler has not seized.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this poignant quote from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the speaker reflects on the profound grief and despair that comes with the loss of a loved one. The speaker describes the initial shock and disbelief that accompanies death, as well as the gradual acceptance and adjustment that must eventually take place. Through the speaker's words, Shelley captures the universal experience of losing someone dear and the complicated emotions that accompany such a loss.
Modern Relevance of Mary Shelley's Reflections on Grief
In this poignant passage from Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," the protagonist reflects on the profound loss of a loved one and the process of grieving. The themes of loss, despair, and eventually finding a way to move forward resonate with readers today, highlighting the universal experience of mourning and eventual acceptance of loss. This passage serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring nature of grief and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
Example of Usage
In her famous novel "Frankenstein," Mary Shelley beautifully captures the profound grief and despair that follows the loss of a loved one. The excerpt reflects on the feelings of emptiness and sorrow that come with the death of a beloved family member, and the gradual process of coming to terms with the reality of loss. The passage poignantly conveys the experience of mourning and the struggle to carry on with daily life in the face of profound loss.
Reflection Questions
In this passage from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein", the narrator reflects on the experience of losing a loved one and the journey of grief that follows. This excerpt highlights the complexities of processing loss and the gradual acceptance that comes with time. As you reflect on these words, consider the following questions:
- How does the narrator describe the initial shock of loss and the struggle to accept the reality of death?
- What emotions does the narrator convey in response to the death of their loved one, particularly in terms of the void and despair felt?
- How does the narrator suggest that grief evolves over time, moving from a necessary indulgence to a more bittersweet acceptance?
- How does the passage explore the idea of finding solace in the midst of grief by continuing with daily duties and finding moments of happiness?
Similar quotes
“I need not describe the feelings of those whose dearest ties are rent by that most irreparable evil, the void that presents itself to the soul, and the despair that is exhibited on the countenance. It is so long before the mind can persuade itself that she whom we saw every day and whose very existence appeared a part of our own can have departed forever—that the brightness of a beloved eye can have been extinguished and the sound of a voice so familiar and dear to the ear can be hushed, never more to be heard. These are the reflections of the first days; but when the lapse of time proves the reality of the evil, then the actual bitterness of grief commences. Yet from whom has not that rude hand rent away some dear connection? And why should I describe a sorrow which all have felt, and must feel? The time at length arrives when grief is rather an indulgence than a necessity; and the smile that plays upon the lips, although it may be deemed a sacrilege, is not banished. My mother was dead, but we had still duties which we ought to perform; we must continue our course with the rest and learn to think ourselves fortunate whilst one remains whom the spoiler has not seized.”
“Yet from whom has not that rude hand rent away some dear connexion; and why should I describe a sorrow which all have felt, and must feel? The time at length arrives, when grief is rather an indulgence than a necessity; and the smile that plays upon the lips, although it may be deemed a sacrilege, is not banished.”
“It is so long before the mind can persuade itself that she whom we saw every day and whose very existence appeared a part of our own can have departed forever—that the brightness of a beloved eye can have been extinguished and the sound of a voice so familiar and dear to the ear can be hushed, never more to be heard.”
“Heavy misfortunes have befallen us, but let us only cling closer to what remains, and transfer our love for those whom we have lost to those who yet live. Our circle will be small, but bound close by the ties of affection and mutual misfortune. And when time shall have softened your despair, new and dear objects of care will be born to replace those of whom we have been so cruelly deprived.”
“Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and be overwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.”
“These wonderful narrations inspired me with strange feelings. Was man, indeed, at once so powerful, so virtuous and magnificent, yet so vicious and base? He appeared at one time a mere scion of the evil principle, and at another as all that can be conceived of noble and godlike. To be a great and virtuous man appeared the highest honour that can befall a sensitive being; to be base and vicious, as many on record have been, appeared the lowest degradation, a condition more abject than that of the blind mole or harmless worm. For a long time I could not conceive how one man could go forth to murder his fellow, or even why there were laws and governments; but when I heard details of vice and bloodshed, my wonder ceased, and I turned away with disgust and loathing.”