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Frankenstein Fate and Free Will Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (chapter.paragraph)

Quote #7

"I gazed on my victim, and my heart swelled with exultation and hellish triumph; clapping my hands, I exclaimed, 'I too can create desolation; my enemy is not invulnerable; this death will carry despair to him, and a thousand other miseries shall torment and destroy him.' (16.32)

Whatever Frankenstein thinks about fate, it seems like the monster has different ideas: he sees himself as a master of fate, not a victim. Instead of being destroyed by destiny, he "creates" desolation.

Quote #8

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 shall curse the hour of your birth." (17.5)

Notice how the monster rejects "abject slavery"? It sounds like going on a murderous rampage is his way of controlling destiny—of being a master rather than a slave.

Quote #9

For myself, there was one reward I promised myself from my detested toils—one consolation for my unparalleled sufferings; it was the prospect of that day when, enfranchised from my miserable slavery, I might claim Elizabeth and forget the past in my union with her. (18.11)

Frankenstein sees himself as a slave who's forced to create a female monster, but isn't that a very convenient excuse? "Oh, I couldn't help it, he made me do it." Not super convincing.