Frankenstein Revenge Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (chapter.paragraph)

Quote #1

When I reflected on his crimes and malice, my hatred and revenge burst all bounds of moderation. I would have made a pilgrimage to the highest peak of the Andes, could I when there have precipitated him to their base. (9.6)

Okay, but question: is there such a thing as "moderate" revenge? Is revenge an emotion that you can even feel moderately—like, wanting a little revenge?

Quote #2

"Cursed, cursed creator! Why did I live? Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed? I know not; despair had not yet taken possession of me; my feelings were those of rage and revenge. I could with pleasure have destroyed the cottage and its inhabitants and have glutted myself with their shrieks and misery. (16.1).

Oops. It seems like the monster is getting mixed up: he starts out all mad at his creator, and he ends up by wanting to destroy the cottage and its inhabitants. (He manages to stick to burning down the cottage.) It looks like revenge can have collateral damage.

Quote #3

"I continued for the remainder of the day in my hovel in a state of utter and stupid despair. My protectors had departed and had broken the only link that held me to the world. For the first time the feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom, and I did not strive to control them, but allowing myself to be borne away by the stream, I bent my mind towards injury and death. (16.12)

You know that feeling when you stop trying to be a good person and just let yourself think nasty thoughts about the celebrity on the cover of US Weekly? That's how the monster feels here: he's just had it trying to be the better person.