The quote, "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?" comes from The monster
talking about how he was rejected by the family in the woods. It encapsulates the profound
existential crisis of the creature, who, upon gaining consciousness, confronts the horror of his
existence and questions the motives of his creator, Victor Frankenstein. The creature reflects
his intense anguish and despair over the circumstances of his creation. He feels abandoned
and betrayed by his creator, who irresponsibly brought him into the world without
considering the consequences. The creature's question, "Why did I live?" reveals his deep
sense of alienation and suffering, as he grapples with the meaninglessness of his existence.
The phrase "extinguish the spark of existence" reflects the creature's longing to erase his own
existence, viewing life as a burden rather than a gift. He sees himself as a wretched being,
doomed to a life of loneliness and rejection because of his monstrous appearance. The quote
also highlights the theme of responsibility. The creature holds Victor accountable for his
suffering, blaming him for the misery and isolation he experiences. By addressing Victor as
the "creator," the creature challenges his role as a benevolent godlike figure, instead
portraying him as a negligent and reckless scientist who plays with the forces of life and
death without regard for the consequences. Furthermore, the quote raises questions about the
nature of humanity and the moral implications of scientific innovation. Victor's creation of
the creature symbolizes humanity's capacity for both creativity and destruction. The creature's
existential crisis reflects the ethical dilemmas inherent in playing god and the consequences
of tampering with the natural order.
The quote "‘Frankenstein! you belong then to my enemy—to him towards whom I have
sworn eternal revenge; you shall be my first victim.’" encapsulates the intense hatred and
desire for vengeance harbored by the creature towards his creator, Victor Frankenstein. It
reveals the culmination of the creature's deep sense of betrayal and abandonment, as well as
his determination to seek retribution for his suffering. In Mary Shelley's novel
"Frankenstein," the creature confronts Victor upon their first encounter, declaring him as his
enemy and vowing to make him suffer for bringing him into a world filled with loneliness,
rejection, and despair. By addressing Victor as "Frankenstein," the creature highlights his
connection to his creator's name, symbolizing the inextricable bond between them and the
shared responsibility for their fate. The declaration of eternal revenge reflects the creature's
profound sense of injustice and his desire to hold Victor accountable for the pain he has
endured. The use of the word "eternal" underscores the depth of the creature's animosity and
suggests that his thirst for vengeance will never be satisfied. The phrase "you shall be my first
victim" serves as a chilling warning of the creature's intent to inflict harm on Victor and
signals the beginning of his campaign of terror. It also conveys the creature's desire to make
Victor suffer as he has suffered—to experience the anguish of loss and isolation that the
creature has endured since his creation.
