Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus - Part 19: Chapter 15

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Part nineteen of Frankenstein The Modern Prometheus. This LibriVox recording
is in the public domain recording by Thomas Copland. Frankenstein
The Modern Prometheus by Mary.

Speaker 2 (00:11):
Shelley, Chapter fifteen. Such was the history of my beloved cottagers.
It impressed me deeply. I learned from the views of
social life which it developed, to admire their virtues and
to deprecate the vices of mankind. As yet I looked
upon crime as a distant evil. Benevolence and generosity were

(00:34):
ever present before me, inciting within me a desire to
become an actor in the busy scene where so many
admirable qualities were called forth and displayed. But in giving
an account of the progress of my intellect, I must
not omit a circumstance which occurred in the beginning of
the month of August of the same year. One night,

(00:55):
during my accustomed visit to the neighboring wood, where I
collected my own food and brought home firing for my protectors,
I found on the ground a leathern portmanteau containing several
articles of dress and some books. I eagerly seized the
prize and returned with it to my hovel. Fortunately, the

(01:16):
books were written in the language the elements of which
I had acquired at the cottage. They consisted of Paradise Lost,
a volume of Plutarch's Lives, and The Sorrows of Vert.
The possession of these treasures gave me extreme delight. I
now continually studied and exercised my mind upon these histories,

(01:37):
whilst my friends were employed in their ordinary occupations. I
can hardly describe to you the effect of these books.
They produced in me an infinity of new images and
feelings that sometimes raised me to ecstasy, but more frequently
sunk me into the lowest dejection. In the Sorrows of

(01:58):
Vert besideides the interest of its simple and affecting story,
so many opinions are canvast, and so many lights thrown
upon what had hitherto been to me obscure subjects, that
I found in it a never ending source of speculation
and astonishment. The gentle and domestic manners it described, combined

(02:20):
with lofty sentiments and feelings which had for their object
something out it self, accorded well with my experience among
my protectors, and with the wants which were forever alive
in my own bosom. But I thought that himself a
more divine being than I had ever beheld or imagined.
His character contained no pretension, but it sunk deep. The

(02:43):
disquisitions upon death and suicide were calculated to fill me
with wonder. I did not pretend to enter into the
merits of the case, yet I inclined towards the opinions
of the hero whose extinction I wept, without precisely understanding it.
As I read, however, I applied much personally to my

(03:03):
own feelings and condition. I found myself similar, yet at
the same time strangely unlike to the beings concerning whom
I read and whose conversation I was a listener. I
sympathized with and partly understood them, But I was unformed
in mind. I was dependent on none and related to none.

(03:28):
The path of my departure was free, and there was
none to lament my annihilation. My person was hideous and
my stature gigantic. What did this mean?

Speaker 1 (03:40):
Who was I?

Speaker 2 (03:41):
What was I? Whence did I come? What was my destination?
These questions continually recurred, but I was unable to solve
the volume of Plutarch's lives which I possessed, contained the
histories of the first founders of the ancient publics. This

(04:01):
book had a far different effect upon me from the
sorrows of Verter. I learned from Verter's imaginations despondency in gloom.
But Plutarch taught me high thoughts. He elevated me above
the wretched sphere of my own reflections to admire and
love the heroes of past ages. Many things I read

(04:23):
surpassed my understanding and experience. I had a very confused
knowledge of kingdoms, wide extents of country, mighty rivers, and
boundless seas, but I was perfectly unacquainted with towns and
large assemblages of men. The cottage of my Protectors had
been the only school in which I had studied human nature.

(04:46):
This book developed new and mightier scenes of action. I
read of men concerned in public affairs, governing or massacring
their species. I felt the greatest ardor for virtue rise
within me, and abhorrence for vice as far as I
understood the signification of those terms, relative as they were,
as I applied them to pleasure and pain alone. Induced

(05:11):
by these feelings, I was of course led to admire
peaceable lowgivers Numa Solon and Lycurgus in preference to Romulus
and theseus. The patriarchal lives of my protectors caused these
impressions to take a firm hold on my mind. Perhaps,
if my first introduction to humanity had been made by

(05:32):
a young soldier burning for glory and slaughter, I should
have been imbued with different sensations. But Paradise Lost excited
different and far deeper emotions. I read it as I
read the other volumes which had fallen into my hands,

(05:52):
as a true history. It moved every feeling of wonder
and awe that the picture of an omnipotent God warring
with his creatures was capable of exciting. I often referred
the several situations as their similarity struck me to my own.
By Adam, I was apparently united by no link to

(06:13):
any other being in existence, but his state was far
different from mine in every other respect. He had come
forth from the hands of God, a perfect creature, happy
and prosperous, Guarded by the especial care of his creator.
He was allowed to converse with and acquire knowledge from

(06:34):
beings of a superior nature. But I was wretched, helpless,
and alone. Many times I considered Satan's the fitter emblem
of my condition, For often, like him, when I viewed
the bliss of my protectress, the bitter gall of envy
rose within me. Another circumstance, strengthened, had confirmed these feelings.

(06:59):
Soon after my arrival in the hovel, I discovered some
papers in the pocket of the dress, which I had
taken from your laboratory. At first I had neglected them,
But now that I was able to decipher the characters
in which they were written, I began to study them
with diligence. It was your journal of the four months
that preceded my creation. You minutely described in these papers

(07:24):
every step you took in the progress of your works.
This history was mingled with accounts of domestic occurrences. You
doubtless recollect these papers. Here they are. Everything is related
in them which bears reference to my accursed origin. The
whole detail of that series of disgusting circumstances which reduced

(07:47):
it is set in view. The minutest description of my
odious and loathsome person is given in language which painted
your own horrors and rendered mine indelible. I sickened as
I read Hateful Day. When I received life, I exclaimed
in agony, a cursed creator, Why did you form a

(08:10):
monster so hideous that even you turn 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 resemblance. Satan had his companion's
fellow devils to admire and encourage him, But I am

(08:35):
solitary and abhorred. These were the reflections of my hours
of despondency and solitude. But when I contemplated the virtues
of the cottagers, their amiable and benevolent dispositions, I persuaded
myself that when they should become acquainted with my admiration
of their virtues, they would compassionate me and overlook my

(08:58):
personal deformity. Could they turn from their door one, however, monstrous,
who solicited their compassion and friendship. I resolved, at least
not to despair, but in every way to fit myself
for an interview with them, which would decide my fate.
I postponed this attempt for some months longer, for the

(09:21):
importance attached to its success inspired me with a dread
lest I should fail. Besides, I found that my understanding
improved so much with every day's experience that I was
unwilling to commence this undertaking until a few more months.
Should have added to my sagacity, several changes in the
meantime took place in the cottage. The presence of Safie

(09:44):
diffused happiness among its inhabitants, and I also found that
a greater degree of plenty reigned there. Felix and Agathas
spent more time in amusement and conversation, and were assisted
in their labors by servants. They did not appear rich,
but they were contented and happy. Their feelings were serene

(10:08):
and peaceful, while mine became every day more tumultuous. Increase
of knowledge only discovered to me more clearly what a
wretched outcast there was. I cherished hope, it is true,
but it vanished when I beheld my person reflected in water,
or my shadow in the moonshine. Even as that frail

(10:29):
image and that inconstant shade. I endeavored to crush these
fears and to fortify myself for the trial, which in
a few months I resolved to undergo. And sometimes I
allowed my thoughts, unchecked by reason, to ramble in the
fields of paradise, and dared to fancy amiable and lovely creatures,

(10:51):
sympathizing with my feelings and cheering my gloom. Their angelic
countenances breathed smiles of consolation. But it was all a dream.
No eve soothed my sorrows, nor shared my thoughts. I
was alone. I remembered Adam's supplication to his creator, But

(11:14):
where was mine? He had abandoned me, and in the
bitterness of my heart, I cursed him. Autumn passed. Thus
I saw with surprise and grief the leaves decay and fall,
and nature again assumed the barren and bleak appearance it
had worn when I first beheld the woods and the

(11:35):
lovely moon. Yet I did not heed the bleakness of
the weather. I was better fitted by my conformation for
the endurance of cold and heat. But my chief delights
were the sight of the flowers, the birds, and all
the gay apparel of summer. When those deserted me, I
turned with more attention towards the cottagers. There happenedness was

(12:00):
not decreased by the absence of summer. They loved and
sympathized with one another, and their joys depending on each
other were not interrupted by the casualties that took place
around them. The more I saw of them, the greater
became my desire to claim their protection and kindness. My

(12:20):
heart yearned to be known and loved by these amiable creatures.
To see their sweet looks directed towards me with affection
was the utmost limit of my ambition. I dared not
think that they would turn them from me with disdain
and horror. The poor that stopped at their door were
never driven away. I asked, It is true, for greater

(12:44):
treasures than a little food or rest, I required kindness
and sympathy. But I did not believe myself utterly unworthy
of it. The winter advanced, and an entire revolution of
the seasons had taken place since I awoke into life.
My attention at this time was solely directed towards my

(13:06):
plan of introducing myself into the cottage of my protectors.
I revolved many projects, but that on which I finally
fixed was to enter the dwelling when the blind old
man should be alone. I had sagacity enough to discover
that the unnatural, hideousness of my person was the chief

(13:27):
object of horror with those who had formerly beheld me.
My voice, although harsh, had nothing terrible in it. I thought, therefore,
that if in the absence of his children, I could
gain the good will and mediation of the old de Lacey,
I might, by this means be tolerated by my younger protectors.

(13:49):
One day, when the sun shone on the red leaves
that strewed the ground and diffused cheerfulness, although it denied warmth, Safie,
Agatha and Felix departed on a long walk, and the
old man, at his own desire, was left alone in
the cottage. When his children had departed, he took up
his guitar and played several mournful but sweet airs, more

(14:12):
sweet and mournful than I had ever heard him play before.
At first his countenance was illuminated with pleasure, but as
he continued, thoughtfulness and sadness succeeded at length. Laying aside
the instrument, he sat absorbed in reflection. My heart beat quick.

(14:34):
This was the hour and moment of trial which would
decide my hopes or realize my fears. The servants were
gone to a neighboring fair. All was silent in and
around the cottage. It was an excellent opportunity. Yet when
I proceeded to execute my plan, my limbs failed me,
and I sank to the ground. Again, I rose, and,

(14:58):
exerting all the firmness of which I was master, removed
the planks which I had placed before my hovel to
conceal my retreat. The fresh air revived me, and with
renewed determination, I approached the door of their cottage.

Speaker 1 (15:14):
I knocked.

Speaker 2 (15:15):
Who is there, said the old man. Come in, I entered.
Pardon this intrusion, said I. I am a traveler in
want of a little rest. You would greatly oblige me
if you would allow me to remain a few minutes
before the fire.

Speaker 1 (15:36):
Enter, said the Lacie. And I will try in what
manner I can relieve your wants. But unfortunately my children
are from home, and as I am blind, I am
afraid I shall find it difficult to pure food.

Speaker 2 (15:49):
For you do not trouble yourself, my kind host, I
have food. It is warmth and rest only that I need.
I sat down, and a silence ensued. I knew that
every minute was precious to me. Yet I have remained
irresolute in what manner to commence the interview. When the

(16:11):
old man addressed me by your language, stranger, I suppose
you are my countrymen. Are you French?

Speaker 1 (16:19):
No?

Speaker 2 (16:20):
But I was educated by a French family and understand
that language only. I am now going to claim the
protection of some friends whom I sincerely love and of
whose favor I have Some hosts. Are they Germans? Know
they are French, But let us change the subject. I

(16:42):
am an unfortunate and deserted creature. I look around, and
I have no relation or friend upon earth. These amiable
people to whom I go have never seen me and
know little of me. I am full of fears, for
if I fail there, I am an outcast in the world. However,

(17:06):
do not despair. To be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate.
But the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious
self interest, are full of brotherly love and charity. Rely
therefore on your hopes. And if these friends are good
and amiable, do not despair. They are kind, They are

(17:28):
the most excellent creatures in the world. But unfortunately they
are prejudiced against me. I have good dispositions. My life
has been hitherto harmless and in some degree beneficial. But
a fatal prejudice clouds their eyes, and where they ought

(17:49):
to see a feeling and kind friend, they behold only
a detestable monster. That is indeed unfortunate. But if you
are really blameless, cannot you undeceive them? I am about
to undertake that task, And it is on that account

(18:09):
that I feel so many overwhelming terrors. I tenderly love
these friends. I have, unknown to them, been for many
months in the habits of daily kindness towards them. But
they believe that I wish to injure them, and it
is that prejudice which I wish to overcome. Where do

(18:32):
these friends reside near this BoNT The old man paused,
and then continued, If you will unreservedly confide to me
the particulars of your tale, I perhaps may be of
use in undeceiving them. I am blind and cannot judge
of your countenance, but there is something in your words

(18:55):
that persuades me that you are sincere. I am poor
and in able, but it will afford me true pleasure
to be in any way serviceable to a human creature.
Excellent man, I thank you and accept your generous offer.
You raise me from the dust by this kindness, and

(19:18):
I trust that by your aid I shall not be
driven from the society and sympathy of your fellow creatures.
Heaven forbid even if you were really criminal, for that
can only drive you to desperation and not instigate you
to virtue. I also am unfortunate. I and my family

(19:41):
have been condemned, although innocent. Judge. Therefore, if I do
not feel for your misfortunes, how can I thank you,
my best and only benefactor from your lips? First, have
I heard the voice of kindness directed towards me. I
shall be forever grateful, and your present humanity assures me

(20:02):
of success with those friends whom I am on the
point of meeting. May I know the names and residence
of those friends? I paused This, I thought was the
moment of decision, which was to rob me of or
bestow happiness on me for ever. I struggled vainly for

(20:25):
firmness sufficient to answer him, but the effort destroyed all
my remaining strength. I sank on the chair and sobbed aloud.
At that moment, I heard the steps of my younger protectors.
I had not a moment to lose, but seizing the
hand of the old man, I cried, now is the

(20:45):
time save and protect me. You and your family are
the friends whom I seek. Do not you desert me
in the hour of trial, Great God, exclaimed the old man,
Who are you? At that instant the cottage door was

(21:06):
opened and Felix, Safie, and Agatha entered. Who could describe
their horror and consternation on beholding me. Agatha fainted and Safie,
unable to attend to her friend, rushed out of the cottage.
Felix darted forward and with supernatural force, tore me from
his father, to whose knees I clung in a transport

(21:28):
of fury. He dashed me to the ground and struck
me violently with a stick. I could have torn him
limb from limb as the lion rends the antelope. But
my heart sunk within me as with bitter sickness, and
I refrained. I saw him on the point of repeating

(21:49):
his blow, when overcome by pain and anguish, I quitted
the cottage, and in the general tumult escaped unperceived to
my hovel.

Speaker 1 (22:00):
End Part nineteen of Frankenstein recording by Thomas Copeland