Original artwork, not a still
Frankenstein ‧ 1818
Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The Creature's argument is that a being with nothing left to lose cannot be threatened: grief has stripped away fear, and fearlessness is what makes him dangerous. It is the hinge of the novel, where the wronged outsider becomes an avenger. It also serves as a general motto for anyone pushed past the point of caution.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for FrankensteinShow the scene
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (published 1 January 1818), the Creature says this to Victor late in the book, in Chapter 20 of the Gutenberg text. Victor has gone to a laboratory in Orkney to build a female companion for the Creature, but he sees the Creature watching at the window and tears the half-finished body apart. Hours later the Creature comes in and demands to know why. When Victor refuses ever to make another, the Creature threatens that Victor's hours will pass in dread and misery, speaks the line, and promises to be with him on his wedding night.
Sources (2)
- Project Gutenberg: FrankensteinChapter 20, the Creature's speech after Victor refusesReference checked
- Wikipedia: FrankensteinPlot and Publication sectionsReference checked
Context reviewed
