Quotation: “If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded and that a modern system of science had been introduced which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical, under such circumstances I should certainly have have thrown Agrippa aside and have contended my ardor to my former studies. It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my own ruin.” (Shelley, 38)

Comment/ Connection: I chose this quote because it is one of the first instances of Victor referencing his childhood while simultaneously referencing his “future”. I found it really interesting how he blames his father for his eventual scientific perversion instead of his own gross fascination with the human anatomy that just so happened not to be directed by a proper authority figure. I also thought this quote could relate very well to the idea of what makes a monster. Here, we see Victor believes that his foray into theory is what led him to do something unforgivable.

Question: With this quote in mind, will Victor always blame his perversion of science on other people/ other factors or will he take accountability for his actions when he listens to the creature and his account?