Aristotle
I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body; but now that I had finished , the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.
What is an example of how VF abandons his commitment (choice) to scientific exploration.
Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room , and continued a long time traversing my bedchamber, unable to compose my mind to sleep.
What is an example of how VF does not fulfill his obligation to his creation.
This was the commencement of a nervous fever which confined me for several months."
What is an example of VF is unable to endure the suffering that accompanies his choices.
I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the house which I inhabited ; where I remained during the rest of the night, walking up and down in the greatest agitation , listening attentively, catching and fearing each sound as if it were to announce the approach of the demoniacal corpse to which I had so miserably given life .
What is an example of VF's focus on himself.
" Like one who, on a lonely road, Doth walk in fear and dread, And , having once turned round , walks on , And turns no more his head ; Because he knows a frightful fiend Doth close behind him tread . "
What is an example of VF reflecting on God's judgment.
We returned to our college on a Sunday afternoon the peasants were dancing , and every one we met appeared gay and happy . My own spirits were high, and I bounded along with feelings of unbridled joy and hilarity .
What is an example of VF rejecting the consequences of choice.
A selfish pursuit had cramped and narrowed me, until your gentleness and affection warmed and opened my senses ; I became the same happy creature who , a few years ago, loved and beloved by all, had no sorrow or care .
What is an example of VF pursuing an end for personal reasons and not becasue he is doing the right thing.
The form of the monster was forever before my eyes, and I raved incessantly concerning him."
What is an example of VF is unable to endure the madness that accompanies the consequences of his choice.
Justine, thus received in our family, learned the duties of a servant ; a condition which , in our fortunate country, does not include the idea of ignorance, and a sacrifice of the dignity of a human being.
What is a pragmatic consideration of life in the Frankenstein household.
The conscience of the woman was troubled ; she began to think that the deaths of her favourites was a judgment from heaven to chastise her partiality .
What is an example of bending one's human agency to the will of God.
I considered the being whom I had cast among mankind, and endowed with the will and power to effect purposes of horror, such as the deed which he had now done, nearly in the light of my own vampire, my own spirit let loose from the grave , and forced to destroy all that was dear to me.
What is an exampl eof the consequences of not holding yourself accountable for the conesquences of your choices.
" Come, dearest Victor ; you alone can console Elizabeth. She weeps continually, and accuses herself unjustly as the cause of his death ; her words pierce my heart . We are all unhappy ; but will not that be an additional motive for you , my son , to return and be our comforter ?
What is an example of doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do?
Yet, as I drew nearer home, grief and fear again overcame me. Night also closed around ; and when I could hardly see the dark mountains , I felt still more gloomily. The picture appeared a vast and dim scene of evil , and I foresaw obscurely that I was destined to become the most wretched of human beings .
What is an example of not being able to control one's own reactions to events. [antithesis of Stoicism]
My tale was not one to announce publicly ; its astounding horror would be looked upon as madness by the vulgar. Did any one indeed exist, except I , the creator, who would believe , unless his senses convinced him , in the existence of the living monument of presumption and rash ignorance which I had let loose upon the world ?
What is an example of the kind of rationalization a Utilitarian might employ to avoid responsibility?
A flash of lightning illuminated the object, and discovered its shape plainly to me ; its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch , the filthy dæmon , to whom I given life.
What is a symbolic image of divine judgement?
This also was my doing ! And my father's woe, and the desolation of that late so smiling home-all was the work of my thriceaccursed hands ! Ye weep , unhappy ones ; but these are not your last tears ! Again shall you raise the funeral wail,... happy beyond his hopes , if thus inexorable fate be satisfied...
What is an example of understanding the implications of one's choices and refusing to act?
A thousand times rather would I have confessed myself guilty of the crime ascribed to Justine ; but I was absent when it was committed, and such a declaration would have been considered as the ravings of a madman , and would not have exculpated her who suffered through me .
What is a rejection of "doing the right thing" in favor of a Utilitarian approach.
She was tranquil , yet her tranquillity was evidently constrained ; and as her confusion had before been adduced as a proof of her guilt , she worked up her mind to an appearance of courage. When she entered the court, she threw her eyes round it , and quickly discovered where we were seated . A tear seemed to dim her eye when she saw us ; but she quickly recovered herself
What is an example of Stoic behavior in the midst of mental anguish? [Could also be submission to God's will - Calvinism]
I did confess ; but I confessed a lie . I confessed, that I might obtain absolution ; but now that falsehood lies heavier at my heart than all my other sins . The God of heaven forgive me !
What is an example of doing something for a perceived benefit [Utilitarianism-though you could argue other veiwpoints]
God knows, " she said , " how entirely I am innocent. But I do not pretend that my protestations should acquit me : I rest my innocence on a plain and simple explanation of the facts ... [OR] Learn from me, dear lady, to submit in patience to the will of Heaven !
What is an example of submitting to the will of God without complaint?
instead of that serenity of conscience, which allowed me to look back upon the past with self- satisfaction , and from thence to gather promise of new hopes, I was seized by remorse and the sense of guilt , which hurried me away to a hell of intense tortures,
What is an example of the consequences of rejecting accountability for one's choices.
it was the wretch whom I had created . I trembled with rage and horror , resolving to wait his approach , and then close with him in mortal combat.
What is an ironic example of rejecting Kant's Categorical Imperative?
The wounded deer dragging its fainting limbs to some untrodden brake, there to gaze upon the arrow which had pierced it, and to die—was but a type of me.
What is an example of VF unable to manage his emotional state?
is it a duty to the survivors , that we should refrain from augmenting their unhappiness by an appearance of immoderate grief?
What is an example of a practical strategy to achieve a greater good [Utilitarianism- though one could argue that is also an example of remaining stoic in the midst of grief]?
I would have made a pilgrimage to the highest peak of the Andes, could I , when there, have precipitated him to their base, I wished to see him again, that I might wreak the utmost extent of abhorrence on his head, and avenge the deaths of William and Justine.
What is an example of a perversion of moral/divine judgment (in this case VF's revenge articulated from teh symboic heights of heaven),