The Birth of Frankenstein's Monster
I was on a 1 night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an
anxiety that almost amounted to agony , I collected the instruments of life around me , that I
might infuse a 2 of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet . It was already one in the
morning , the rain 3 dismally against the panes , and my candle was 4 burnt out , when ,
by the glimmer of the half - extinguished light , I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature
open , it breathed hard , and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs .
How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe , or how delineate the wretch whom with
such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form ? His limbs were in proportion , and I
had selected his features as beautiful . Beautifull Great God !
His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath , his hair was of a
lustrous black , and flowing , his teeth of a pearly whiteness , but these luxuriances only
formed a more hond contrast with his watery eyes , that seemed almost of the same colour as
the dun - white sockets in which they were set , his shrivelled complexion and straight black
lips .
I had worked hard for nearly two years , for the sole purpose of infusing life into an
inanimate body . For this I had deprived myself of rest and health . I had desired it with an
ardour that far exceeded moderation , but now that I had finished , the beauty of the dream
vanished , and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart . Unable to endure the aspect of
the being I had created , I rushed out of the room and continued a long time traversing my
bed - chamber , unable to compose my mind to sleep . At length I threw myself on the bed in
my clothes , endeavouring to seek a fow moments of forgetfulness . But it was in vain ; I
slept , indeed , but I was disturbed by the wildest dreams
Extract from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
