Capítulo 5. Frankenstein. Mary W. Shelley.
The Creation of Life and Its Consequences
The Initial Experiment
- On a gloomy November night, the narrator prepares to animate a lifeless body, filled with anxiety and anticipation.
- As the experiment succeeds, the creature awakens with yellowish eyes, causing a mix of emotions in the narrator.
The Creature's Appearance
- The narrator describes the creature as having grotesque features: yellowish skin, greasy black hair, and an unsettling contrast between its beauty and ugliness.
- After two years of intense labor to create life, the narrator is horrified by his creation instead of feeling joy.
Nightmares and Regret
- Unable to sleep due to nightmares about Elizabeth turning into a corpse, reflecting his deep-seated fears.
- Awakes in terror to find the creature watching him from his bed; he feels compelled to flee from it.
A Night of Agony
- Describes a restless night spent in fear and agitation over what he has created; compares it to a mummy brought back to life.
- Experiences physical symptoms of horror—rapid pulse and faintness—while grappling with disappointment over his failed dream.
Seeking Refuge
- At dawn, he escapes into the streets of Ingolstadt, trying to avoid confronting his creation while battling rain and despair.
- Encounters Clerval’s stagecoach unexpectedly; this meeting brings relief from his terrors as memories of home flood back.
Reunion with Clerval
- Clerval expresses joy at seeing the narrator; their reunion momentarily alleviates the narrator's distress.
- The presence of Clerval reminds him of happier times with family and friends, providing comfort amidst turmoil.
Frankenstein's Turmoil and Recovery
The Struggle with Knowledge and Learning
- The narrator reflects on a conversation about the necessity of knowledge, revealing a tension between personal ambition and societal expectations. He mentions a character who earns well without knowing Greek, highlighting differing values in education.
- Despite initial rejection of learning, the narrator's friend grants him permission to pursue a study tour, indicating support for his intellectual journey.
Physical and Mental Decline
- The narrator acknowledges his deteriorating health, attributing it to sleepless nights spent on obsessive work. This foreshadows deeper psychological issues stemming from his pursuits.
- A moment of terror strikes as he fears encountering the being he created. His anxiety manifests physically as he hesitates before entering his room, illustrating the psychological toll of his actions.
Joy Amidst Fear
- Upon finding his room empty, relief washes over him; however, this joy is short-lived as he struggles with overwhelming emotions that lead to erratic behavior when reunited with Clerval.
- Clerval expresses concern for the narrator’s health after witnessing his strange laughter and demeanor. This highlights the impact of mental strain on their friendship.
Illness and Care
- The narrator experiences a nervous fever following an emotional breakdown. Clerval becomes his sole caretaker during this period, showcasing themes of friendship and loyalty amidst suffering.
- The narrator learns that Clerval has shielded their family from the severity of his illness to spare them worry. This decision emphasizes protective instincts within relationships.
Recovery and Reflection
- As spring arrives, signs of recovery emerge; nature symbolizes renewal while also reflecting the narrator's gradual return to health.
- Gratitude towards Clerval surfaces as they discuss past sacrifices made for each other’s well-being. The bond between them strengthens through shared experiences during hardship.
- Clerval encourages communication with family members who are unaware of the narrator's condition, emphasizing familial bonds and responsibilities despite personal turmoil.