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Best 23 Ambition Quotes in Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s iconic novel, Frankenstein, explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences that arise from pursuing one’s desires without considering the ethical implications. Throughout the story, the characters’ ambitions drive them to pursue scientific advancements, leading to disastrous outcomes. Here are the best 23 ambition quotes from Frankenstein that highlight the central theme of ambition and its repercussions.
1. “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge.” – Victor Frankenstein
This quote emphasizes the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge without considering the potential consequences.
2. “I must pursue and destroy the being to whom I gave existence; then my lot on earth will be fulfilled and I may die.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor’s intense ambition to destroy his creation showcases the magnitude of his obsession and how it consumes him.
3. “Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught?” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor questions Walton’s ambition, warning him of the madness and destructive nature that can arise from pursuing one’s desires relentlessly.
4. “Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” – The Monster
The Monster, created by Victor’s ambition, asserts his own power and warns against underestimating him, emphasizing the consequences of Victor’s actions.
5. “A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind and never to allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquility.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor acknowledges the importance of maintaining a balanced mindset and warns against the dangers of allowing ambition to override rationality.
6. “My revenge is of no moment to you; yet, while I allow it to be a vice, I confess that it is the devouring and only passion of my soul.” – The Monster
The Monster’s ambition for revenge against Victor dominates his existence, highlighting the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.
7. “I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.” – The Monster
The Monster’s ambition to find happiness and acceptance drives him to commit acts of evil, reflecting the detrimental consequences of unfulfilled ambition.
8. “I was as ambitious as ever; but my ambition was of another grain.” – Robert Walton
Walton acknowledges his own ambition but recognizes its distinction from Victor’s ambition, suggesting a more tempered pursuit of knowledge.
9. “One man’s life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor’s ambition for knowledge blinds him to the value of human life, demonstrating the dangerous lengths he is willing to go to satisfy his desires.
10. “You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor warns Walton about the potential dangers of ambition, hoping to spare him from the same devastating consequences he has experienced.
11. “I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor’s ambition to create life through his scientific experiments illustrates his obsessive pursuit, which ultimately leads to disaster.
12. “I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor acknowledges his excessive ambition, admitting that his desire to create life surpassed rationality and caution.
13. “I have lost everything, and cannot begin life anew.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor’s ambition has cost him dearly, leaving him with nothing and emphasizing the destructive nature of unchecked desires.
14. “I had selected his features as beautiful. Beautiful! Great God!” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor’s ambition to create a beautiful being is shattered when he realizes the monstrous appearance of his creation, showcasing the consequences of his overreaching ambition.
15. “My heart was fashioned to be susceptible of love and sympathy, and when wrenched by misery to vice and hatred, it did not endure the violence of the change without torture such as you cannot even imagine.” – The Monster
The Monster’s ambition to experience love and sympathy is crushed by the cruelty he faces, reflecting the pain and torment that arise from unfulfilled desires.
16. “A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor’s ambition to be revered as a creator highlights his desire for recognition and the downfall that accompanies such unchecked aspirations.
17. “My vices are the children of a forced solitude that I abhor, and my virtues will necessarily arise when I live in communion with an equal.” – The Monster
The Monster’s ambition for companionship and acceptance drives his actions, revealing the consequences of isolation and the innate human desire for connection.
18. “I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me.” – The Monster
The Monster’s desire for companionship goes unfulfilled, leading to his misery and highlighting the negative consequences of unattainable ambition.
19. “The labours of men of genius, however erroneously directed, scarcely ever fail in ultimately turning to the solid advantage of mankind.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor’s misguided belief in the inherent goodness of ambition and the pursuit of knowledge reflects the dangers of unchecked desires.
20. “Were I as ignorant as the rest of mankind, this knowledge would not have driven me to seek tranquillity in the destruction of the human race.” – The Monster
The Monster’s ambition for revenge stems from the knowledge and understanding he has acquired, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked ambition when coupled with intelligence.
21. “I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel.” – The Monster
The Monster’s ambition to be accepted and loved as Adam, the first human, is crushed when he is rejected, resulting in his descent into darkness and despair.
22. “I pursued nature to her hiding-places. Who shall conceive the horrors of my secret toil as I dabbled among the unhallowed damps of the grave?” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor’s ambition to uncover the secrets of life leads him to engage in dark and unethical practices, showcasing the destructive nature of unchecked desires.
23. “My dreams were all my own; I accounted for them to nobody; they were my refuge when annoyed—my dearest pleasure when free.” – Victor Frankenstein
Victor’s ambition and dreams become an escape from reality, highlighting the allure and danger of unchecked desires.
FAQs:
Q: What is the main theme in Frankenstein?
A: The main theme in Frankenstein is the danger of unchecked ambition and the consequences that arise from pursuing one’s desires without considering the ethical implications.
Q: How does ambition drive the characters in Frankenstein?
A: Ambition drives the characters in Frankenstein to pursue scientific advancements, leading to disastrous outcomes and the destruction of their lives.
Q: What is the significance of the Monster’s ambition for revenge?
A: The Monster’s ambition for revenge reflects the consequences of unfulfilled desires and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.
Q: How does Frankenstein warn against the dangers of ambition?
A: Frankenstein warns against the dangers of ambition by showcasing the negative consequences and the toll it takes on the characters’ lives.
Q: What can we learn from Frankenstein about ambition?
A: Frankenstein teaches us the importance of considering the ethical implications of our ambitions and the potential consequences that can arise from pursuing our desires without restraint.
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