Frankenstein (Chapter 12: The Monster learns to talk)

The monster sees some human suffering “They appeared to weep. I saw no cause for their unhappiness, but I was deeply affected by it”
Curiousness “What did their tears imply? Did they really express pain? I was at first unable to answer these questions, but perpetual attention and time explained to me many appearances that were at first enigmatic”
The cause of the De Lacey’s unhappiness “It was poverty; and they suffered that evil in a very distressing degree”
First interaction with pure selflessness “They placed food before the old man when they reserved none for themselves. This trait of kindness moved me”
First interaction with the concept of human speech “These people possessed a method of communicating their experiences and feelings to one another by articulate sounds. This was indeed a godlike science”
EMPATHY “when they were unhappy, I felt depressed. When they rejoiced, I sympathised in their joys”
The monster sees himself in the pool of water “I was terrified… unable to believe that it was indeed I who was reflected in the mirror; when I became fully convinced that I was in reality the monster that I am, I was filled with the bitterest sensations of despondence and mortification”
Good quote about the way the monster looks “miserable deformity”
The monster thinks he could bring some happiness to the family “I thought (stupid wretch) that it might be in my power to to restore happiness to these deserving people”
The monster seeing words as his tool for human connection “they would be disgusted, until, by my gentle demeanour and conciliating words, I should win their favour, and afterwards their love”
How the monster sees the De Lacey’s “Superior beings”
Possible allegory for the evolution of humanity? “Men, who before had hid in caves, dispersed themselves, and were employed in various arts of cultivation”
The monster looking forward to the future “anticipations of joy”

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