FRANKENSTEIN
A monologue from the
novel by Mary Shelley
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NOTE: This monologue is reprinted
from Frankenstein. Mary Shelley. Philadelphia: Carey,
Lea and Blanchard, 1833. |
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ELIZABETH: I am the cousin of the unhappy child who
was murdered, or rather his sister, for I was educated by, and
have lived with his parents ever since and even long before his
birth. It may, therefore, be judged indecent in me to come forward
on this occasion. But when I see a fellow-creature about to perish
through the cowardice of her pretended friends, I wish to be
allowed to speak, that I may say what I know of her character.
I am well acquainted with the accused. I have lived in the same
house with her, at one time for five and at another for nearly
two years. During all that period she appeared to me the most
amiable and benevolent of human creatures. She nursed Madame
Frankenstein, my aunt, in her last illness, with the greatest
affection and care. And afterward attended her own mother during
a tedious illness, in a manner that excited the admiration of
all who knew her, after which she again lived in my uncle's house,
where she was beloved by all the family. She was warmly attached
to the child who is now dead, and acted toward him like a most
affectionate mother. For my own part, I do not hesitate to say
that, notwithstanding all the evidence produced against her,
I believe and rely on her perfect innocence. She had no temptation
for such an action. As to the bauble on which the chief proof
rests, if she had earnestly desired it, I should have willingly
given it to her, so much do I esteem and value her.
MORE
MONOLOGUES BY MARY SHELLEY |
