It is even possible that the train of my ideas would never have received the fatal impulse that led to my ruin. If, instead of this remark, my father had taken the pains to explain to me that the principles of Agrippa had been entirely exploded, and that a modern system of science had been introduced, which possessed much greater powers than the ancient, because the powers of the latter were chimerical, while those of the former were real and practical under such circumstances, I should certainly have thrown Agrippa aside, and have contented my imagination, warmed as it was, by returning with greater ardour to my former studies. My father looked carelessly at the title page of my book, and said, "Ah! Cornelius Agrippa! My dear Victor, do not waste your time upon this it is sad trash." A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind and, bounding with joy, I communicated my discovery to my father. I opened it with apathy the theory which he attempts to demonstrate, and the wonderful facts which he relates, soon changed this feeling into enthusiasm. In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa. When I was thirteen years of age, we all went on a party of pleasure to the baths near Thonon: the inclemency of the weather obliged us to remain a day confined to the inn. Natural philosophy is the genius that has regulated my fate I desire, therefore, in this narration, to state those facts which led to my predilection for that science. This contrasts directly with Frankenstein's prompt abandonment of his monster, following its creation. What's interesting to note, which Frankenstein highlights here, is that he had a childhood characterized by loving, caring, present parents. When I mingled with other families, I distinctly discerned how peculiarly fortunate my lot was, and gratitude assisted the development of filial love. We felt that they were not the tyrants to rule our lot according to their caprice, but the agents and creators of all the many delights which we enjoyed. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. In this way, he has been enslaved by his own creation because his one goal in life has become to destroy it. In this passage, Frankenstein conveys to Walton the belief that the course of his life - his fate - is bound to the monster he created. I understand your feeling," continued he, perceiving that I wished to interrupt him "but you are mistaken, my friend, if thus you will allow me to name you nothing can alter my destiny listen to my history, and you will perceive how irrevocably it is determined." Preface, Letter 6 I wait but for one event, and then I shall repose in peace. "I thank you," he replied, "for your sympathy, but it is useless my fate is nearly fulfilled. I felt the greatest eagerness to hear the promised narrative, partly from curiosity, and partly from a strong desire to ameliorate his fate, if it were in my power.
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