Vocabulary in Frankenstein

To be suddenly and forcefully attacked or overwhelmed — here used to mean being hit hard by a feeling like disappointment, not a physical attack.

To try hard or make a serious effort to do something. An older spelling of 'endeavor,' common in early 19th-century British writing.

Generous, lenient treatment that allows someone to do or have what they want without strict rules or punishment.

Naturally calm, easy to manage, and unlikely to cause trouble or argue — describing a gentle, obedient character.

In this 19th-century usage, cheerful and lively in mood and manner — not a reference to sexual orientation.

The offspring or descendants of something; here used figuratively to mean all the branches and offshoots of a field of study.

Failing to develop properly or produce results; incomplete and unsuccessful from the start.

Changed from one substance or form into a completely different one — specifically the old alchemical dream of turning common metals into gold.

A legendary potion that alchemists believed could grant immortality or cure all diseases. Here it stands for an impossible dream of defeating death.

An impossible fantasy or illusion — something hoped for that can never actually exist in reality.

The deepest, most hidden or remote parts of something — here referring to nature's innermost secrets and hidden workings.

Formally stated or proclaimed — used here to suggest the professor's words were delivered like a decree of fate.

Not alive; lacking any life, movement, or vital force. Victor uses it to describe the assembled body before he brings it to life.

Intense, burning enthusiasm or passion for something — a stronger and more consuming desire than ordinary eagerness.

Shaken by sudden, violent, uncontrollable muscle spasms — here describing Victor's body gripped by terror and shock.

Shining with a soft, rich glow — describing hair that has a beautiful, gleaming quality.

In this archaic usage, something monstrous or unnatural that should never have come into existence — not the modern medical meaning.

Rejected with contempt and disgust, as if kicking something away — a harsh, scornful refusal to accept or acknowledge.

Unlucky and deserving of pity — suffering misfortune through no fault of one's own.

Wicked, profane, and not blessed — describing practices that violate what is sacred or morally acceptable.

People's facial expressions, especially as they reveal inner feelings such as judgment or condemnation.

Calmly and quietly accepting something painful or unavoidable, without fighting against it.

Deep, painful guilt over a wrong one has done — a heavy, lasting sense of moral regret that cannot easily be shaken off.

Extremely disgusting and morally repulsive — expressing the strongest possible contempt for someone or something.

Deeply miserable and pitiable — in a state of suffering so severe that others feel either contempt or pity.

Not clear or sharp in memory or perception — blurred and hard to make out, like a faded or confused recollection.

Deliberately stopped doing something one had been doing — here, choosing to go without food rather than cause hardship to others.

Cruel, unjust, and oppressive use of power over someone, leaving them no freedom or choice.