One day, when I was oppressed by cold, I found a fire which had been left by some wandering beggars, and was overcome with delight at the warmth I experienced from it.
Chapter 11 · The Creature
Context
While wandering cold and hungry through the forest, the Creature discovers a fire left behind by travelers and feels warmth for the first time.
Analysis
The passive construction 'I was oppressed by cold' makes cold into an active oppressor, something done to him rather than a neutral condition—continuing the Creature's pattern of framing himself as a victim of forces beyond his control. Then 'overcome with delight' uses the same passive grammar for pleasure, as if joy, too, simply happens to him, reinforcing his self-image as helpless and reactive rather than responsible.
Essay Tip
Support a thesis that the Creature's grammar consistently deflects agency away from himself—he is always being acted upon—which becomes important later when he commits violence but still insists he had no choice.