The possession of these treasures gave me extreme delight; I now continually studied and exercised my mind upon these histories, whilst my friends were employed in their ordinary occupations.
Chapter 15 · The Creature
Context
The Creature has just found a leather bag containing books—Paradise Lost, Plutarch's Lives, and The Sorrows of Werter—written in the French he learned by eavesdropping on the De Laceys. He describes how he spends his time reading while the family works.
Analysis
Calling the books 'treasures' and the family 'friends' exposes the gap between the Creature's perception and reality—the De Laceys do not know he exists, yet he considers them companions. The phrase 'whilst my friends were employed' quietly emphasizes the division of labor: they perform useful work while he consumes culture, an ironic reversal since he is the one living in poverty and secrecy. His isolation is sharpest in moments when he feels closest to them.
Essay Tip
Use this to argue that the Creature's self-education, while intellectually enriching, deepens his alienation—he bonds emotionally with people and ideas that cannot bond back, setting up the painful confrontation when he finally seeks real connection.