There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No; from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and more than all, against him who had formed me and sent me forth to this insupportable misery.
Chapter 16 · The Creature
Context
After the De Lacey family flees, the Creature concludes that no human will ever show him compassion and formally commits himself to revenge against Victor and all humanity.
Analysis
The phrase 'declared everlasting war against the species' has a legalistic, almost ceremonial tone—'declared' and 'everlasting' sound like an official proclamation. This formal register makes the Creature's turn to violence feel like a deliberate choice rather than an impulsive outburst, marking the moment he stops hoping for acceptance and starts planning vengeance.
Essay Tip
Support a thesis that the Creature's revenge is not a loss of control but a rational decision—his elevated, formal language here shows he's choosing a course of action with full awareness, which raises uncomfortable questions about whether the novel endorses or condemns his logic.