I lighted the dry branch of a tree and danced with fury around the devoted cottage, my eyes still fixed on the western horizon, the edge of which the moon nearly touched. A part of its orb was at length hid, and I waved my brand; it sank, and with a loud scream I fired the straw, and heath, and bushes, which I had collected.
Chapter 16 · The Creature
Context
The Creature describes the ritualistic way he sets fire to the De Lacey cottage, waiting for the moon to sink below the horizon before igniting the flames.
Analysis
The Creature choreographs the arson like a theatrical performance: he 'danced with fury,' waited for the moon to set, and timed his 'loud scream' to the exact moment of ignition. This staging turns destruction into spectacle, suggesting that the Creature is not just venting rage but asserting his existence—if he can't be seen as human, he'll be seen as a force of nature.
Essay Tip
Use this to argue that the Creature's violence is performative—he stages his revenge like a Gothic drama, complete with fire and screaming, because he's been denied any other way to make humanity acknowledge his presence or his power.