NOTES

I gnashed my teeth

The same characteristic has been the subject of our recent focus, as Victor's anguished frustration in Justine's prison cell issues in this extraordinary physical reaction (I:7:27). Earlier we witnessed the same phenomenon when Victor was brought aboard Walton's ship (I:L4:10 and note), which, since it is an event almost contemporary with his present narrative account must give us a sense of how habitual this reaction has become; also how revelatory of psychological (and moral) disturbance it is. Two other characters engage in the same passionate behavior: the Creature (III:3:13) and Milton's Satan.