Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of a void, but out of chaos; the materials must in the first place be afforded; it can give form to dark, shapeless substances, but cannot bring into being the substance itself.
The fallen angel becomes a malignant devil.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that a once noble being, when faced with despair or fall, can transform into something harmful or evil.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's quote reflects on the transformation of an individual from a state of grace to one of corruption. The 'fallen angel' symbolizes the loss of inherent goodness and potential, suggesting that when one's hopes and ideals are shattered, they can evolve into a 'malignant devil,' representing malevolence and destructive tendencies. This speaks to the fragility of human nature, where vulnerability and despair can lead to moral degradation.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the consequences of betrayal, one might quote this to illustrate how negative experiences can lead to corruption.
More from Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
All quotes βThe instructor can scarcely give sensibility where it is essentially wanting, nor talent to the unpercipient block. But he can cultivate and direct the affections of the pupil, who puts forth, as a parasite, tendrils by which to cling, not knowing to what - to a supporter or a destroyer.
What terrified me will terrify others; and I need only describe the spectre which had haunted my midnight pillow.
I shall commit my thoughts to paper, it is true; but that is a poor medium for the communication of feeling. I desire the company of a man who could sympathize with me, whose eyes would reply to mine.
Heavy misfortunes have befallen us, but let us only cling closer to what remains, and transfer our love for those whom we have lost to those who yet live. Our circle will be small, but bound close by the ties of affection and mutual misfortune. And when time shall have softened your despair, new and dear objects of care will be born to replace those of whom we have been so cruelly deprived.
Hateful day when I received life!' I exclaimed in agony. 'Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God, in pity, made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of yours, more horrid even from the very resemlance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred.' - Frankenstein
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