# Epigraph explained — Frankenstein

> Chapter companion for Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

## What happens

The epigraph from Milton's Paradise Lost presents the Creature's lament, questioning why his Maker created him without his consent, setting the stage for themes of creation, responsibility, and the anguish of existence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Creation and Responsibility

The epigraph directly questions the creator's responsibility for the being he has made.

### Monstrosity and Otherness

The speaker's plea highlights his sense of alienation and monstrous origin.

## Character check-ins

### The Creature

Implied speaker of the epigraph, questioning his creator.

### Victor Frankenstein

Implied as the 'Maker' addressed in the epigraph.

## Key lines

> Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay To mould me Man, did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me?

Did I ask you, my Creator, to shape me into a man from clay? Did I beg you to bring me out of darkness?

_The Creature's accusation that he was brought into existence without his consent._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/frankenstein_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters