Frankenstein / Possession and Attachment
The passionate and almost reverential attachment with which all regarded her became, while I shared it, my pride and my delight. On the evening previous to her being brought to my home, my mother had said playfully, “I have a pretty present for my Victor—tomorrow he shall have it.” And when, on the morrow, she presented Elizabeth to me as her promised gift, I, with childish seriousness, interpreted her words literally and looked upon Elizabeth as mine—mine to protect, love, and cherish. All praises bestowed on her I received as made to a possession of my own.
Microstory
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden rays through the window, Victor’s heart raced with anticipation. His mother, a figure of warmth and mischief, had whispered sweet promises of a gift—a treasure wrapped in the laughter of childhood. When Elizabeth entered the room, light danced in her eyes, and Victor felt an overwhelming surge of ownership, as if she were a delicate porcelain statue meant to be adored and guarded, her presence igniting a fierce protectiveness within him that blended seamlessly with his affection. (AI-generated story)
The text encapsulates a profound exploration of possession and attachment, reflecting the character's deep emotional investment in Elizabeth. This moment serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, revealing the protagonist's youthful naivety and the possessive nature of love that transcends mere affection. Historically, it echoes themes of gender dynamics and societal expectations in relationships during the Romantic period, where women were often viewed as objects of devotion and protection rather than individuals with agency. This complex interplay of pride and ownership foreshadows the tumultuous journey ahead, underscoring how relationships can become entangled with identity and self-worth. (AI-generated commentary)