Frankenstein (Condensed for easy studying)

Ch. 11

Ch. 11 

I could not sleep. I found these people so gentle and kind, I needed to know what caused them to be different from the others. The next day the house awoke early. The young woman arranged the home, and made the food. The youth left after breakfast. The routine was the same as always. The young man spent the day outside. The young woman, doing housework. The old man, who was blind, liked to play instruments, or think. The youths showed so much respect to their elder. 

I found the family to not be entirely happy. The youths seemed to weep alone often. I could not imagine why they were unhappy. They had a delightful home, they had happy, they had clothing, and each other's company. I was so confused as to why they were unhappy, but careful observation created a story.

It took me a long time to discover the main cause of their pain. They were very very poor. Their food came from their garden, and a single cow. They often went to bed hungry, especially the youths. I saw them place their food before the elder man leaving none for themselves. This kindness changed me. I had been taking a small amount of their food in the night for myself, but seeing their state, I took to eating only what the forest could provide. I found another way to help them. I found the male youth spent much of his day gathering wood. I collected and stacked wood for them in the night, causing the youth great pleasure, and he spent his day home.

I made another wonderful discovery. I found that these people could express themselves through talking. This was a godlike science, and I wanted it desperately. I was baffled; they spoke so quickly, and I could find no clues to aid me. 

However, after many days studying their speaking, I was able to understand simple words, like bread. I also learned the names of the inhabitants. The old man was simply called "father". The young male youth, "Felix", and the young female, "Agatha". I felt such joy in being able to understand them.

I spent the winter this way. I felt empathy with the cottagers. I found the old man liked to encourage his children. I found that Agatha felt lightened by this, but this was not so with Felix. He was always the saddest. In the evening, he read to the old man. At first reading confused me. I soon discovered reading was simply symbols that stood for words. I wanted to be able to read, and to speak perfectly. I wanted to speak to the cottagers. I hoped if I could speak their language, they might accept me. 

One day, I spotted myself in a reflecting pool. My ugliness scared me. I did not know yet of the full ramifications of my appearance. Spring came, and the food was more plentiful, and the happiness of all of the cottagers increased. I did the same things every day. I watched the cottagers, got food for myself, and gathered wood for the cottagers, which made them very happy. 

I longed to know why Felix was so sad, and why Agatha was so sad. In my dreams, I dreamt of revealing myself to them, and charming them with my wit and eloquence. I dreamt of them accepting me. 

So spring arrived, with me joyful, and anticipating the future with exuberance.