Stoicism

“Those maxims of the Stoics…” (pg. 77)

Stoicism was a philosophical movement that was widespread during the fourth, third, and second centuries BC. The Stoics believed that emotions, such as fear, envy, and love, resulted from false judgment. Due to this belief, the Stoics were often depicted as being calm and impassive. At this point in the story Shelley has developed a considerable amount of commotion with William's murder. Shelley uses this occurrence, which would normally cause distress, to emphasize Frankenstein's indifference, or stoical behavior, as he is transfixed by his creation.

"Stoicism." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Web. 13 Aug. 2009. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/stoicism/