"Why did I not die? More miserable than man ever was before, why did I not sink into forgetfulness and reest? Death snatches away many blooming children, the only hopes of their doating parents: how many brides and youthful lovers have been one day in the bloom of health and hope, and the next a pray for worms and the decay of the tomb! Of what materials was I made, that I could thus resist so many shocks, which, like the turning of the wheel, continually renewed the torture?" pg 130
Victor says this directly following the scene in which he finds he dearest friend, Henry Clerval, dead. Although Victor did not physically kill Clerval himself (as falsely accused by the native people), he feels yet again completely responsible for his death. Victor knew by the way that Clerval was murdered that it was by the monster. This, being the monster's third mrder, sends Victor into shock. He becomes so incoherent that the people living in the town declare him mad. He spends months locked up in prision where he has crazy dreams and outbursts of insanity. I believe one of the major messages of this story is the consequences of one's actions. Clearly the creation of the monster has not only affected Victor, but also the people he loves. In the above quote, Victor not only displays the regret he has from creating the monster, but also the physical, mental, and emotional stress it causes him. He is constantly living in fear and regret not knowing who will be next to die or when his next encounter with the creature will be. He goes as far to compare it to chinese water tourture (i think that's what it's called anyways).
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