Question

(LC) Read this line from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs. Considering the use of the word agitated in this line, what is the most likely meaning of the word convulsive?

Answer 1

Answer: The most likely meaning of the word 'convulsive' is 'sudden and uncontrollable'.

Explanation: The word 'convulsive' is an adjective which comes from the noun 'convulsion'. Thus, 'convulsive' is closely related to the meaning of the noun, which makes reference to a shaking movement caused by involuntary contraction of the muscles. In that way, 'convulsive' has been used in this sentence to describe a motion as sudden and uncontrollable and also for being accompanied by convulsions.

Answer 2

Considering the use of the word "agitated" in this line, the most likely meaning of the word "convulsive" is: "spasmodic."

The line mentioned is from the moment Victor Frankenstein realizes his experiment was starting to work out, since the (previously) inanimate matter displayed some movement by opening its eye and moving its limbs suddenly. The author wanted to give the reader a feeling of being before a dying person in their convulsions and spasms. The most scary effect it has is that that "person" is not about to die; in fact, the "person" is about to come to life.