Never Dying Worm

"But I, the true murderer, felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom" (58)

Worms eating away at Frankenstein and other decaying bodies is a thread in this novel. Worms are mentioned previously, when Frankenstein has the idea of creating life.

"I saw how the worm had inherited the wonders of the eye and brain. I paused, examining and analysing all the minutiae of causation, as exemplified in the change from life to death" (30)

The worm symbolizes the monster who is eating away at Frankenstein, ridding him of life. Frankenstein gave the worm life and the monster took it away from Frankenstein.