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Frankenstein
Study Guide by Course Hero
in letters to his sister. In turn, Victor quotes the Monster's

What's Inside narration, also in the first person. Finally, Elizabeth Lavenza
and Alphonse Frankenstein relate part of the story through
their letters to Victor.
j Book Basics ................................................................................................. 1
TENSE
d In Context ..................................................................................................... 1 Frankenstein is told in the past tense.
a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 4 ABOUT THE TITLE

The novel's full title is Frankenstein; or, The Modern
h Characters .................................................................................................. 4
Prometheus. The first part of the title, Frankenstein, refers to
k Plot Summary ............................................................................................. 8 Victor Frankenstein, the scientist—not, as is often
misunderstood, the Monster he created. The subtitle refers to
c Chapter Summaries .............................................................................. 12 the Greek god Prometheus, who created the first human. After
Zeus (the king of the gods) took fire away from humans,
g Quotes ........................................................................................................ 32
Prometheus returned it to them. As punishment for these
actions, Zeus had Prometheus chained to a rock for eternity
l Symbols ..................................................................................................... 35
and sent an eagle to eat his liver. The liver grew back each
m Themes ...................................................................................................... 36 night, and each day the eagle returned, condemning
Prometheus to eternal torture. The subtitle links Victor and
b The 1818 and 1831 Editions .............................................................. 38 Prometheus; both defy heaven in taking the power of creating
life, reserved for heaven alone, and suffer tremendously as a
e Suggested Reading ............................................................................. 39
result. This study guide covers the 1818 edition of Frankenstein.
j Book Basics d In Context

AUTHOR
Mary Shelley
The Genesis of Frankenstein
YEAR PUBLISHED
1818; 1831 (revised edition) What prompts a 19-year-old to write a horror story about
science run amok? Whatever caused Mary Wollstonecraft
GENRE
Shelley to formulate the story, the impetus for doing so was
Horror
something of a contest, as she explained in her preface to the
PERSPECTIVE AND NARRATOR 1831 edition of the novel. Stuck inside because of the incessant
Frankenstein is told through the first-person point of view. rain while on a tour of Europe, Mary, Percy Shelley, and their
Using the first person, Robert Walton, the frame narrator, friends Lord Byron and John Polidori passed the time reading a
quotes Victor Frankenstein's narrative, also in the first person, book of German ghost stories. Byron suggested they each
Frankenstein Study Guide In Context 2
write a horror story, and the others agreed. While Mary beautiful.
struggled to find an idea for a story that would "awaken thrilling
horror," another conversation among the friends a few days Another characteristic of romanticism is attraction to a heroic
later sparked her novel. On that occasion they discussed figure interested in breaking the boundaries of traditional
galvanism, or using electricity to animate muscle, as Italian society and achieving a lofty ideal. Some romantics viewed
physicist Luigi Galvani had done with a frog. That night she had French emperor Napoleon I as such a figure until his conquest
a vivid dream of a "pale student of unhallowed arts" kneeling of other countries made him seem more tyrant than hero.
beside "the hideous phantasm of a man," which he stirred to

life. The scientist quickly regretted "his odious handy-work"
and hoped the life he had stirred would die out again. But he Scientific Revolution and
was wakened from his sleep by the creature at his bedside
"looking at him with yellow, watery, and speculative eyes." Mary Enlightenment
was frightened awake, but she then realized that the terrifying
dream was exactly the kind of idea she sought. The next day The romantics also rejected the exaltation of scientific thinking
she began writing the story that became Frankenstein. and reason, hallmarks of the Scientific Revolution, which began
in the 15th century, and the Enlightenment, which began in the
17th century. The Scientific Revolution promoted the ability of
Gothic Literature the human mind to understand the laws of nature and even,
perhaps, to control them. Enlightenment thinkers believed in
Frankenstein fits in the tradition of gothic literature—stories the power of reason to find new solutions to centuries-old
about mystery, horror, and the supernatural—that had been social and political problems and build a better world.
launched in the mid- to late 18th century by The Castle of Romanticism was marked by a fascination with scientific
Otranto (1764) by Horace Walpole and popularized in the advances mixed with a sense of the world having secrets that
1790s by the novels of Ann Radcliffe. It is known that Percy were unknowable—though they could perhaps be intuited.
Shelley read two of Radcliffe's gothic novels in the years 1814 Romanticism also rejected rationality, order, and balance in the
and 1815; while it is not certain that Mary did, it is likely. arts and Enlightenment thinkers' emphasis on reason.
Typically set in eerie, isolated places, such as castles, Individual experience and subjective perceptions were valued
monasteries, or wild expanses of nature, gothic stories usually over social harmony and objective principles. Faith in human
include violence, suspense, and mystery. The gloomy setting is progress through the application of reason—a hallmark of the
ideal for the brooding heroes, monsters, and deranged people Enlightenment—did have some parallels in romantics' thinking
in attics who often populate these novels. as well. Some romantics, including Percy Shelley, embraced
the republican and revolutionary impulses introduced by the
French Revolution and believed that a better, more equitable
Romantic Movement age was about to dawn.
Another aspect of the Enlightenment relevant to Frankenstein

Frankenstein is also a work in the tradition of the romantic was the interest of thinkers from this movement in questions of
movement. Romantic writers took as their topics a deep the state of nature. Political philosophers discussed the state
connection to nature, the depth of human emotion, and the of nature as the human condition prior to the formation of
conflict between the individual and society. Percy Shelley, social groups, and they viewed this existence in varying ways.
along with William Blake, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, and To Thomas Hobbes, the state of nature was insecure and
John Keats, were the foremost romantic poets. Wordsworth threatening, and humans needed to form society to gain
captured the essence of romantic poetry in the preface to his security. To Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the state of nature was
collection Lyrical Ballads, calling it "emotion recollected in more peaceful, with humans working to ensure survival but
tranquillity." Characteristics of romanticism in Frankenstein also cooperating with others. John Locke and Rousseau were
include humans' emotional tie to nature and attraction to the also concerned with how humans learned and developed
sublime, the term the romantics used for the powerful and intellectually and morally. Locke thought the human mind was a
awe-inspiring aspects of nature, as opposed to the merely blank slate that accumulated knowledge and formed moral
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Frankenstein Study Guide In Context 3
impulses as a result of experience. The Monster in Mary heavily revised the third edition of the novel to make it
Frankenstein can be seen as living in the state of nature and as less offensive. The new edition made Victor even more
a creature that develops as a result of his experiences and regretful about his actions and more religious in outlook. She
self-education. also split the first chapter in two and changed Elizabeth's
background so that she was no longer Victor's cousin.
Mary's Authorship By the 1850s only one edition remained in print, and sales were
low. One reason for the paltry sales was that the copyright
holder—after 1831, a publisher, not Mary—insisted on
Much debate took place in the past over, first, Mary's
publishing it only in a more expensive format that made it less
authorship of the novel and, second, the extent of Percy's
accessible to a broader public. It was not revived until the
influence on it. The fact that Percy provided the preface to the
1880s, when the book was no longer in copyright. Even then,
first edition, his reputation as a writer, and Mary's being
when the novel was reissued in an inexpensive paperback
unknown as a writer all contributed to the belief that he had
version, editor Hugh Reginald Haweis stated his hesitation to
written the novel when it was first published. That Mary's other
publish it because "the subject is somewhat revolting" and "the
works did not enjoy success reinforced that view. Even when
treatment of it somewhat hideous." While sales were never
her authorship was finally established, some critics speculated
robust, the story remained popular in large part because of
that Percy's editing strongly shaped the work. Indeed, one
many stage adaptations, and the ominous specter of
modern scholar has pointed to a few thousand edits made by
Frankenstein's monster was employed by thinkers throughout
Percy as evidence that he left his stamp on the book. This
the Victorian age to warn against any reform or change that
scholar also points out that William Godwin, Mary's father, read
they deemed potentially destructive.
and annotated the manuscript. In the 21st century, scholars
agree that the inspiration and execution were Mary's, though
Percy encouraged her to write the book and read and
annotated her drafts. Influence
In the 21st century, Frankenstein is regarded as a classic of
Critical Reception romantic, gothic fiction. It is also recognized as one of the first
science fiction novels. The work's influence extends far
beyond the world of literature, however. Frankenstein and the
Mary published Frankenstein anonymously in 1818, and critics
Monster are firmly embedded in popular culture, having
assumed the novel had been written by a man, in part because
sparked an entire genre of novels, films, and Halloween
of the two male narrative voices. The novel was widely
costumes. In 2016 a ballet based on the book premiered in
reviewed. Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832), one of the most popular
London.
novelists of the era, set the tone when he praised the author's
use of language but found some of the novel's events less than The most famous film adaptation remains the 1931 version, in
believable. Other critics found the work offensive. which Boris Karloff plays the Monster. Sequels include The
Conservative writer John Wilson Croker (1780–1857), writing in Bride of Frankenstein (1935), starring Elsa Lanchester as the
the Quarterly Review, concluded by stating that readers were title character, and The Ghost of Frankenstein, starring Lon
left "in doubt whether the head or the heart of the author be Chaney Jr. The character of the Monster and the novel have
the most diseased." Some critics complained that the novel inspired many parodies as well, including the butler Lurch in
was irreligious and immoral because Shelley had not The Addams Family (a television show from the 1960s that
condemned Victor Frankenstein for trying to usurp God by later inspired films and a Broadway play), Young Frankenstein
creating life, despite his repentant words and death. Others (1974), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), and even
strongly objected to what they saw as its pardoning of the episodes of the children's television program Sesame Street.
Monster's behavior: a reflection of Godwinian ideas that the
root of evil was injustice.
In 1822 the second edition of the novel was published. In 1831

Frankenstein Study Guide Author Biography 4
was only 24 years old, Percy drowned.

a Author Biography
Needing to support herself and her only surviving child, Mary
wrote five more novels and a novella, but none were as
Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin might have seemed destined to
successful as Frankenstein. She also wrote magazine stories,
become a writer from her birth in London on August 30, 1797.
biographies, and travel books, and she collected and edited
Her father, William Godwin, was a noted philosopher and
editions of Percy's poetry and prose. Several men wanted to
political writer who argued, in An Enquiry Concerning Political
marry her, but she remained devoted to her husband's
Justice (1792), that a central government was by its nature
memory. She carried Percy's heart—which a friend had
corrupt and tyrannical. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was
grabbed out of his funeral pyre—in her pocketbook for the rest
an early feminist and novelist whose controversial book A
of her life. She died in London on February 1, 1851, at age 53.
Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) argued that women's
lives—and society as a whole—would improve if women were
given an education equal to that of men. Mary grew up
surrounded by some of the most important writers of the time, h Characters
including Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.
Mary had an unhappy family life. Her mother died less than two
weeks after giving birth to her, and Mary detested the woman Victor Frankenstein
her father married four years later. Denied any formal
schooling, Mary taught herself by reading widely in her father's The product of a loving and wealthy Swiss family, Victor is
library. She also wrote, noting in the 1831 edition of highly ambitious and determined to leave his mark on the
Frankenstein that in childhood her "favorite pastime, during the world. As a teen he studies alchemy, an outdated
hours given me for recreation, was to 'write stories.'" pseudoscience. At this point Victor is still relatively naive,
captivated by the allure of science. Victor is horrified by his
When Mary was 15 years old, she met poet Percy Bysshe creation: a monster of hideous appearance and proportion. In
Shelley. He was handsome, charming, intellectually alive, and an attempt to atone for his ambition and excessive pride,
committed to political liberalism like her parents—and married. Victor becomes obsessed with tracking and killing the Monster
Nonetheless, she fell in love with him. In 1814, when she was yet succeeds only in isolating himself from all human contact.
nearly 17 and he 21, he abandoned his wife, and the couple fled Victor and the Monster serve as doubles of each other,
to Europe. A year later Mary had her first child, who died a few revolving in opposite ways around many of the book's themes.
days later. The couple settled in Switzerland, and in the Their relationship is not a simple matter of one character being
summer of 1816 Mary began writing Frankenstein, which she good and the other evil, however. Rather, the two shift back
published two years later. That work came in the midst of and forth in terms of morality, with the actions of each being
tragedy. Mary's half-sister Fanny committed suicide in 1816, more moral at some times and more objectionable at others.
and later in the year Shelley's wife, Harriet, devastated by her
husband's affair with Mary, killed herself. In December Mary
and Percy married. Frankenstein was published in 1818. The Monster
The couple's life was not easy, as Percy, despite being from a
The Monster is an eight-foot-tall giant Victor Frankenstein
wealthy family, was in conflict with his father. Though
forms and brings to life. The Monster is composed of various
Frankenstein's first edition sold out, that was only 500 copies.
body parts scavenged from cemeteries and morgues, so he is
Mary had published the novel anonymously, and because she
hideous: his yellow skin "scarcely cover[s] the work of muscles
was so young, relatively unknown, and married to Percy
and arteries beneath," and he has "watery eyes" that seem
Shelley, people believed he had written the runaway hit. The
almost of the same color as the "dun white sockets" in which
fact that he had written the preface increased that conviction.
they are set as well as a "shriveled complexion and straight
Added to the couple's troubles were the deaths of three of
black lips." Born innocent, the Monster is baffled when Victor
their children and Percy's inability to remain faithful. Financial
violently rejects him. Highly intelligent and eloquent, the
and emotional struggles continued. Then, in 1822, when Mary

Frankenstein Study Guide Characters 5
Monster educates himself, learning to read and write French, Frankensteins adopt after taking custody of her from a
but all his learning cannot help him find what he most desires: peasant family that could no longer afford to support her.) She
companionship. After Victor rejects him, the Monster and Victor grow up good friends as well as siblings (and
alternates between acts of horrific violence (killing Victor's cousins), and they marry when they are adults. She is pure
brother) and touching kindness (rescuing a drowning girl, goodness, as compassionate as the Monster sometimes is, but
helping impoverished peasants). When Victor tears apart the is innocent and incapable of his violence or of Victor's
mate he had agreed to create for the Monster, the Monster challenge to morality. The Monster strangles her on her
kills Victor's best friend and Victor's wife. No one will accept wedding night.
him because of his appearance. He is doomed to a life of bitter
loneliness and isolation.
Alphonse Frankenstein
Robert Walton Compassionate and caring, Alphonse Frankenstein and his
wife, Caroline, treat everyone well. Alphonse dies soon after his
Walton is the narrator of the frame story that begins and ends niece/daughter Elizabeth is killed, crushed by the weight of too
the novel. He plays an important role in the plot by confirming much sorrow.
the Monster's existence, because he spoke with him, and
allowing readers to know what happens to the Monster after
Victor's death. He also plays valuable thematic roles. Seeking Justine Moritz
to accomplish "some great purpose" in life, Walton sets off to
explore the Arctic. Walton seeks two things: fame from A loyal servant and help to the family, Justine is an innocent
exploring the Arctic and a friend. His ambition parallels casualty of Victor's creation. She accepts her fate with
Frankenstein's, while his yearning for friendship parallels the remarkable calm. She, like Elizabeth, also serves as a foil to the
Monster's. He believes he has found that friend in Victor Monster. Also like Elizabeth, she is given up by her family, but
Frankenstein, but the latter dies soon after Walton and his both find a loving home. The Monster, abandoned by his
crew rescue him. Finally, Walton serves as Victor's foil, the creator, is left without one.
differences between him and Victor helping highlight Victor's
characteristics.
Henry Clerval
Henry is Victor's closest friend, an easygoing, helpful, and
charming young man whom Victor met in childhood. Henry
studies languages at the university and nurses Victor through
his breakdowns, setting aside his own studies to do so. He
displays the attentive, caring, devoted behavior of a true friend.
The Monster kills him after Victor breaks his promise to create
a companion female monster.
Elizabeth Lavenza
The daughter of an Italian gentleman and Alphonse
Frankenstein's sister, Elizabeth has a "gentle and affectionate
disposition" even as a child. (In the 1831 edition, she is the
orphaned daughter of a Milanese noble whom the

Character Map
The Monster Frames for murder

Eight-foot-tall lonely,
hideous monster
Kills Kills
Henry Clerval Elizabeth Lavenza

Creator
Handsome, generous man Kind, gentle woman
Best Cousins
friends and spouses
Victor
Frankenstein Servant
Scientist; creates
the Monster
Servant
Tells story
Robert Walton Justine Moritz

Father
Arctic explorer Frankenstein family servant
Servant
Alphonse Frankenstein
Public servant
Main Character
Other Major Character
Minor Character

Full Character List Caroline is Victor's mother, who dies

of scarlet fever after nursing her
Caroline niece/daughter Elizabeth through
Frankenstein the same illness and expressing her
Character Description
long-held hope that Victor will marry
Elizabeth.
Victor Frankenstein is the scientist who
Frankenstein created the Monster.
Ernest
Ernest is Victor's younger brother.
Frankenstein
The Monster is the eight-foot-tall
The Monster
monster Victor Frankenstein creates.
William William is Victor's youngest brother
Frankenstein and the Monster's first victim.
Walton is the Arctic explorer whose
Robert Walton letters to his sister open and close
Kirwin is a judge in charge of Victor's
the novel. Mr. Kirwin
trial in Ireland for the death of Henry.
Victor's closest friend, Henry is a

Henry Clerval An arrogant science professor at the
fellow student at the university.
University of Ingolstadt, Krempe is
M. Krempe
one of Victor's teachers and mocks
Elizabeth Victor's cousin, Elizabeth is also his him.
Lavenza adopted sister and, later, his wife.
The magistrate is a criminal judge in
Alphonse Magistrate Geneva to whom Victor relates his
Alphonse is Victor's father. story about the Monster.
Frankenstein
One of the servants in the Nugent is a witness in Victor's

Daniel Nugent
Frankenstein household, Justine is murder trial in Ireland.
Justine Moritz
framed for the murder of William
Frankenstein.
The nurse cares for Victor while he is
Nurse
in prison in Ireland.
Agatha is a French exile and the
daughter of M. De Lacey, whom she
Agatha De Lacey The beautiful Turkish woman whom
treats with great kindness and
Felix De Lacey loves, Safie leaves
deference.
Safie Italy after her father's betrayal of the
De Laceys and makes her way to
Felix is a French exile and the son of that family.
M. De Lacey. He is in love with a
Felix De Lacey Turkish woman, Safie, and rescues
A treacherous Turkish merchant,
her and her father at great personal
Safie's Father Safie's father is helped by Felix De
danger.
Lacey but then betrays his family.
The head of the family of exiles the

Margaret is Robert Walton's sister
Monster hopes to join, M. De Lacey
Margaret Saville and the person to whom he
is old, blind, and poor. Descended
addresses his letters.
M. De Lacey from a good family in France, he lost
his fortune, social standing, and
home when he helped Safie's father, A kindly chemistry professor at the
who later betrayed him. University of Ingolstadt, Waldman
M. Waldman supports Victor's ambition and
teaches him a great deal about
chemistry.

Frankenstein Study Guide Plot Summary 8
Returning home more than a year later, Victor was shocked to

k Plot Summary learn of the murder of his brother William. A servant, Justine
Moritz, was blamed for the crime after a locket belonging to
Frankenstein takes place in the 1790s. It's a wild scenic ride, William was found in her pocket. Although Justine was hanged
beginning in St. Petersburgh (spelling later changed to St. for the crime, Victor was sure that the Monster committed the
Petersburg), Russia, and then shifting to the Archangel, Russia; murder, seeking revenge for Victor's rejection. Victor did not
the waters of the Arctic Ocean; Geneva, Switzerland; reveal his suspicions, because he did not think that anyone
Ingolstadt, Germany; Mont Blanc, between Italy and France; would believe him.
Germany; the Netherlands; London; the Orkney Islands off the
Victor went hiking at Montanvert to help deal with his guilt and
coast of Scotland; and finally back to the Arctic Ocean.
grief, but the Monster found him and recounted his own
Robert Walton, an explorer headed for the North Pole, opens history. The Monster explained that he had found refuge in an
the story by relating his adventures in letters to his sister abandoned cottage. There he spied on a family in a
Margaret Saville. Walton and his crew see a manlike giant neighboring cottage, the De Laceys, learning to speak and to
driving a dogsled in the distance. Soon after, they see another read by observing them through a window. The Monster grew
man, skeletal and nearly frozen to death, also driving a very fond of the family for their kindness to each other. Finally
dogsled. They rescue the latter figure and learn that he is he got up the courage to approach the family, but they
Victor Frankenstein and has been chasing the huge creature. rejected him and fled from their home. Furious, the Monster
As Victor regains his strength, he tells Walton his story. burned their home to the ground and both murdered Victor's
brother William and framed Justine for the crime. Bitterly lonely
Victor takes up the narration. He and his younger brothers, and isolated, the Monster told Victor that he would leave his
Ernest and William, enjoyed a happy childhood in Geneva, creator in peace only if Victor created a mate for him. Victor
Switzerland, thanks to their loving and wealthy parents, reluctantly agreed.
Alphonse and Caroline, who adopted Alphonse's sister's
daughter, Elizabeth Lavenza. Elizabeth and Victor were both Victor resumes his narration of events. Victor and Henry
five years old at the time. They became close friends. Victor's traveled together to England, where they parted ways.
other close companion was Henry Clerval, a classmate who Suspecting that the Monster was shadowing him to make sure
enjoyed stories of knights in shining armor, a contrast to that he kept his word, Victor set up a new laboratory in the
Victor's obsession with science. isolated Orkney Islands. There he began building the female
monster, but just before he gave her life, he tore the body
The family's happiness dimmed when Elizabeth became ill with apart, fearful that she and the male would mate and create a
scarlet fever and Caroline contracted the illness while nursing race of monsters. The Monster, watching through the window,
her. Before dying she communicated her great wish: that Victor became enraged and threatened that he would be with Victor
and Elizabeth marry. After recovering from the loss of his on his wedding night. The Monster then strangled Henry,
mother, Victor left home to study science at the University of leaving evidence (through witness sightings) that Victor was
Ingolstadt in Germany. The top chemistry student, he was responsible. Victor was found innocent after a trial, but his
determined to discover "the principle of life." Victor studied day health became shattered. He returned to Geneva, recovered,
and night, dug up corpses from cemeteries, and set up his own and made plans to marry Elizabeth.
laboratory. Stitching together body parts from various corpses,
he made a creature 8 feet tall. Using electricity, he gave the On Elizabeth and Victor's wedding night, the Monster killed
Monster life, but it was terrifically strong and grotesquely Elizabeth. The shock proved too much for Victor's father, who
hideous. Repelled by his gruesome creation, Victor rejected died soon after. Determined to get revenge, Victor tracked the
the Monster. Monster around the world, ending near the North Pole.
Later, Victor was relieved to find that the Monster has The story ends where it began, with Walton listening to Victor's
disappeared. Exhausted from two years of nonstop work and story. Walton's voyage is brutally hard, and the sailors want to
the horrid results, Victor collapsed. Henry nursed Victor back turn back, but Victor wants them to push on so that he can
to health. continue to track the Monster, reminding them of their goals

for the voyage. With the voyage endangering their lives, Walton
agrees with the men to turn around, and Victor dies soon after.
Walton is shocked to see the Monster appear and mourn over
Victor's corpse. The Monster explains that he killed Victor's
family and Henry because of his rage at being shunned by all
humans—even his creator. The Monster has found no comfort
in his actions, however, and promises to kill himself. At the
conclusion Walton watches the Monster spring "from the
cabin-window ... upon the ice-raft" that lies close to the vessel.
He is "soon borne away by the waves and lost in darkness and
distance."

Plot Diagram
Climax
7
10 Falling Action
Rising Action
6
11
5
4 12
3 Resolution
2
1
Introduction
Introduction Climax
1. Robert Walton meets Victor, who tells his tale. 9. Victor sets off to find the Monster and kill him.
Rising Action Falling Action
2. Victor builds the Monster, brings it to life, and flees. 10. Victor is rescued by Walton.
3. The Monster kills William; Justine is blamed and executed. 11. Victor dies.
4. Victor meets the Monster, who tells his history.
5. Victor builds the Monster a mate, then destroys it.

Resolution
6. The Monster vows to return on Victor's wedding night.
12. The Monster mourns Victor and jumps off Walton's ship.
7. The Monster kills Henry.
8. Victor marries Elizabeth, whom the Monster kills.

Timeline of Events
November 17
Victor brings the Monster to life; horrified, he flees.
Spring, following year
The Monster takes refuge in a hut and starts learning

from the De Laceys.
Winter, following year
Rejected by the De Laceys, the Monster burns down

their home and sets off.
May, same year
The Monster kills William Frankenstein and frames

Justine Moritz, who is convicted and hanged.
August, same year
The Monster convinces Victor to make him a mate.
Spring, 2 years later
Victor destroys the female monster; the Monster vows

revenge.
Spring, same year
The Monster kills Henry and frames Victor, but he is later

exonerated.
Summer, same year
Victor and Elizabeth marry; the Monster kills Elizabeth on

her wedding night.
August 5, 2 years later
While his ship is trapped in ice, Walton rescues Victor.
September, same year
Victor dies; the Monster appears on Walton's ship,

mourns Victor, and leaves.

Frankenstein Study Guide Chapter Summaries 12
novel and its execution are hers alone and owe nothing to him
c Chapter Summaries in detail.
This study guide provides a summary and analysis of the 1818

edition of Frankenstein. Analysis
The prefatory matter of Frankenstein, which includes the
Prefatory Matter subtitle, epigraph, and dedication, as well as Percy's
anonymous 1818 preface and Mary's introduction to the 1831
edition, provide insight into the text and its themes. The
subtitle introduces the perspective of the creator, referring to
Summary the Greek god Prometheus, who created humanity. The
epigraph introduces the perspective of the created with a
The title page contains the subtitle The Modern Prometheus
plaintive call pointing out that the created life has no choice in
and an epigraph taken from John Milton's epic poem Paradise
coming into existence. Paradise Lost, published in 1667,
Lost, which recounts the story of the creation of man and
describes the fall of man, according to the Old Testament
woman, the fall from the Garden of Eden, and the earlier fall of
account in Genesis, as filtered through the thinking of Milton, a
Satan from heaven and his role in bringing about the fall of
17th-century Puritan. Milton describes Adam and Eve in the
Adam and Eve. The epigraph, quoting Adam, reads, "Did I
Garden of Eden, the temptation by Satan, and their expulsion.
request thee, Maker, from my clay/To mould me man, Did I
The epic also tells the story of Satan's fall from heaven. The
solicit thee/From darkness to promote me?" The Dedication
two elements thus introduce the ideas of creator and created,
"respectfully" offers the book in honor of William Godwin, the
responsibility and power. Because Prometheus, Adam, and
philosopher and writer who was also Mary Shelley's father.
Satan were all punished for their actions, these elements also
An anonymous brief preface connects the novel to the introduce the ideas of sin and guilt.
research into the origin of life by British physician Erasmus
The Monster can be seen as Adam, a sinner thrown out of the
Darwin (1731–1802) and German scientists. While presenting
Garden of Eden and forced to make his way in the world.
the novel as a complete fiction, the preface explains that the
Victor is God, the Monster's maker, but he is also Satan, as he
supernatural tale gives the author an opportunity for
has brought evil into the world. The quotation can also be read
"delineating human passions" that would not have been
as the Monster's cry of anguish at his state. After all, he never
possible in a more realistic story. The preface also has a
asked Victor to create him. Because Victor—like all
sketchy account of the visit to Geneva and storytelling contest
humanity—is descended from Adam and Eve, this is his lament
that caused Mary Shelley to write the novel.
as well. In this reading, he regrets being created because it set
The 1831 edition has a more extensive introduction written by him on the path to his sin of creating the Monster and
Mary Shelley, in which she declares her authorship and gives a unleashing evil.
fuller account of the writing of the book. She describes the
The dedication connects the novel to the ideas of Godwin, a
rainy weather that forced her, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and
major liberal thinker and writer who was considered dangerous
John Polidori to stay inside and read ghost stories to one
by conservative thinkers who dominated the cultural scene.
another. This pastime led to the idea of each of them writing a
The dedication no doubt gave fuel to the conservative critics
similar story. After a conversation about galvanism, she had a
who objected to the morality of the novel.
vivid dream of a scientist who had brought a horrible
"phantasm of a man" to life and quickly recoiled at this "odious While the preface was presented anonymously, it became
handy-work." Awakened by the nightmare, Mary began writing known that Percy had written it, contributing to the idea that he
Frankenstein. She explains that she saw the tale as only a had penned the novel itself. His preface also draws a
short story at first but that Percy encouraged her to expand it Godwinian moral from the novel: "Treat a person ill, and he will
and explore the matter further. She closes the introduction by become wicked." While that made sense to Godwin, Mary, and
explaining that, while Percy encouraged her in many ways, the Percy, to conservative critics such as John Wilson Croker this

view was outrageous and immoral. They believed that "wicked"

Letter 3
behavior was absolutely and without exception blameworthy
and should be censured and punished.
Mary uses the 1831 Introduction to clarify the identity of the In a very brief letter from July 7, Walton writes that the ship is
book's author because there had been some speculation that well under way and is nearing the North Pole. He and the crew
her husband, Percy, had written it. Beyond pride of authorship, have occasionally seen sheets of ice float by, and they have
survival no doubt had something to do with her decision. Percy weathered two wind storms and a broken mast, but nothing
had died in 1822. While Mary would work on editing and significant has happened. He reassures his sister that he will
publishing his poems, she had her own literary ambitions. "not rashly encounter danger."
Establishing herself as the true creator of Frankenstein could
help convince publishers to bring out other works of hers in the
future. Letter 4
Letters 1–4 On August 5 Walton writes to his sister explaining recent

events. On July 31 his ship got stuck in the ice floes. That same
day Walton and his crew saw the strangest thing: a "gigantic"
figure of a man traveling by dogsled on the ice floes. The next
Summary
morning they found another man, this one of normal size, also
on a dogsled. Although the man was close to death, he would
not agree to come aboard Walton's ship until Walton verified
Letter 1
that they were traveling to the North Pole. A few days later,
when the stranger had recovered sufficiently to speak, he told
Robert Walton, preparing to explore the North Pole, relates the
Walton and Walton's lieutenant that he has been chasing
progress of planning for his expedition in a letter dated
someone also traveling by dogsled. The stranger got excited
December 11, 17—, to his sister Margaret Saville, in London.
when Walton said he thinks they saw such a man. Walton is
Walton has made it to St. Petersburgh, Russia, and he
delighted to have found a possible friend, though the man's
describes his excitement about being the first to reach the
"spirit had been broken by misery."
Pole, solve scientific mysteries, and benefit humanity. Six years
before he started training for the arduous journey by serving
By August 13 Walton writes that his fondness for the stranger
on whale boats to the North Sea and enduring great physical
has increased. They talk about the business of the ship,
hardships. As a result, Walton feels entitled to success.
Walton's goal to reach the North Pole, Walton's childhood, and
Walton's desire for a friend. The stranger tells Walton, "But I—I
have lost every thing, and cannot begin life anew."
Letter 2
On August 19 Walton writes that the stranger promises to tell
In his letter of March 28, from Archangel, Russia, Walton
Walton his story "the next day," when Walton is free to listen,
describes securing a ship and hiring sailors, but he is lonely,
and calls Walton "my friend." Walton plans to "record" the
writing, "I have no friend, Margaret." He praises the other ship
stranger's story.
officers but says they are not friend material for him. He hopes
a friend will help him learn, feeling self-conscious because he is
self-educated, and yearns for someone to celebrate his
Analysis
victories and soothe his defeats. He keenly anticipates the
future, describing a "trembling sensation, half pleasurable and The connection to Paradise Lost continues in the letters. Some
half fearful," that fills him as he considers what is to come. critics have noted that both St. Petersburgh and Archangel, the
places Walton uses to prepare for his voyage, are biblical
allusions or references. St. Petersburgh was named after St.

Peter, one of the chief apostles of Jesus; an archangel is the interest to readers, but especially to romantics, who
highest rank of angel. If Victor Frankenstein can also be seen celebrated nature. The region held mystery , which explains
as Adam (created), fallen mortal man, then Walton is an angel Walton's conviction that the Pole holds more than "frost and
who takes care of Frankenstein as he is dying. desolation," as he says. "What may not be expected in a
country of eternal light?" he asks, setting the stage for the
Walton's four letters have several purposes in the novel. First, adventure to come.
they serve as a frame narrative. This literary device is just what
its name suggests: a frame in which the main story is set. That Walton is self-educated connects him to Mary Shelley. It
People select a frame to set off the picture it encloses; in the also links him to Victor and the Monster, as readers learn over
same way, authors create frame narratives to underscore the the course of the novel. Victor educated himself about
main story they surround. In Frankenstein Walton's story offers alchemy; the Monster reads classics to learn more about
parallels to Victor's. Both men are exceedingly ambitious and humankind.
driven to leave their mark on the world. However, in this frame
the men's stories turn out very differently, as the novel's ending Finally, the letters introduce one of the novel's primary themes:
reveals. Walton's fate contrasts to Victor's. This makes Walton human companionship. Walton is bitterly lonely and isolated,
a foil, or contrast, to Victor. His need for human companionship craving a friend. He tries to blunt the edge of that loneliness in
contrasts with Victor's frequent failures to stay in touch with writing his sister. When Victor appears, Walton quickly warms
his family. His scientific idealism and curiosity parallel Victor's, to him, seeing the chance to form a friendship.
but the decisions he makes at the end show more caution than
Victor showed.
Volume 1, Chapter 1
Second, the letters give Frankenstein a veneer of realism,
although the novel is the wildest fiction. Without Walton's
conversations with Frankenstein and especially with the
Summary
Monster, Frankenstein's wild story would not have any
verifiable proof.
Here Victor Frankenstein begins his story and takes over the
narration. He recounts his early years. Victor traces his family
Third, the letters introduce Walton, who reflects the
background, birth, and childhood, explaining that his ancestors
emotionalism, individualism, and imagination prized among
and father were active, distinguished members of the
those in the romantic movement. Other factors also link Walton
community in Geneva, Switzerland. Victor's father, Alphonse,
to romanticism.
helped a merchant friend of his, Beaufort, who had fallen on
In his second letter, Walton tells his sister he will "kill no hard times. When Beaufort died, Alphonse helped his daughter
albatross," an allusion to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem Caroline. Although Alphonse was considerably older than
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." In that poem, an old Caroline, they married two years after Beaufort's death. Their
sailor tells the story of what happened to him decades ago. union was happy, and Victor was their first child.
His ship was locked in the ice. The crew spotted an
When Victor was four, the Frankensteins took in Elizabeth
albatross, a large seabird, thought to be a good luck symbol.
Lavenza, the daughter of Alphonse's deceased sister, and
However, the old sailor (then a young man) shot the bird,
adopted her as their own child. She and Victor grew up as
sending a curse down on the ship. As a result, the ship was
close friends. Mrs. Frankenstein decided that Elizabeth and
stranded in the ocean, and everyone but the old sailor died
Victor should marry when they reach adulthood.
of thirst. As punishment, the old sailor must travel the globe
to share his story to teach people to respect all of God's
Victor and Elizabeth had a delightful childhood, adored by their
creatures. While Walton vows not to commit the old sailor's
loving, intelligent, indulgent parents. Even from childhood,
crime, he plays this part, in a way. He bears the burden of
Victor showed a scientific curiosity. When he was nine, Victor
telling Frankenstein's story, although he did not commit the
met Henry Clerval, a schoolmate. Although Henry was outgoing
crime.
and interested in chivalry and romance, while Victor was
The North Pole, as with any exotic location, held great
introspective and interested in science, the two boys soon

bonded and became lifelong best friends. Victor had two Albertus Magnus. These were alchemists, ancient scientists
brothers; Ernest is six years younger than Victor, and William who tried to find the "philosopher's stone," a substance that
was an infant when Victor reached 15. "Such was our domestic would turn inexpensive compounds such as mercury into gold
circle," Victor says, "from which care and pain seemed for ever or silver, extend life, create life, and achieve immortality.
banished," a strong hint that these happy times are about to Obviously, their alchemical work has long been discredited.
end.
Victor also notes that he reads books that concern "the raising
Victor started reading the works of Cornelius Agrippa, of ghosts or devils," a possibility that excites him. Finally,
Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus when he was 13. This reading Victor's interest in electricity foreshadows the way he will bring
sparked his deep love of learning. Two years later, at 15, he the Monster to life. These details also make Victor's later
saw an electrical storm, which develops his interest in obsession with his creation understandable.
electricity.
That Victor's mother wanted him to marry Elizabeth, a cousin in
this edition, is not so unusual for the time. It may seem strange
Analysis that two children raised as siblings would marry, but they did
not, of course, share the same parents. Elizabeth was adopted.
As Victor narrates the story of his childhood, he introduces It is notable, though, that Mary Shelley changed Elizabeth's
some of the novel's most important concerns: status in the 1831 edition, making her no relation to Alphonse
Frankenstein when she is taken into the home. This might have
One is the role of women in the early 19th century. Caroline been meant to blunt any possible criticism that could be
Frankenstein and Elizabeth Lavenza are both passive leveled at their relationship.
figures, taken care of by men. Alphonse rescues Caroline,
an orphan, from poverty and loneliness, and the husband
and wife later do the same for Elizabeth. Given Mary Volume 1, Chapter 2
Shelley's background as the daughter of the foremost
feminist of the era, this portrait of passive women who must
be cared for by men is surprising. In contrast, her acute
awareness of the pain of a child losing a parent colors these
Summary
plot points. The two women's circumstances also introduce
When Victor was 17 years old, his parents decided that he
the tenuousness of human connections, which can be
should attend the University of Ingolstadt in Germany. Before
quickly lost through death, another issue that connects the
he could enroll, however, Elizabeth became ill with scarlet
Monster to the human characters.
fever. While taking care of Elizabeth, Caroline contracted the
The chapter highlights the importance of education.
disease and died. On her deathbed, Caroline asked Elizabeth
Alphonse saw to the education of his children and exposed
to promise to care for the younger children. She also made
Victor to many disciplines and to the works of established,
Victor and Elizabeth promise to marry.
renowned authors. Victor thus learned as Mary Shelley had
done, largely in the library of his father. Later, the Monster After recovering from his mother's death, Victor headed off to
will also absorb knowledge by reading a treasure trove of college. There, he says, he will be alone to "form my own
books, and as we saw in the first letters, Walton is self- friends, and be my own protector." Victor describes two of his
taught as well. Victor notes that his father did not give him professors, M. Krempe and M. Waldman. Krempe, who teaches
much guidance in his learning, though, and suggests that natural philosophy, had a "repulsive countenance" and was
this lack of supervision or discussion helped lead him to critical of the time Victor wasted studying the alchemists.
make his later mistake of making the Monster. Waldman, in contrast, was kindly and supportive. With
Waldman as his mentor, Victor decided to study chemistry.
This chapter also lays the groundwork for Frankenstein's
creation of the Monster, making his invention of the Monster
seem logical and even possible. Shelley does this by having
Victor read the work of Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and

Victor says, he started to build a giant man-shaped creature,

Analysis about eight feet tall, from various scavenged body parts. He
was sure that this new species would celebrate him as its
Victor's comment that at university he was "alone" continues
creator and look upon him as a father; he set a long-term goal
the theme of human companionship. While he admits to the
of "renew[ing] life" in the dead. He spent the entire summer at
need to make friends, Victor is perfectly content to be alone;
work, ignoring everyone at school and the beauty of nature,
he believes he is "totally unfitted for the company of
becoming ill, and not even answering letters from his family
strangers." The same contentment with loneliness is not true of
back home in Geneva.
several of the other characters in the novel, especially the
Monster and Walton, Victor's foil. In this duality, Victor and the
Monster can be seen as doubles, two halves of the same
person, in this regard as they were as creator and created: the
Analysis
introvert and the extrovert, the one desiring to be left alone
Victor Frankenstein's realization that he has overstepped his
and the other craving companionship, although the Monster,
bounds parallels the story of Faust, a famous literary figure.
like Victor, is unfitted for company. His tragedy is the clash
Faust was a brilliant scholar who made a pact with the Devil,
between his desire for human companionship and his rejection
trading his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly delights. In
by humans.
some versions, Faust goes to hell; in others, Faust is saved.
The Faust legend has come to symbolize someone who
foolishly and disastrously gives up his or her integrity and
Volume 1, Chapter 3 morality to gain power and success. This is what happens to
Victor, because in assuming the power of creating life, the
power that belongs only to God, Victor will cause disasters for
Summary his family and closest friend. Victor uses his intelligence in a
way that results in evil rather than for good, and tragedy
For two years Victor was a dedicated and determined ensues. All this lies ahead, of course. For the present, Victor
chemistry student, working hard and making speedy progress. tells Walton that he will not reveal the secret of reanimation
He says, "In M. Waldman I found a true friend." He didn't return that he discovered, hinting at dark and tragic events that he will
home, even for visits, because he was "engaged, heart and relate later in his tale, building suspense for what will follow.
soul, in the pursuit of some discoveries." He did indeed make
some significant discoveries relating to "the improvement of In his flashback, Victor is arrogant about his power, too,
[laboratory] instruments," which brought him fame and respect another sin. He believes that the new species he creates will
among his professors and classmates, and he considered be grateful to him and others will celebrate him as well. In
going home to Geneva. effect, Victor is setting himself up as a god. Since this entire
section is a flashback, Victor is speaking on Walton's ship. He
Victor was especially interested in studying the human body is close to death, which he realizes. Therefore, he is able to
and the question of from "whence ... did the principle of life look back on his life and realize his error and its consequences.
proceed?" To that end, he dug up corpses from the cemetery That is why Victor warns Walton not to make the same mistake
and removed bodies from morgues to experiment upon. After that he did, not to acquire too much knowledge and become
much hard work, he had a breakthrough, "discovering the "greater than his nature will allow." Too much knowledge is
cause of generation of life." As he tells Walton, "I became dangerous, Mary Shelley suggests.
myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter."
He hoped that soon he would be able to bring dead bodies
back to life. Volume 1, Chapter 4
But Victor realized that acquiring such knowledge is extremely
dangerous. His unbounded ambition has cost him his
happiness, and he cautions his audience, Walton, to beware of
"becoming greater than [your] nature will allow." Nonetheless,

writing that deals with technology and the potential results of

Summary scientific experimentation. Shelley does not describe the
scientific process Victor uses to make the Monster come alive;
Victor relates to Walton his success. He brought the Monster
she is not concerned with the process (which, of course, does
to life in November. The process by which the Monster was
not exist), only with the results. Describing the process would
animated is not described in the book. Rather than being
slow the narrative and reduce suspense; it could also explain
delighted at his success, as he had proudly anticipated, Victor
how to replicate Victor's discovery, which Victor wants to
was horrified. He intended to make a "beautiful" creature, but
prevent. Significantly, Victor does not name his creation. He
the Monster was "a catastrophe." "But now that I had finished,"
refers to it as the "wretch" and the "creature." Names convey
he tells Walton, "the beauty of the dream vanished, and
importance, individuality, and identity. By denying his creation a
breathless horror and disgust filled my heart." He rushed out of
name, Victor is denying it an identity. It is therefore ironic that
his laboratory and paced back and forth in his bedroom.
in popular usage, the Monster is identified using Victor's last
Physically and mentally exhausted, he finally collapsed into
name. The Monster becomes him.
brief sleep. In a nightmare, he kissed Elizabeth, who then died
and transformed into Victor's dead mother. The Monster came
to his bed, and Victor ran off.
Volume 1, Chapter 5
All night he paced in the courtyard "in the greatest agitation."
The next morning, Victor went into Ingolstadt and walked
aimlessly through the streets. He thought of lines from Summary
Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Henry Clerval,
who had come to the university to study, found Victor and took As the flashback continues, Victor relates that Henry gave him
him back to his apartment. The Monster had fled, to Victor's Elizabeth's letter, which was filled with family news and events,
enormous relief. Victor had a nervous breakdown, becoming including information about Justine Moritz, who had moved into
"lifeless" in a fit, and Henry nursed him back to health through the Frankenstein house when she was 12 because her mother
the winter, as Victor "raved incessantly" about the Monster, rejected her. Justine, whose behavior and appearance
and into the spring. In addition, Henry convinced Victor to write Elizabeth saw as similar to Caroline Frankenstein's, was
to his father, reassuring him that he is fine. Henry also told working as a servant in the household, and Elizabeth reminded
Victor he had brought a letter from Elizabeth. Victor that he always enjoyed Justine's company. Elizabeth
related that, while Victor was at school, Justine's mother
forced her to return home to take care of her and treated the
Analysis girl poorly. When Justine's mother died, Justine returned to the
Frankenstein home and resumed her duties. Elizabeth also
This chapter is heavy with gothic elements: a spooky setting; a described their youngest brother, William, a charming child.
tense, fearful mood; the appearance of madness or illness; and The letter cheered Victor greatly, and he wrote back.
a grotesque dead/undead monster." Shelley also includes a
six-line quotation from Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Recovered from his breakdown, Victor introduced Henry to his
Mariner," the poem Walton alludes to earlier in the novel, which professors, who all praise him lavishly. However, Victor found
adds another layer of connection between Walton and Victor. hat he had developed a violent hatred of chemistry—he cannot
The first line quoted, "Like one who, on a lonely road," even look at his laboratory instruments—so he joined Henry in
continues the theme of human companionship. The lines "Doth his study of languages and "the works of the orientalists."
walk in fear and dread" and "Because he knows a frightful Victor remained in Ingolstadt that summer and then, because
fiend/Doth close behind him tread" reinforce the terrifying of poor weather, stayed until the following May. At that time,
mood characteristic of gothic novels. All the lines describe how Victor and Henry took a two-week vacation, a walking tour of
Victor is acting as he hurries on "with irregular steps." Ingolstadt, and delighted in the beauty of nature and the
comfort it offers.
In addition to classifying it as a gothic novel, some critics claim
Frankenstein is the first example of science fiction, a type of

Ernest, who explained that since the missing locket was found
Analysis in Justine's possession, she was assumed to be the murderer
and was being tried that day. Victor assured Ernest, their
Justine serves as another foil to the Monster. Like the Monster,
father, and Elizabeth (upon whose beauty and womanhood
she is rejected by her parent (a mother, in this case). However,
Victor comments) that Justine was innocent, but he cannot
unlike the Monster, she finds a family in the Frankenstein
explain his reasons for asserting this because doing so would
home, where she works as a servant but is treated well. In a
reveal his creation of the Monster.
similar way, Henry is a foil to Victor, as Henry's cheerful, open
nature stands in contrast to Victor's more brooding, closed
self-absorption. Further, Henry is hearty and well, while Victor
is often frail and ill, haunted by his creation.
Analysis
This chapter also brings in elements of romanticism and the Two years have passed since Victor created the monster and
theme of connection to nature. Victor says, "A serene sky and saw him, lulling him into a false sense of security that the
verdant fields filled me with ecstasy. The present season was monster has fled for good and Victor's secret is safe. William's
indeed divine; the flowers of spring bloomed in the hedges murder, however, smashes that security and propels the plot
while those of summer were already in bud." The walk in forward. It can be no coincidence that Victor's brother is the
natural beauty revives Victor; as the passage reveals, nature victim; it is clearly the work of the Monster, getting revenge for
has restorative powers, which is a common idea in the being rejected by his maker. The fact that Victor sees the
romantic movement. His joy in nature is a contrast to the horror Monster at the murder scene, near the Frankensteins' home,
and anguish he feels over the Monster. reinforces this point.
The lightning that reveals that the figure is definitely the

Monster recalls Victor's interest in electricity and its apparent
Volume 1, Chapter 6 connection to bringing the creature to life. It also adds to the
eerie gothic mood. The lightning evokes light, a symbol of
learning and knowledge. Lightning comes during powerful
Summary storms, and that association foreshadows an ominous future
for Victor due to the Monster's presence. Of course, the storm
Victor's relation continues. His happy mood abruptly ended also parallels Victor's grief: he weeps over the death of William
back in Ingolstadt on receiving a letter from his father, with Ernest, and the sky weeps as well. Victor calls the storm
informing him of the tragic news that his brother William had William's "funeral dirge."
been strangled. The police cannot find the locket that
Elizabeth had given William. That locket contained a miniature Victor's reflections about the Monster further distance him
portrait of their mother, Caroline Frankenstein. Victor's father from his creation. "Nothing in human shape," he thinks, "could
implored him to come home at once. Victor left Ingolstadt, but, have destroyed that fair child," his brother. Only a monster or
"dreading a thousand nameless evils," he lingered in Lausanne fiend, something capable of evil, could do so.
for two days, where he was brought to tears by seeing the
Victor's pause in Lausanne reinforces him as a romantic,
beauty of Mont Blanc. Arriving in Geneva, he found the city
seeking solace in nature. On this occasion, though, it does not
gates closed, forcing him to wait outside the city overnight. He
work. While the two days there calm him, the sight of Mont
"resolved to visit the spot where" William died. On his journey,
Blanc and its nearby lake, rather than bringing comfort, makes
Victor realized that he had not been home for almost six years.
him feel worse. He wonders if they are meant to "prognosticate
Watching a "beautiful yet terrific storm," Victor saw "in the
peace, or to mock at [his] unhappiness."
gloom a figure which stole from behind a clump of trees." A
flash of lightning revealed the figure to be the Monster, whom
Victor had not seen since bringing him to life two years before.
Victor suspects the Monster has murdered William.
Victor went home the next morning. He cried with his brother

are ignored, another example of how women were disregarded

Volume 1, Chapter 7 and treated as inferior to men. Only Victor, a man, has the
power to prevent Justine's death, and he chooses not to
exercise that power. He is also self-absorbed enough to
Summary consider his suffering worse than Justine's, and Shelley does
present him as far more agitated than her.
As Victor's story continues, Justine's trial took place later that
morning, and the entire family attended. Victor, terribly Justine's death will move Victor's situation one step deeper on
agitated, rationalized that he does not confess to the truth his downward path. Perhaps he could have ignored the death
because he wasn't in Geneva when the crime took place and of one family member, but the deaths of two clearly indicate
he thought no one would believe his wild tale. Justine, in that the Monster is determined to enact his revenge on his
contrast, was calm. The testimony presented in court made it creator. Victor is torn by grief and guilt, horrified at what he has
appear that Justine was indeed guilty. Justine told the court wrought. Adding to that sense of horror is the fact that Justine
that she was innocent and relayed her accounting of the has been linked by Elizabeth to Victor's mother. Her death is as
events of the evening that William was killed. However, since though he has killed his mother again.
she had no proof to persuade the court of her assertion, she
Justine's false confession serves as a counterpoint to Victor's
hoped that her good reputation would suffice.
secret truth. She humbly and willingly confesses her guilt to a
Elizabeth tried to convince the court that Justine could not crime she did not commit in hopes of gaining salvation. He
have committed the crime, and her words were heard with shamefully harbors the truth of his own real crime, punishing
approval from the spectators, but only because they admired himself with shame and guilt and removing any hope of
Elizabeth. Nothing she said can shake the belief in Justine's relieving himself of their burden. Justine's calm, stoic
guilt. Victor "rushed out of the court in agony" before the acceptance of her fate contrasts with Victor's fevered
verdict, saying Justine's "tortures did not equal mine"; he can't agitation—an agitation that will only grow worse in future
sleep that night. The following day, he learned the court had chapters as more tragedy strikes.
found Justine guilty and sentenced her to death by hanging.
Victor then learned Justine confessed, which he told Elizabeth.
This news upset Elizabeth deeply. Volume 2, Chapter 1
Before the sentence was carried out, Justine told Elizabeth
and Victor that she had confessed to the crime even though
she was innocent, because her priest threatened her with
Summary
excommunication if she did not. She believed that a
As Victor explains to Walton, his mood sank even lower, as he
confession, even a false one, would help her obtain salvation.
was "seized by remorse and the sense of guilt, which hurried
She faced her death calmly, comforting Victor and Elizabeth.
me away to a hell of intense tortures, such as no language can
Victor felt "despair" and "agony" and calls himself the "true
describe." His father advised him not to yield to " immoderate
murderer." She was to be hanged the following morning. Victor
grief," but Victor's guilt prevented him from doing that. The
was devastated, as two members of his family will have now
Frankensteins traveled to Belrive, where Victor secretly sailed
died because of the monster he created.
the lake at night and thought about killing himself. Victor
believed the Monster determined to "commit some signal
crime" of "enormity," and his hatred of "this fiend" became
Analysis violent. Elizabeth, also grieving, attempted to comfort him, but
Victor believed himself to be the true murderer. Hoping to
Justine's fate is an example of the passive role of women in the
cheer and relieve Victor, his father suggested they take a trip
early 19th century. She is docile and submissive, quietly
to the valley of Chamounix, a familiar place from Victor's
marching to an unjust death and unready to challenge the
childhood. Victor recognized the "wonderful and sublime"
court's decision or her priest's advice to submit a false
beauty of the Alps, including "the supreme and magnificent
confession. Elizabeth's words on Justine's behalf at the trial

Mont Blanc," and enjoyed the physical exertion. But he could tranquillized." The following morning, Victor felt his depression
not shake his feelings of remorse and gloom. The chapter ends recurring and decided to return to nature, this time climbing in
with him awake at night while his family sleeps, watching a the mountains and glaciers that partly cover them. Moved by
storm with lightning playing above Mont Blanc. the "solitary grandeur" of the scene, Victor quotes to Walton
the last eight lines of Percy's poem "Mutability." Returning to
his narrative, he explains that he arrived on the top of the
Analysis glacier around noon and rested before walking on the glacier
for two hours. Looking at the magnificent scene of Montanvert,
Victor says that "solitude was my only consolation—deep, dark, a glacier, and Mont Blanc, he felt "something like joy."
deathlike solitude." His condition parallels that of the Monster,
as readers later learn, and Victor's anger makes him appear He then saw what he assumed to be a man running toward him
monstrous: "my eyes became inflamed." The two have one "with superhuman speed." As the figure came closer, Victor
critical difference: Victor chooses solitude, but the Monster realized it was the Monster. Victor violently rejected the
has it thrust upon him. Victor can rejoin society at any time he Monster, calling him "Devil" and saying, "Begone, vile insect! Or
chooses, and the care others show for him is evidenced by his rather, stay, that I may trample you to dust!" Victor tried to
father's idea of traveling in nature to restore his spirits and by attack and kill the Monster, but he was too slow. Nevertheless,
Elizabeth's attempts to talk him into a better mood. The the Monster convinced Victor to hear what he has to say. The
Monster, in sharp contrast, has no one who loves him, no one Monster said to him, "I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather
who likes him, and no one who can ever bear to look at him. the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed."
He asked Victor to help him, to make him "happy," and
Details in this chapter reflect both the theme of connection to described his lonely "wretchedness." He threatened Victor,
nature and the gothic genre. Victor's descriptions of the saying that Victor must know his story and choose if the
scenes they see show the romantics' love of nature. He Monster will disappear or "ruin" his life. Finally, Victor agreed to
describes "immense mountains and precipices overhanging us" hear him out. Victor realized that "for the first time, also, I felt
and "the magnificent and astonishing character" of the valley what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and
and the "sublime of the mighty Alps." Romantics drew a that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his
distinction between the beautiful, which reflected harmony and wickedness." Victor also hoped to confirm his suspicion that
goodness, and the sublime, which could be terrible but the Monster was his brother's murderer. They went to the
reflected power and inspired awe. The sublime was nature Monster's hut so the Monster could tell his story.
untamed, what moderns call "wild nature." The visit to Mont
Blanc reflects a trip that Mary and Percy had taken to the area
in 1816, which inspired Percy to write a poem that year about Analysis
the mountain. In the poem, he celebrates the mountain as a
symbol of grandeur but also of freedom. Finally, the gothic The Monster's plea that he should be Adam but instead is the
mood is reinforced by the "ruined castles" they also see, as "fallen angel" is an allusion to both Genesis and Milton's
well as by the storm that Victor watches that night. Despite the retelling of it in Paradise Lost. According to the Bible, Adam is
restorative power of nature, he is so troubled he cannot shake the first human God created. The "fallen angel" is Lucifer, the
the ominous future that overhangs him. angel God cast out after he tried to seize control of heaven.
Lucifer becomes Satan, the ruler of hell, saying in Paradise
Lost, "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven."
Volume 2, Chapter 2 The Monster is "fallen." He should have been Victor's finest
creation ("I ought to be ... Adam"), but instead he has
become Victor's greatest failure. Of course, the Monster is
Summary not like Adam until he has a mate, as Adam had. Equating
himself with Adam, then, foreshadows his demand that
Victor explains that he and the others spent a day in nature,
Victor make a mate for him. He calls himself a "fallen angel,"
near the Arve River, and Victor's "grief" was "subdued and
but that is Lucifer (Satan), who challenged God and thus fell

from heaven. The Monster initially does nothing wrong, but man play music and the young man read.
Victor punishes him.
Victor is God. The Monster is suggesting that Victor should
have cared for him as God does for all his creations. Thus, Analysis
the fault lies with Victor, not with the Monster, for all of the
evil the Monster has done. Victor, in feeling "for the first time The kindly way the De Lacey family interacts contrasts to the
... the duties of a creator," recognizes this responsibility. He hatred the Monster faces. The De Laceys' love for each other
is always held back, though, by his horror at the Monster. A increases the Monster's misery, as he sees what he is missing.
harmonious relationship between the two is impossible. They enact the positive aspects of humankind, serving as a
kind of ideal and model the Monster can aspire to. That the
Earlier in the novel, Victor feared the Monster because of his names Felix and Agatha mean "luck" and "good," respectively,
hideous appearance. He is now aware of the Monster's great adds more luster to their existence. Seeing the old man
strength and stamina. The fact that the Monster speaks and embrace his daughter, Agatha, the Monster says, "I felt
alludes to Paradise Lost shows that he has acquired language sensations of a peculiar and over-powering nature: they were a
and great learning, both of which make him a far more mixture of pain and pleasure, such as I had never before
formidable foe than his mere brute strength and endurance experienced ... and I withdrew from the window, unable to bear
did. Victor rightly fears the Monster's intelligence and cunning. these emotions." No one treats the Monster well; no one cares
whether he lives or dies. Indeed, even Victor, his father and
creator, actively wants the Monster to die. Thus, the theme of
Volume 2, Chapter 3 human companionship is clearly evident here.
In his story, the Monster reveals a powerful and sensitive

personality completely at odds with his monstrous appearance
Summary and the terms—"wretch," "fiend," "demon," and "devil"—that
Victor constantly uses to refer to him. Readers may feel great
The narrative voice shifts, as now the Monster is telling the
pity for the Monster, a sensitive soul cast out of society. That
story—which is, really, Walton's recounting of Victor's retelling
Victor retells the Monster's account honestly and with no
of the Monster's story. (The Monster's story continues through
attempts to excuse himself does cast the creator in a
Chapter 15.) He returns Victor to the day of his creation, saying
somewhat sympathetic light. He grants the Monster a certain
he first awoke to find himself "desolate" and became aware of
dignity of equal treatment in this regard.
light and darkness, hunger and thirst. He was in a forest. The
next day, he was "cold" and guided by a "gentle light," the The Monster's story also provides insight into one way of
moon, he "found a huge cloak." Over time, he recognized envisioning the first human. The Monster becomes aware of
different sensations and developed a longing for language. He himself with no socialization or training; he is like John Locke's
was overjoyed to find a fire to warm him; soon, he realized how tabula rasa, or blank slate. He must learn on his own, as Adam
to maintain the fire and use it to cook food. He spent much of had to; neither had a parent available to provide instruction or
his time foraging for food to relieve his constant hunger. On guidance. There are some differences, though. Adam, living in
one search for food, the Monster found an old man living in a Eden, clothed himself and Eve after they ate of the forbidden
small hut, chased the man off, and stole his breakfast. He set fruit and realized their nakedness. The Monster seeks clothing
off again and arrived that evening at a village, where the people because he is cold. He, unlike Adam, is not a sinner at this
recoiled at his appearance and chased him away. The Monster point. He is like a child, innocent and free of sin or guilt.
next arrived at a small hovel, a squalid shed attached to the
back of a cottage. Happy to have shelter, the Monster stole
bread and a cup and then realized that he could see into the
cottage and so spy on its inhabitants. These are the De Lacey
Volume 2, Chapter 4
family—a father who is blind, as the Monster realizes in
Chapter 11, and his children, Felix and Agatha—who treat each
other with great love and kindness. The Monster saw the old

himself, not to enhance his status.

Summary
The Monster's happiness when spring comes underscores the
The Monster was especially impressed by the gentle way the romantics' belief in the power of nature and the link between
De Lacey family members treated each other, but he noticed nature and people's moods. He celebrates nature's glory when
they are not as happy as he had first assumed. It took the he cannot celebrate his own. This provides a further
Monster a while to realize the cause of their sadness: they are connection between him and Victor, who also finds joy and
very poor. Moved by their plight, the Monster stopped stealing peace in nature. The Monster, like his creator, is a romantic.
their food and anonymously gathered wood for them, relieving
them of this burdensome chore. The Monster learned that
language exists and then, slowly, learned to start to speak
Volume 2, Chapter 5
French by listening to the family speak it. This continued for
the winter, during which time the Monster also "ardently longed
to comprehend" writing. The Monster also caught his first
glimpse of himself, reflected in a pool, and was shocked at his
Summary
grotesque appearance.
One day, the Monster saw a beautiful young lady arrive at the
As the weather improved with the coming of spring, the cottage, to Felix's great delight. She is Safie, the woman Felix
Monster continued secretly assisting the De Laceys and loves. Safie does not speak French, so Felix used a book called
decided that he might be able to make the De Lacey family Ruins of Empires by the Comte de Volney to teach her the
happy again—and that they would then accept and "love" him. language. From listening to their lessons over two months, the
He practiced speaking and found his mood lifting, saying, "My Monster learned to speak and read French too; he also learned
spirits were elevated by the enchanting appearance of nature about world history and mused on the nature of humanity.
... the future gilded by bright rays of hope and anticipations of "Was man, indeed," he thinks, "at once so powerful, so virtuous
joy." and magnificent, yet so vicious and base?" These thoughts
prompted the Monster to look inward, and he realized that he
had nothing that would gain mankind's respect: "no money, no
Analysis friends, no kind of property." He asked of himself, "Was I then a
monster?" This knowledge tortured the Monster, and he
Accustomed to great hardship, the Monster at first cannot yearned to once again be ignorant, knowing only the feelings
understand how the De Lacey family could be sad when they of hunger, thirst, and cold. He also longed for "friends and
appear to have everything that anyone could want: food, relations," for another "being resembling" him, and for
shelter, and love. Once he comes to understand their situation, interaction with others.
he helps the De Laceys in every way he can and even dreams
of restoring them to total happiness, showing his innate
kindness and compassion. The Monster shows himself to be Analysis
more humane, more full of compassion, than Victor, his human
creator. Who is the real monster? Again, the Monster's situation parallels Victor's, as they both
seek education and then come to realize that knowledge
The Monster's thirst to learn ennobles him. Watching the De changes a person. Knowledge is desirable, but too much
Laceys converse, he realizes that language is the key to knowledge or knowledge used unwisely brings misery, as
humans connecting with one another. He calls language a Victor's abuse of science to exceed the powers of humanity
"godlike science," the vehicle for forging human bonds. His shows. More knowledge also makes the Monster unhappy,
pursuit of knowledge contrasts with Victor's and Walton's. when he learns about what he does not have. Knowledge used
They both pursue knowledge to push the limits of science and for good, however, is beneficial, as is shown by the Monster
to gain fame for themselves. The Monster seeks the ability to helping the De Laceys (or as in the appreciation of Victor's
speak so that he can connect to other creatures. He wants to improvements to the scientific instruments at Ingolstadt).
learn to read to open new realms of understanding, to improve Speaking through the Monster, Shelley explores the mixture of

good and evil in everyone and in humanity as a whole. story. The night before the execution of the merchant was
scheduled to take place, Felix helped him escape from prison;
Both Victor and the Monster are set apart from humanity: the after those two and Sadie escaped to Italy, Felix and Sadie's
Monster by his hideous appearance and Victor by his relationship grew. However, Felix's involvement in the escape
monstrous creation, the effort of keeping it secret, and the was uncovered by authorities, and M. De Lacey and Agatha
tragedy it causes. The link between the Monster and his were imprisoned for five months. Felix hurried home to Paris,
creator is central to Frankenstein. Part of the impact of the leaving Safie in a convent, but his family was ruined, their
novel is the fact that Victor never realizes how similar he and fortune confiscated by the government and their reputation
his Monster really are, which in this chapter is shown by the shattered. The De Laceys had to leave France for Germany.
Monster's thirst for knowledge, paralleling Victor's, and The Turkish merchant betrayed Felix by ordering Safie home
recognition that knowledge sometimes can bring pain as well to Turkey, but she managed to escape to return to Felix, which
as pleasure. explained her arrival at the cottage.
Mention of Ruins of Empires is significant. The book was a

radical denunciation of the religious and political status quo in
the world and was published two years into the French
Analysis
Revolution. It protests the tyranny of hierarchies and demands
The Turkish merchant suffers an unjust
their destruction. Godwin knew the work; a friend of his made
punishment—imprisonment and a death sentence. The De
the first English translation. Percy Shelley knew it as well, and it
Lacey family suffers an unjust punishment—the loss of their
influenced his political thought.
money, land, and reputation. The Monster suffers an unjust
Safie's arrival and reception provide a contrast to the Monster. punishment—the loss of all human companionship and comfort.
She is accepted, in part because she is beautiful. Victor In addition, all are outsiders: the merchant because of his
rejected the Monster because he is hideous (and the De nationality, the De Laceys because of their exile, and the
Laceys will in a few chapters do the same). This differential Monster because of his appearance. Felix's courage in helping
treatment exemplifies the injustice of humankind that the the merchant contrasts Victor's cowardice in not helping
Comte de Volney describes on an individual scale. Justine; Felix's sympathy for Safie contrasts Victor's deep
loathing of the Monster.
The offer of Safie to Felix in marriage in return for her father's

Volume 2, Chapter 6 freedom is another example of female powerlessness. Like
Victor's mother had once been, like Elizabeth and Justine had
been as children, Safie is at the mercy of a dominant male.
Summary Felix is unusual in being "too delicate to accept" that offer and
in hoping they can develop love. That desire parallels the
Here, the Monster recounts the history of the De Lacey family. reality for Victor and Elizabeth, but it also contrasts with the
Some years before, they were wealthy and distinguished in Monster, who wants to be given a mate but never is.
Paris, France, but the family was ruined by Safie's father, a
Turkish merchant. Running afoul of the French government, The Monster's stated intention to show Victor the Felix-Sadie
Safie's father was unjustly jailed and sentenced to death. Felix, letters reinforces the idea of evidence and proof set up in the
present at the trial by chance, decided to help the merchant. Walton framing story. He wants to be believed; it is important
Felix went to the prison, where he met the beautiful Safie. Felix to him to be seen as credible.
refused the merchant's offer of both money and marriage to
Safie in return for his rescue, although he hoped to marry Safie
anyway. The Monster cites letters between Felix and Safie in Volume 2, Chapter 7
his possession that will corroborate the story he is relating and
says he will show them to Victor.
The Monster then returns to the narrative of the De Laceys'

when he meets Victor and tells his story.

Summary
As he becomes educated, the Monster thinks about his
Continuing his narration, the Monster relates that one evening condition and yearns for a mate. Drawing on his reading of
he found a suitcase of books (Paradise Lost, Plutarch's Lives, Paradise Lost, he says, "Like Adam, I was apparently united by
Sorrows of Werter) that he read and thought about deeply. He no link to any other being in existence." However, the Monster
was especially moved by Milton's Paradise Lost, which he read realizes that his similarity to Adam ends there, for God created
as accurate history rather than a work of imagination. He Adam as "happy and prosperous," while Victor Frankenstein
contrasted himself with Adam; when he thought about the love made the Monster "wretched, helpless, and alone." The
the De Laceys showed for each other, he identified with Satan Monster's despair makes him more human and again incites
and felt envious. He also read some of Victor's journal tracing readers' sympathy, giving the novel its deep humanity.
the Monster's formation; he had it because it was "in the
pocket of the dress which [he] had taken from [Victor's] The Monster's conversation with M. De Lacey makes use of
laboratory." He shows Victor the pages and tells his creator the common literary device of the blind person who sees more
they made him ill, feeling worse off than Satan because he was clearly than the sighted. When the Monster asks his assistance
"solitary and detested." He wanted to show himself to the De in helping him befriend the family (who are really the De
Laceys but waited "for some months." Laceys), the old man says, "There is something in your words
which persuades me that you are sincere." The blind man, who
Meanwhile, the De Laceys, whom the Monster had come to does not see how horrific the Monster looks, is the only person
see as his own family, were happier since Safie's arrival. The who can perceive his true nature.
Monster again compares himself to Adam, but he has "no Eve"
and his creator has "abandoned" him. Autumn's bleakness When Felix and Agatha De Lacey reject him, the Monster
meant he was no longer soothed by nature. learns that the De Laceys were not as kind and tolerant as he
had supposed. Instead, they are as flawed as the rest of
That winter, gathering his courage, the Monster waited until M. humankind. He has romanticized the family, making them into
De Lacey was alone. Since the old man is blind, he could not the ideal family he wishes he could join, showing his desperate
see the Monster. The Monster told the old man of his isolation desire for human companionship and relief from isolation and
and yearning to be accepted by his "friends," not specifying loneliness.
that he meant the De Laceys. The old man offered to help. Just
as the Monster was about to admit these friends are the De
Laceys, he heard Safie, Felix, and Agatha returning. He told M.
Volume 2, Chapter 8
De Lacey, "You and your family are the friends of whom I seek.
Do not desert me in the hour of trial!," and the three arrived
back at the cottage. Agatha fainted, Safie fled, and Felix beat
the Monster with a stick. The Monster ran from the cottage.
Summary
That night, in a fury, the Monster declared "everlasting war"
against all humans, especially Victor Frankenstein. Later,
Analysis
calmed by "pleasant sunshine," the Monster decided that he
had acted too quickly and, after napping, returned to the
The Monster reads Milton's Paradise Lost, one volume of
cottage, where the following morning he saw Felix negotiating
Plutarch's Lives of Illustrious Greeks and Romans, and Goethe's
with his landlord to leave. The unhappy Monster says, "I never
Sorrows of Werter, all major texts, the last a key document of
saw any of the family of De Lacey more." The Monster's
the romantic movement. He says, "I learned from Werter's
feelings of hatred and desire for revenge flared again. That
imaginations despondency and gloom: but Plutarch taught me
night, he burned the De Laceys' cottage to the ground and set
high thoughts." However, all the skill the Monster acquires in
off, hoping to reach Geneva. He traveled a long time,
language and communication is frustrating, as he has no one to
developing a desire for "justice" from and then "revenge" on his
communicate with. The Monster pours out all that he has
"heartless creator," finding pleasure only in nature. Along the
learned, drawing on all his language and communication skills,
way, the Monster saved a "young girl" from drowning, but her

male companion shot the Monster in the shoulder. The The power of language appears in the William story as well.
Monster spent weeks recovering, his physical pain increased The Monster's words cannot persuade the boy that he is not a
by his mental anguish. He vowed revenge against humanity for threat. In determining to kill him by strangling, the Monster says
the "outrages and anguish" they had caused him. he acts to "silence him." If his words will not be heard, he will
ensure that William's words are not heard, either.
Two months later, near Geneva, the Monster was awakened
from a nap by a beautiful child. Believing the child too young The pleasure that the Monster finds in nature in the chapter
and innocent to fear him, the Monster grabbed the boy. Instead reinforces the theme of connection to nature inspired by the
of accepting him, the boy screamed, "Monster! Ugly wretch!" romantic movement. It also once again underscores his
certain the Monster wished to eat him or tear him to pieces. connection to Victor in this regard. His desire to "reanimate"
The boy proclaimed that his father, Mr. Frankenstein, will the drowning girl connects him to Victor as well; he hopes to
"punish" the Monster. Hearing the child's identity, the Monster animate life.
said, "You shall be my first victim," and strangled him. The
Monster took the portrait the child was wearing. When he saw
a young woman (Justine), he decided to punish her in place of Volume 2, Chapter 9
other people who have rejected him and secretly placed the
necklace on her. He was fully aware that the innocent young
woman would be blamed for the murder of the boy. The
Summary
Monster relates that he then wandered for some time, hoping
to see and confront Victor. The chapter closes with his
The Monster has finished his story, and Victor becomes
demand that Victor end his solitude by making him a mate.
narrator again, continuing the events of the past. The Monster
indicated to him his willingness to repent, saying he "would
make peace with" humans if he could have some positive
Analysis emotion from one of them. But he also repeated his demand
for a mate, explaining, "I am malicious because I am miserable,"
This chapter brings the stories of the Monster and Victor
and threatening, "If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear." The
together, as the Monster explains how he killed William and
Monster vowed to destroy Victor if his demand were not met. If
what he did to frame Justine for the crime. This murder is a
Victor complies, however, the Monster promised to leave with
counterpoint to the kind deed the Monster performed earlier in
his mate, never to be seen again. The Monster argued with
the chapter—saving another girl from drowning—and the unjust
eloquence, and Victor finally agreed to his demand.
punishment he received. His anger at that injustice, reminding
Immediately, Victor and the Monster part ways; overnight,
him of his rejection by the De Laceys and his treatment by the
Victor slowly and unhappily returned to Chamounix. His family
boyfriend of the drowning girl, his rage at William
was shocked by his "haggard and strange" appearance, but
Frankenstein's horror upon seeing him, and his desire for
after they returned to Geneva, Victor offered no explanation.
revenge on Victor, awakened by hearing the name
The chapter concludes with him describing his "despair" and
"Frankenstein," all spur him to violence.
eventual "calm." Thinking of suicide at first, he is calmed by
The Monster takes the written word as all-powerful, believing nature.
what he reads is literally true. He extends this to assume that

he will be able to use language, threats, and violence to
persuade Victor to make him a mate. The Monster's naïve
Analysis
belief in the power of language foreshadows the failure of his
The monster yearns for a mate. The reasonableness of his
plea. That faith also provides an ironic commentary on Mary
request and the eloquence of his plea make a strong argument
Shelley's act of penning the novel. If language is too weak to
that everyone needs human companionship. "Shall each beast
persuade, why does she write? Or is language capable of
have his mate," he pleads with Victor, "and I be alone?"
changing minds—Victor, after all, complies initially with the
Creating a mate for the Monster is the least that Victor can do
Monster's demand—but not necessarily changing society?
for him, yet Victor is torn by indecision. His senses are

conflicted: he says when listening to the Monster, "I

compassionated him ... but when I looked upon him ... my heart
Analysis
sickened." When Victor finally agrees, he is plunged back into
In Victor's discussion of Henry, Shelley includes a six-line
depression, which shows that he is still conflicted about his
excerpt from William Wordsworth's 1798 poem "Tintern
choice. If Victor's story recalls the Faust legend, this episode
Abbey," one of the most famous romantic poems. Typical of
reintroduces it. Victor has called the Monster "the Devil." In
Wordsworth's poems, "Tintern Abbey" describes nature's
agreeing to make him a mate, he is making a pact with the
ability to touch an individual and prompt powerful emotions and
devil, as Faust had done.
profound reflections. Henry is deeply moved by the beautiful
Nature, of course, revives Victor, reinforcing the theme of scenery, which he "loved with ardor." However, thinking of this
connection to nature. The romantic can always find renewed landscape now, while on the ship with Walton, brings sadness
energy and lifted spirits by communing with nature. to Victor, as it reminds him of Henry. This sadness actually
contrasts with the theme of Wordsworth's poem, which
establishes that the pleasures in nature he felt as a youth can
Volume 3, Chapter 1 be recollected and experienced again later in life. Nature can
still conjure powerful emotions in Victor, possessor of the
romantics' affinity with nature, but sometimes the burden of his
actions and their results weighs too heavily on him, and
Summary nature's restorative powers are ineffectual.
Not eager to begin his work, Victor relates, he procrastinated This scene also reinforces the theme of human companionship
in Geneva and found "returning tranquility" on the lake. (friendship) and its importance. Despite his fears and
Meanwhile, Mr. Frankenstein pressed Victor to marry Elizabeth. depression, Victor enjoys Henry's company, while the joy of
Victor agreed, reassuring his father that he indeed loved her as friendship is cruelly denied to the Monster.
a future wife, not as a sister. Reluctant to marry before he
created the Monster's promised mate, Victor decided to first Victor's conversations with his father and Elizabeth about
go to England to do research, find some information he needs, marrying her reinforce the recurring idea of passive females.
and keep his family safe by staying away. Victor and his father settle the question of Elizabeth's
marriage; she is not consulted. Similarly, Victor alone decides
Worried about Victor's mental health, his father and Elizabeth that this wedding will only occur after he returns. She has no
arranged for Henry Clerval to accompany Victor. Although this choice in the timing, either. Females are pawns; males are the
interfered with the solitude Victor felt he needed to complete decision makers.
his task, he was happy to travel again with Henry and hoped
that Henry's presence would keep the Monster away. Victor
set off in August, with the understanding that he and Elizabeth Volume 3, Chapter 2
would marry when he returned, although he told her the trip
would take two years.
Victor and Henry traveled though Germany and Holland on the Summary
Rhine before arriving in London. Henry was especially
delighted at the scenery; Victor was preoccupied by the task Victor and Henry lived in London during the winter. Their
set for him by the Monster. In his account to Walton, Victor touring and stay in London failed to rouse Victor from his
remembers his "beloved friend," praising Henry's "imagination" depression, although Henry enjoyed himself. In Henry, Victor
and "sensibility," and quoting from two romantic poems: "The sees himself before he created the Monster, as Henry was still
Story of Rimini" by Leigh Hunt and "Tintern Abbey" by William eager to learn and experience new things. Victor had by then
Wordsworth. He expresses to Walton his sadness that Henry is lost his joy and interest in new adventures and new
now dead. learning—he was tormented by the results of his earlier
unbridled pursuit of knowledge. At the end of March, Victor
and Henry traveled through the English countryside to

Edinburgh, Scotland, responding to a friend's invitation. When mate and create a "race of devils" that would make human life
they reached Perth, Victor—conscious of his "horrible "full of terror." Looking up from his work, Victor saw a figure at
curse"—suggested that he and Henry part. the hut's window; the Monster had followed Victor and Henry
through their travels. In a fit of terror and fury, Victor ripped the
On his own, Victor set up a laboratory on a remote island in the female figure apart. The upset Monster left, and Victor
Orkneys. The island was so isolated that it had only three huts; departed from his lab for his other room, where he remained
Victor took the one that was empty. He set to work making the looking out the window.
female monster, but every day, that work seemed to him more
and more terrible. Sometimes he could not even enter the Hours later, the Monster entered Victor's room and berated
laboratory for days. Nevertheless, he made progress, despite Victor for breaking his promise. The Monster threatened
being plagued by disgust over the work. Henry, living Victor, promising vengeance even if it results in his own death.
elsewhere, had no idea what Victor was doing. He delivered an even more terrifying threat: "I go; but
remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night." The
Monster then left. Victor, anticipating that the Monster's words
Analysis meant his own death, felt sad about Elizabeth mourning him.
Many themes come together in this chapter. The theme of Following an unhappy night, Victor received a letter from
scientific idealism is evident and made complicated through Henry, asking him to meet him at Perth so they could travel to
Victor's reluctant work on the female monster. Here, unlike the India together. Victor cleaned up his lab and left two days later,
case with the burst of energy and passion that Victor first taking a boat off the island. After dumping the rest of the
experienced, the theme is combined with the theme of female's body parts into the water, he fell asleep in the boat.
disillusionment. Aware of the "horror" of his actions, Victor The wind pushed the boat out into choppy water, and he woke
cannot feel excitement or joy in his work. The theme of up lost. After a fitful night, he managed to reach the Irish shore,
curiosity is also reinforced in this chapter, where Henry's joyful at being alive. Landing, he was puzzled that the local
continued thirst for knowledge is contrasted by Victor's people treated him with great hostility. Victor was then
remorse over the results of his unbridled curiosity. Finally, arrested and taken to seen Mr. Kirwin, a magistrate, to explain
Victor's decision to be alone and to work in an extremely another man's murder. He breaks off the story here, explaining
secluded location shows the theme of human companionship. that the "frightful events" take "fortitude to recall."
Henry and the Monster crave companionship (as does Walton),
while Victor wants only to be alone.
Analysis
In addition, qualities of the gothic novel are shown in Victor's
work building the female monster, from the eerie, isolated This chapter furthers the themes of scientific idealism and
location to the dark mood attached to those scenes. Of curiosity, as Victor acts against curiosity and discovery,
course, as with the male monster, Shelley does not describe deciding to destroy the female monster rather than risk the
the nuts-and-bolts construction of the female monster, leaving potential for even greater disaster. He fears that perhaps the
these details to the reader's imagination. female won't go along with the Monster's plan to leave or that
the two creatures might hate each other and create havoc.
Their mating might have even more dire repercussions. Related
Volume 3, Chapter 3 to this interpretation is the view that Victor, in taking the role of
creator, usurps the female role of motherhood. In a male-
dominated world, in which men control the creation of new life,
Summary women become unnecessary. Victor's fear that the female

monster would mate with the male monster and produce
offspring is a fear that women will again wrench the role of
Victor recounts that as he worked on making the female
motherhood back to them. If she never comes alive, that threat
monster, he thought back three years to when he had built the
is removed, and Victor's power as creator and mother remains
male monster. He worried about the possible outcomes of
intact.
making this new creation, fearing the two creatures would

The Adam and Satan symbol gets a twist in this chapter. The
Monster tells Victor, "You are my creator, but I am your
Analysis
master;—obey!" Here the Monster takes the role of Satan. As
By killing off Victor's friends and family, the Monster shows
Satan, before his fall, challenged the divinely mandated order
Victor what it feels like to suffer loss, to be lonely and isolated,
and revolted against God, seeking control of heaven, the
deprived of companionship. It is perhaps the worst punishment
Monster challenges the supremacy of the creator.
the Monster could inflict. The theme of isolation and human
Victor's destruction of the female monster can also been seen companionship, woven through Frankenstein, is especially
as one culmination of the recurring theme of the passive apparent in this chapter. Victor suffers for two months alone.
woman. In this view, women are meant to be protected, He is heartened by the appearance of his father, but even his
managed, and controlled by males. If they show the slightest presence cannot lift the sense of guilt and despair that Victor
potential for power, they must be destroyed. feels—nor can it dispel his sense of foreboding, that more
death and suffering is to come. The created being has once
again proven to be a force of destruction. Victor's triumph over
Volume 3, Chapter 4 death has led to death.
Victor's arrest and trial recalls Justine. She, innocent of a

crime, is found guilty; Victor, who is ultimately guilty, is declared
Summary innocent. Justine issues a false confession. Victor confesses in
his delirium, and that confession is both untrue (he is not
In front of the magistrate and several witnesses, Victor learned directly responsible for killing Henry; the Monster is) and true
that the body of a handsome young man washed ashore. (by creating the Monster and rejecting him, he is ultimately
Initially, the men assumed the victim had drowned, but they responsible). Justine suffers the human punishment of death;
soon discovered that he had been strangled. Victor's reaction Victor goes unpunished by his fellow humans, although the
to the strangling news caused suspicion, as does his arrival by Monster sees to it that he suffers. Indeed, Victor punishes
boat and his horrified reaction to seeing that the murdered himself, saying, "The cup of life [i]s poisoned for ever," and he
man was Henry Clerval. The villagers assumed, based on feels no difference between being in nature or prison. But he
circumstantial evidence (including seeing a man in a boat), that wishes to die, hoping for an end to his misery and suffering
Victor was the murderer; Victor figured it was the Monster. and, presumably, feeling that his death will cause the Monster
to stop killing those Victor loves.
The accusation and his grief at the loss of his best friend sent
Victor into terrible illness, which lasted two months. During this Victor's repeated collapses suggest that his health issues may
time and in delirium, he confessed, in his own language, that he be a response to stress, as his physical and psychological
was the murderer and fantasized that the Monster was coming breakdowns coincide with encounters with the Monster. By
for him. Regaining some of his health, he realized that he had this time, Victor is in such debilitated mental condition that he
been imprisoned and that a nurse was sent to watch over him. has "fits" and "paroxysms of anguish," is suicidal, and needs
She and a doctor treated his illness. Mr. Kirwin, the magistrate, help to keep from hurting himself.
became sympathetic to Victor's plight and explained he had
sent for Alphonse Frankenstein to be at his son's side. After The themes of disillusionment and connection to nature
Alphonse arrived and told Victor that the family was well, Victor combine here. Victor is so overcome with disillusion that prison
began to improve physically. is as welcome to him as "the divinest scene in nature." Here he
is Adam, fallen in sin and expelled from the Garden. Nature no
At a grand jury hearing, Victor was exonerated when it was longer provides a balm to his soul or a boost to his spirits.
proved that he was not at the scene—he was in his laboratory Nature is dead to him.
on the Orkney Islands. Fearing the Monster intended to
destroy the rest of his family, Victor hurried home with his The light and darkness symbol appears in this chapter as well.
father. Tormented by fears the first night on the ship, he took When Victor is exonerated and released from prison, the sun is
laudanum, a drug, to help him sleep, but even double the usual shining. Rather than reveling in the light and feeling joy,
quantity did not give him peace. however, he sees "nothing but a dense and frightful darkness."

Rather than the cheerful sun, he see two orbs, which are eyes. loathing over his secret, which is as ugly to him as the Monster
Sometimes they are Henry's and sometimes the Monster's. is in appearance. He has a genuine wish to not mar Elizabeth's
Victor has fallen into the darkness and feels despair. happiness before the wedding, but his inability to be truthful
also deprives her of any freedom of choice in relation to him.
She is in darkness as to his character and actions, acting only
Volume 3, Chapter 5 on partial information. She does not press him for details,
however, showing a lack of the curiosity that impelled him to
ruin. Of course, Elizabeth, the passive female, is also complicit
Summary in her powerlessness. Her letter to Victor confesses that she

places his happiness above her own. As much as she loves him
(more than he loves her, some readers may suspect), she will
Victor relates to Walton that he and his father then went to
give him up if he loves someone else. Elizabeth gives Victor all
France. During this trip, Victor told his father he was
the power and authority in their relationship.
responsible for the deaths of William, Justine, and Henry; his
father viewed Victor as mad. In Paris, Victor received a letter
from Elizabeth, asking if he had fallen in love with another
woman, explaining that she loves him and would understand. Volume 3, Chapter 6
Victor recalled the Monster's ominous warning and wrote back
to Elizabeth to saying he is dedicated to her but has "one
secret ... a terrible one." Summary
Returning home to Geneva, Victor passed in and out of Victor continues his relation. He and Elizabeth walked along
madness; Elizabeth helped him. He assured his father that he the shore near the inn where they were staying. Back at the
loved only Elizabeth and was ready for marriage. Victor again inn, an hour after it started raining, Victor convinced Elizabeth
remembered the Monster's warning, but as he tells Walton, "I to go to bed. He stalked through the halls with his gun, on
thought that I prepared only my own death, I hastened that of a guard for the Monster. Suddenly, Victor heard a "shrill and
far dearer victim." Victor and Elizabeth married. He armed dreadful scream," and he quickly grasped what had occurred.
himself, and they left on their overnight honeymoon, planning On hearing a second scream, he rushed to their room to find
afterward to go to Cologny. While sailing past the "beauty of Elizabeth strangled. He fainted. People at the inn tried to
the scene," landscape including Mont Blanc, Victor had his "last console him, but he returned to Elizabeth and confirmed she
moments ... of happiness" and Elizabeth told him to "be happy." was dead. Victor saw the Monster outside, grinning, and shot
At sunset, they reach Evian. at him but missed, and the Monster got away. Victor and
people from Evian went looking for the murderer, and then the
others continued without him.
Analysis
Crying for the dead, Victor feared for Alphonse and Ernest and
The novel builds to its climax as Victor fears the Monster will rushed back to Geneva. Soon after Mr. Frankenstein heard the
kill him on his wedding night. The climax is foreshadowed and news, he died of a fit caused by grief. Following his father's
suspense is built by Victor's statement to Elizabeth that he has death, Victor says, "I lost sensation." Thought mad, he was
only "one secret," "a dreadful one," which will "chill your frame placed in a cell for months.
with horror" when it is revealed. He promises to tell her the day
after they wed but does not intend to fulfill the promise, since Regaining sanity, Victor vowed revenge, and one month later
he believes the Monster will kill him first. While Victor carries a told the local magistrate the story of the Monster. The
gun, such weapons are not likely to prove effective against the magistrate was polite but, while drawn in with a "half kind of
Monster, who is possessed of speed, strength, and endurance belief," clearly didn't fully believe Victor's story or intend to act
beyond those of an ordinary human. on it, concluding Victor was still somewhat insane. Victor left.
Victor's delay in revealing his secret to Elizabeth continues

behavior he has shown throughout the novel. He is full of self-

course, is Victor telling his story in detail to Walton, who will

Analysis eventually see proof that confirms it.
When Victor and Elizabeth arrive at the inn, "the wind, which Elizabeth's live body made dead by the Monster contrasts with
had fallen in the south, now rose with great violence in the the dead body that Victor brought to life to form the Monster.
west ... the clouds swept across it [the moon] swifter than the She is "lifeless and inanimate"; Victor had animated the lifeless
flight of the vulture and dimmed her rays." Victor says that the body of the Monster but can do nothing for her. She is pale,
night is "dreadful, very dreadful." The foul weather creates a with "bloodless arms." The Monster's yellow skin "scarcely
gothic mood, while the word choices enhance it and provide covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath."
foreshadowing. For example, the violence of the wind
foreshadows the murder to come; the idea of the "vulture"
foreshadows death and characterizes the Monster, who is
Volume 3, Chapter 7
made of the kind of carrion vultures eat; the phrase "dimmed
her rays" foreshadows Elizabeth's death and the end of any
potential for Victor's happiness.
Summary
The misunderstanding underlying Victor's reaction to the
Monster's threat "I shall be with you on your wedding-night!" is For months, Victor chased the Monster across the globe, the
finally revealed. Victor assumes in his egotism that the Monster desire for revenge keeping him alive. He first spent the night in
will kill him. It never crosses his mind that the Monster intends the Genevan cemetery, where the Monster overheard and
to kill Elizabeth instead. Her murder makes much more sense, "mocked" him for making a vow to "pursue the daemon." Victor
however, because Victor destroyed the Monster's mate by went on the Rhone, to the Mediterranean Sea and the Black
violently tearing apart the body before finishing it. This is the Sea, to Russia, but the Monster was always one step ahead.
climax of the novel, as the Monster has stripped Victor of his Victor ate food left by what he thought were benevolent
family, his friend, and his bride. As a result, Victor begins to "spirits" (later revealed as the Monster) and dreamed about his
lose his humanity and becomes like the Monster, isolated and dead family and friends. The Monster goaded Victor with
lonely, devoted only to revenge. It is also fitting that the messages carved into trees and cut into stone. Victor and the
Monster strangles Elizabeth; he kills her with his hands, just as Monster reached the Arctic. Victor, learning from Russian
Victor tears apart the Monster's intended mate. villagers the Monster had stolen food and a dogsled to take
him over the ice floes, bought a dogsled and followed. Victor
As he relates his story to the magistrate, Victor says, "I do not was not sure how much longer he could survive the brutal
doubt that he [the Monster] hovers near the spot which I conditions, but he pressed on nonetheless. After days of
inhabit," indicating he believes the Monster is somewhere pursuit, Victor saw and then got tantalizingly close to the
nearby, hiding but dangerously present. It seems the Monster Monster, but they were ultimately separated by the cracking
knows where Victor is at all times, adding another mysterious, ice.
supernatural or gothic element to the book. Victor's ability to
sense the Monster, in turn, furthers the linkage between the About to die, Victor was found and rescued by Robert Walton.
two of them (a twisted kind of companionship). The Monster is, He explained why he needed a northbound ship: to continue
in a sense, Victor's double, or shadow self. As a shadow, he after the Monster. Knowing he is still close to death, after
has a special bond to Victor. This tradition, called finishing his narrative, Victor makes Walton swear that if he
doppelgänger ("double goer") for the first time in 1796, comes (Victor) dies, Walton will kill the Monster.
from the ancient German concept that each living creature has
an exact copy. The twin may exist as a phantom or as a real
human. Analysis
In this chapter, Victor finally—for the first time—confesses the In effect, Victor has become the Monster, willing to die to enact
full truth of what he has done. The magistrate, lacking proof, his revenge. He has become stripped of his humanity and has
cannot believe his fantastical story; Victor being mad is the only a tenuous grip on reality and sanity.
only way to explain his account. The bulk of the novel, of

One message the Monster leaves for Victor during their chase concern that he may not be able to turn them down. Victor
across the north reads, "My reign is not yet over," a reference succeeded in quelling the mutiny, urging the men to "return as
to Satan's statement in Paradise Lost "Better to reign in Hell heroes." Walton relates that he told the men that he would not
than to serve in Heaven." This connection elevates the struggle lead them farther north if they really didn't want to go, but he
to an epic, Biblical level. Furthering this connection, Victor tells hopes that their courage will return. On September 7, Walton
Walton, "The fallen angel becomes a malignant devil." Of briefly relates to his sister his agreement to turn the ship
course, if Victor has become the Monster, that makes him like around if it is not crushed by the ice.
Satan too, reinforcing that symbolic connection.
In his final letter, dated September 12, Walton says they started
The Monster's leaving both food and messages for Victor sailing south the previous day and tells of Victor's end. Prior to
throughout the chase reflects his dual nature. The food dying, Victor said that he believes himself "justified in desiring
sustains Victor, keeping him alive—the Monster provides more the death" of the Monster and "refusing, to create a
support to his creator than that creator ever gave him—but it companion." He acknowledged that in making the Monster he
also reinforces the taunting tones of the messages he leaves. became responsible to it but believes now that should have
The Monster is toying with Victor, leading him on. He indeed recognized his "paramount" duty to his fellow humans. He
has become Victor's master—or at the least the master of this changed his instructions to Walton, telling the other he need
situation. not pursue the Monster to kill him but asking Walton to
execute that deed if he should encounter the Monster by
Gothic elements are brought into this final part of the novel chance. Then he died.
through several details. They include the fierce, isolated Arctic
environment and the Monster's supernatural tracking abilities, After describing his grief, Walton writes, "I am interrupted," and
as he leads Victor on a chase to the roof of the world. then finishes the letter, explaining what follows. The Monster
burst into Victor's room to mourn the loss of his creator and to
beg his forgiveness. The Monster told Walton the rest of his
Walton, in Continuation story, describing how he killed Henry and Elizabeth and chased
Victor across the world. After explaining how he "still desired
love and fellowship," only to meet the "injustice" of constant
Summary rejection, the Monster said he will leave the ship, travel to the
most northern part of the world, and kill himself. The Monster
then jumped overboard and vanished into the "darkness and
The novel closes as it began, with letters Walton writes to his
distance," ending the novel.
sister. In the first of these final letters, dated August 26, Walton
tells his sister that he believes Victor's story because he and
the crew saw the Monster before rescuing Victor and because
Victor has shown Walton the letters that Felix and Safie sent
Analysis
each other. Walton asked Victor to explain how he made the
To complete the story frame, Walton concludes the novel. The
Monster, but Victor refused to tell him: "Are you mad, my
story of his expedition contrasts with Victor's catastrophic
friend? ... whither does your senseless curiosity lead you?" In
pursuit of knowledge. Walton agrees to turn the ship around to
addition, Victor edited and corrected Walton's notes of his
avoid it being crushed by ice. He chooses prudence rather than
story. During the week that Victor told his story, he and Walton
the destructive path of insatiable curiosity.
discussed various subjects, and Victor tried to teach Walton
the lessons he has learned as a result of his overwhelming Victor endorses this approach in the narrative of the final
ambition. Walton repeats to his sister his own longing for a chapter in his warning not to pursue knowledge too far. While
friend. he contradicts this position in the speech Walton recounts in
the September 2 letter, when Victor urges the crew to
In the letter of September 2, Walton explains that the ship is
persevere, this change might be seen more as reflecting
trapped in ice, and he fears the sailors will mutiny. On
Victor's agitated state of mind. His last words to Walton include
September 5, Walton writes that the crew insisted on turning
this warning: "Seek happiness in tranquility and avoid ambition,
back before the ice crushes the ship and expresses his

Frankenstein Study Guide Quotes 32
even if it be only the apparently innocent one of distinguishing — Robert Walton, Letter 1
yourself in science and discoveries." This recalls the novel's
themes of scientific idealism and curiosity: how using scientific
Frankenstein begins with four letters written by Walton to his
learning for evil purposes leads to catastrophe.
sister. He expresses his excitement at the prospect and
Sharing with Walton the lessons he has learned about possibilities of exploring the Arctic Circle, where the sun does
excessive ambition, Victor makes an allusion to Paradise Lost not set for half the year. The light symbolizes the joy of gaining
and the Bible, saying, "Like the archangel who aspired to knowledge, the search for which drives both Walton and Victor
omnipotence, I am chained in an eternal hell." Like the Monster, (as well as the Monster). Each search has unexpected results:
Victor has become Satan, cast out of heaven, doomed to Walton, failing in his intended journey, learns the stories of
everlasting torture. Of course, the image of Victor chained also Victor and the Monster; Victor succeeds in his experiment yet,
brings to mind the Prometheus myth, reminding readers of the in so doing, creates misery, terror, and death for many,
book's subtitle. including himself.
With Victor's death, Walton has lost his friend, the friend he so
greatly desired. The bond the two men form during the course "Learn from me, if not by my
of Victor's relation reinforces the theme of human
companionship through the importance of friendship. Victor's precepts, at least by my example,
death reinforces the theme of loss and the sorrow that results.
how dangerous is the acquirement
While Victor has become the Monster, the Monster becomes of knowledge, and how much
Victor—the compassionate human—when he begs for Victor's
forgiveness. He also becomes ennobled when he tells Walton happier that man is who believes
of his resolve to kill himself and end the terrible cycle of his native town to be the world,
violence.
than he who aspires to become
Throughout his long final speech, the Monster shows his
eloquence again and again. He does so in confessing his guilt:
greater than his nature will allow."
"Your abhorrence cannot equal that with which I regard
myself." He also does so in speaking of his early awakening to — Victor Frankenstein, Volume 1, Chapter 3
consciousness of the world, saying he saw life as precious
when he first "felt the cheering warmth of summer, and heard
Victor warns Walton to not exceed the boundaries of human
the rustle of leaves."
knowledge, to rein in his ambition, and to resist the drive for
fame. He speaks based on his "example" of making the
The symbol of light and darkness makes its final appearance at
Monster, when he assumed the powers of God, those "greater
the novel's close. In the opening letters, Walton expressed
than his nature," resulting in tragedy for all involved. There is
excitement at the prospect of exploring in the Arctic, where
dramatic irony in this warning about the dangers of pursuing
the sun shines around the clock for part of the year. At the
knowledge being preceded by the directive "Learn from me."
book's close, the Monster drifts away on a chunk of ice into
Some lessons are worth learning.
darkness.
g Quotes "How can I describe my emotions

at this catastrophe, or how
"What may not be expected in a delineate the wretch whom with
country of eternal light?" such infinite pains and care I had

endeavored to form?" "The more I saw of them, the

greater became my desire to claim
— Victor Frankenstein, Volume 1, Chapter 4
their protection and kindness; my
At the moment of giving life, Victor is repulsed by his creation, heart yearned to be known and
so much so that he can scarcely bear to look at him. After
nearly two years of hard work and years of studying, Victor is
loved by these amiable creatures."
appalled rather than delighted at what he has wrought, seeing
something that was intended to be "beautiful" as repulsive. — The Monster, Volume 2, Chapter 7
Victor's disgust moves him to reject the Monster; this sets the
rest of the plot into motion, as the Monster seeks revenge for The Monster reveals his deep desire for human companionship
this and other rejections also based on his awful appearance. and acceptance as he recounts his feelings after observing the
De Laceys. The passage reflects the eloquence he often
employs to express his thoughts and feelings, which belies his
"My country! My beloved country! characterization as a monster.
who but a native can tell the

delight I took in again beholding "'Hateful day when I received life!' I
thy streams, thy mountains, and, exclaimed in agony. 'Cursed
more than that, thy lovely lake!" creator! Why did you form a
monster so hideous that even you
— Victor Frankenstein, Volume 1, Chapter 6
turned from me in disgust? God, in
After William's murder, Victor seeks comfort in nature, where pity, made man beautiful and
his soul becomes refreshed and his sorrows wash away. The
belief in the power of nature was central to the romantic
alluring, after his own image; but
movement and to the theme of connection to nature that my form is a filthy type of yours,
appears throughout the novel.
more horrid from its very
resemblance.'"
"My abhorrence of this fiend
cannot be conceived." — The Monster, Volume 2, Chapter 7
— Victor Frankenstein, Volume 2, Chapter 1 The Monster recounts to Victor the self-loathing he felt after
reading Victor's journal entries describing his creation. The
speech not only reveals the Monster's wretched isolation and
Frankenstein can be read as a revenge novel, with the Monster
anguish but also Victor's error in creating the Monster and
seeking revenge on Victor for rejecting him and Victor seeking
taking no responsibility for him. Unlike the humans created by
revenge on the Monster for murdering his family members,
God, whom the monster believes to be perfect, the creature
friend, and servant. Victor's hatred of the Monster becomes all-
formed by a human is a crude, malformed mockery.
consuming, and he dies in his quest for vengeance. It is also
notable that Victor, in hating the Monster, also hates himself.
"My companion must be of the

threat. Instead, the Monster intends to destroy Victor's

same species, and have the same
happiness—and does, by killing his mate, Elizabeth, as Victor
defects. This being you must has killed the Monster's incomplete mate by destroying it. The
importance of this quotation is underscored by Victor's
create."
frequent recounting of it.
— The Monster, Volume 2, Chapter 8
"'Are you mad, my friend?' said he,

Finishing his narrative, the Monster demands that Victor create
a mate for him to relieve his burning isolation and loneliness.
'or whither does your senseless
This connects to the theme of human companionship. Victor is curiosity lead you? Would you also
more comfortable being alone than the Monster is. The
request also reinforces similarities to Paradise Lost and the
create for yourself and the world a
biblical book of Genesis; like Adam, the Monster asks his demoniacal enemy? Or to what do
creator for a mate.
your questions tend? Peace,
peace! learn my miseries, and do
"I am malicious because I am
not seek to increase your own.'"
miserable. Am I not shunned and
hated by all mankind?" — Victor Frankenstein, Walton, in Continuation
— The Monster, Volume 2, Chapter 9 Victor delivers the same warning to Walton that he had before
beginning to tell his story: do not seek knowledge that goes
beyond the limits of human power. The quotation reflects the
Tortured by loneliness, the Monster is trying to convince Victor
themes of curiosity (use care in pursuing knowledge) and
to make him a mate. The Monster is terrifying, but, like all living
disillusionment (Victor has clearly become disillusioned by his
beings, he requires companionship. He explains that his
experiences).
behavior is caused by his unhappiness through loneliness. If he
can be happy, accepted by a companion, he will act morally.
But, if Victor does not agree to the Monster's demand, the
Monster vows to cause fear and commit acts of "Oh, Frankenstein! generous and
"inextinguishable hatred."
self-devoted being! What does it
avail that I now ask thee to pardon
"It is well. I go; but remember, I me?"
shall be with you on your wedding-
— The Monster, Walton, in Continuation
night."
The Monster, mourning over Victor's corpse, asks forgiveness
— The Monster, Volume 3, Chapter 3
for destroying all that Victor had loved. The Monster's grief and
desire for absolution show his remorse and humanity. They
After Victor destroys the Monster's mate, the Monster delivers also contrast with Victor's feelings just before his death, in
this threat. Victor—and perhaps the reader—assumes that this which he is devoted to the goal of revenge. The Monster has
means the Monster will murder Victor on his wedding night. become more human, or at least more humane, than his human
Victor marries Elizabeth even though he worries about the creator. The Monster's characterization of Victor as

Frankenstein Study Guide Symbols 35
"generous" might seem generous on the Monster's part, given heating food, providing warmth, and ensuring protection from
Victor's behavior toward the Monster, though "self-devoted" wild animals. But fire also causes pain, death, and destruction,
seems correct. as shown when the Monster uses fire to destroy the De
Laceys' cottage. The Monster discovers the dual nature of fire
when he says, "When night came again, I found, with pleasure,
that fire gave light as well as heat; and that the discovery of
l Symbols this element was useful to me in my food." Overcome by
pleasure at the warmth, the Monster says, "I thrust my hand
into the live embers, but quickly drew it out again with a cry of
pain." The Monster also intends to use the destructive power
Light and Darkness of fire to destroy himself, thereby eliminating any memory of
him from the world. As with scientific knowledge, fire can both
help and harm. The fire symbol also recalls the Prometheus
Light is a positive symbol in Frankenstein, representing hope, myth, as he brought fire to humans.
knowledge or learning, and discovery. Walton introduces the
symbol when he describes the North Pole as a place where
"the sun is ever visible ... a region of beauty and delight." He
asks his sister, "What may not be expected in the country of Adam and Satan
eternal light?" showing his optimism in science and exploration.
When Victor realizes he can create life, he says, "Until from the
midst of this darkness a sudden light broke in upon me—a light The Monster is both symbolized by Adam, the first man, and
so brilliant and wondrous, yet so simple." As these examples Satan. Victor creates him, and he is the first—and only—of his
show, light is associated with knowledge and kind. Mary Shelley brings in allusions to Milton's epic poem
discovery—positive things. Paradise Lost, the biblical story of the fall of humanity, from the
beginning of the novel, and the Monster seems identified with
As Victor's words about the flash of insight that led him to
Adam in the cited lines that serve as the novel's epigraph. The
recognize how to create life show, darkness represents
connection is carried out in several aspects of the book,
ignorance. Later in that conversation, Victor tells Walton that
including the Monster's explicit identification of himself with
he hoped his discovery would "pour a torrent of light into our
Adam when he recounts his history to Victor and says, "I ought
dark world." When Victor returns home to Geneva after his
to be thy Adam." In addition, like Adam, the Monster is curious
brother William's murder, it is during a dark, stormy night that
about the world and desires a mate. In contrast, the Monster is
he sees the Monster. That vision convinces him that the
also Satan, cast out of heaven. Like Satan, the cast-aside
Monster is linked to the murder; his darkness (ignorance of the
Monster lives in hell (what the world has become after he is
Monster's involvement) is dispelled by light (the flash of
rejected). He is also like Satan in being fallen; Victor hoped to
lightning that reveals the Monster). Darkness is also a symbol
make him beautiful and magnificent. Instead, he is hideous, a
for evil. Elizabeth's letter to Victor recounting the news of
lesser version than the creator wished. The Monster's fallen
William's death speaks of "the dark side of human nature."
state can also be seen—from Victor's perspective—in violent
Finally, darkness symbolizes emptiness and despair, as shown
revenge.
by the descriptions of Victor's dark depressions. It is into
darkness that the Monster disappears as the book closes. In this interpretation, Victor is allied with God, the creator.
Victor makes the monster; he gives it life. But Victor rejects his
creation, abandoning any responsibility for it. (God punishes his
creation, Adam, for disobedience.) Here the Adam-Satan
Fire symbol takes a twist, for the Monster who murders is also
capable of kindness and compassion. He feels the De Laceys'
love and essential goodness; he saves the life of the drowning
Fire is the dual-edged sword of light; it can sustain life by girl. Victor, however, shuns his creation. It could be argued that

Frankenstein Study Guide Themes 36
he casts the Monster out, as God cast Adam out of the garden, creates these three characters who show the limits of self-
but Victor is actually the one who flees after creating the education suggests her own ambivalence about the lack of
Monster. In a sense he, too, is Adam, ashamed and horrified at formal schooling and recalls her mother's arguments that
having partaken of the forbidden fruit of hoisting himself into women should be educated in the same way as men.
the role of creator. The plaintive epigraph could be his words,
as well as the Monster's, as he laments being brought into the
world and allowed to do evil.
Scientific Idealism
m Themes In the late 18th century, Galvani captivated Europe with his
experiments on the effects of electricity on dissected animals.
He proposed that the animals' bodies had "animal electricity," a
Curiosity position disputed by Alessandro Volta, who posited that the

bodies were conducting electricity from one metal to another.
Galvani's nephew, Giovanni Aldini, supported his uncle's
position and carried out experiments applying electricity to the
Both Victor and Walton are driven by curiosity to explore new corpses of criminals. An eyewitness account described one
possibilities or new worlds. Even as a child, Victor saw the result, conducted in London's Newgate Prison in 1803: "On the
world "as a secret , which I desired to discover." Indeed, their first application of the process to the face, the jaws of the
curiosity carries them to obsession with these quests. In both deceased criminal began to quiver, and the adjoining muscles
cases obsession leads to danger. Victor's curiosity drives him were horribly contorted, and one eye was actually opened. In
to create a monster that generates many deaths. Walton's own the subsequent part of the process the right hand was raised
curiosity drives his ship into the ice, where it can be crushed and clenched, and the legs and thighs were set in motion."
and destroyed, putting the entire crew in danger of death.
However, he listens to the pleas of his men and agrees to Electricity was but one of the areas of scientific discovery in
withdraw. The Monster, too, is curious, initially hoping to learn the late 1700s and early 1800s that seemed to promise great
more about humankind and then driven by intellectual curiosity improvements in human life. In the introduction to the 1831
to seek as much learning as he can glean from books. Victor's edition of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley referred to galvanism
and the Monster's curiosity connects to the Adam and Satan (named for Galvani) in connection with reanimating life, though,
symbol. Like Adam, both are curious for knowledge, and both in the novel itself, Victor's process is not described. His
suffer as a result. youthful interest in finding the source of the "principle of life"
shows his idealistic belief that such profundities can be
All three are, to some extent, self-educated, exemplifying that uncovered. His success in animating the Monster, however,
curiosity. Victor has read authors who studied books on highlights Shelley's view that scientific experimentation, carried
alchemy, a pseudoscience of the Middle Ages whose too far, can produce tragedy.
practitioners sought to convert common minerals into gold and
silver to cure diseases and to extend human life. Walton Walton reflects the theme of scientific idealism as well. What
explains in one of the early letters that he is self-taught, and could be more idealistic than the North Pole he imagines, as
the Monster's insatiable curiosity leads him to read books he described in his first letter to his sister? He sees the area not
finds. The novel suggests, however, that self-education has as the "seat of frost and desolation" but as a "region of beauty
limits and dangers. Victor laments that his father did not direct and delight," where "snow and frost are banished." He also
his learning more, suggesting it might have led him away from hopes to make a glorious discovery and thereby gain fame;
his errors. Walton finds his self-education lacking and wants a scientific idealism is tied to ego. By the end of the novel, he has
friend in part to learn more. The Monster accepts what he become chastened by Victor's account. Survival trumps
reads as truth, even believing Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost scientific idealism, and he agrees to turn the ship around.
to be historical fact. That the self-educated Mary Shelley

Frankenstein Study Guide Themes 37
the novel, though his loss pales in comparison to those of

Disillusionment others.
The Monster loses the attentions and affections of his creator,

a father figure; he loses possible affection from the De Laceys;
Victor is clearly disillusioned by his actions in making the
and he loses his chance at happiness with the destruction of
Monster. What he thought would be a magnificent scientific
the female monster. Loss is everywhere in Frankenstein. The
breakthrough and a "new species [that] would bless [him] as
guilt that wracks Victor and, eventually, the Monster results
its creator and source" becomes a hideous creature he
from their knowledge of their own role in causing that loss to
variously calls "monster," "fiend," and "demon" and that
others.
murders, or at least indirectly causes the death of, nearly
everyone Victor holds dear. The Monster is disillusioned as
well. First, he is rejected by his creator. Then, watching the De
Laceys, he becomes convinced of humans' fundamental virtue
and moral superiority. But this belief in humanity's goodness
Connection to Nature
and his hope for acceptance are crushed by the rejection he
constantly receives.
Several characters in Frankenstein—Victor, Henry, Walton, and
When Elizabeth hears of Justine Moritz's confession, she is the Monster—are emotional, imaginative, and deeply moved by
disillusioned, as she was firm in her belief in Justine's nature, characteristics of the romantic movement. In Chapter
innocence. When she hears Justine's explanation that the 17, for example, Victor describes how Henry "was a being
confession is a false one, her faith in the woman is restored. formed in the 'very poetry of nature.' ... The scenery of external
She is the only character whose disillusionment is resolved. nature, which others regard only with admiration, he loved with
ardor." Shelley follows these lines, which quote romantic
essayist and poet Leigh Hunt, with a quotation from
Wordsworth's "Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey"
Loss (1798 ), a poem that embodies the romantic movement's sense
of nature's power to affect the human soul. Shelley mentions
Mont Blanc, the highest of the alpine mountains and an
With her own birth the cause of her mother's death, and with important symbol for romantics, as the focus of this
the writing of this novel carried out in the context of the death connection to nature several times in the novel. She and Percy
of her half-sister, Percy's first wife, and Mary and Percy's son, Shelley had taken a trip to Mont Blanc during their travels
Mary Shelley had a keen sense of human loss and the suffering through Europe, and Percy wrote a poem presenting the peak
and grief it causes. That sense pervades the novel. Elizabeth as eternal and inspiring that was published in Mary's account
loses her mother as a child, as Mary had, and also loses her of their journey. Coleridge had also written a poem praising the
adoptive mother, who dies of an illness Elizabeth survives (in a mountain.
way, another parallel to Mary). The loss of Caroline
Frankenstein also prompts the eventual marriage of Victor and
Elizabeth (as Harriet Shelley's death opened the door for
Mary's marriage to Percy.) Human Companionship
Many losses lead to others. For instance, William's death is
followed by the innocent Justine's execution. The deaths of his
Walton yearns for a friend, writing to his sister, "But I have one
wife, son, eldest son's best friend, and adopted daughter drive
want which I have never been able to satisfy," the lack of which
Alphonse Frankenstein to death; so much loss could not be
he sees as "a most severe evil." He is without a friend. The
borne. Victor experiences the losses of virtually his entire
Monster also yearns for human companionship, attempting to
family—only Ernest survives—as well as his best friend. Walton
befriend the De Lacey family, William, and Victor. The Monster
loses the possibility of having Victor as a friend at the end of
convinces Victor to build him a mate to relieve his anguished

Frankenstein Study Guide The 1818 and 1831 Editions 38
loneliness. When Victor changes his mind and destroys the social views. Safie's father acts unjustly toward Felix, and the
female monster, the Monster retaliates by killing those Victor De Laceys and the boyfriend of the drowning girl all treat the
loves, Henry and Elizabeth, making him feel the pain of bone- Monster unjustly.
deep loneliness. The Monster is motivated to act as he does
largely out of loneliness; he commits his most horrible acts only
after he is denied human companionship. The parallels
between the Monster and Walton in their yearning for b The 1818 and 1831
companionship suggest that man and monster are more similar
than either would recognize
Editions
Walton does have a friend in his sister, though. She is someone
he can confide in and even to whom he can relate the dark There are two major editions of Frankenstein. The 1818 edition
truths he has seen and heard. In this relationship he may be is the original text published by Mary Shelley. The 1831 version
more fortunate than Victor, despite the scientist's closeness to includes Shelley's account of how the book came to be written
his father, to Henry, and to Elizabeth during their lives. Walton but also has several textual changes. The chief changes are
is able to share the horrors he has experienced; Victor's these:
anguish is caused in part by the fact that he harbors his
Chapter 1 is expanded and split into two chapters. For this
actions of forming the Monster as a secret. Until meeting
reason, the numbering and final count of chapters can vary
Walton—when he knows he is dying—Victor tells no one what
from one version of the book to another.
he has done. Unable to unburden himself, Victor lacks
The story of Elizabeth Lavenza's origin changes. In the 1818
companionship, too, even as he has family and friends.
edition, she is the daughter of Alphonse Frankenstein's
sister, making her Victor's cousin. While it was not unheard
of for cousins to marry, some readers might have reacted
Injustice negatively to that circumstance. In the 1831 edition, then,

Shelley changed Elizabeth's situation, making her a poor
orphan Alphonse and Caroline—chiefly at Caroline's
direction—take into their home. This change also adds to
Injustice is another theme of the novel. Victor's and other the credit of Caroline because of her kindness toward the
humans' rejection of the Monster is a clear example, but, over girl.
the course of the novel, the Monster shows he is not In describing the lightning strike that destroyed a tree and
blameless—he is guilty of several murders and of successfully first alerted him to the power of electricity, Victor says in the
framing an innocent victim, Justine. His behavior might reflect 1831 edition that a scientist visiting the family discussed
the Godwinian view that social institutions are by nature unjust. electricity and galvanism. Galvanism was thought at the time
The De Lacey family story reveals other examples of injustice, to have the power to animate animal muscle. The addition
as the De Lacey father and sister are unjustly punished for the suggests that this might have been the secret power that
actions of Felix. The Monster's behavior also reflects the Victor used to bring the Monster to life.
Godwinian view that injustice breeds crime, as Percy Shelley The 1831 edition has more comments critical of Victor's
points out in his preface to the first edition and as the Monster decisions and actions, as Shelley attempted to respond to
himself says. In his last speech, delivered to Walton before he the harsher conservative critics who had objected to her
departs, he complains about having been spurned in his search novel on moral grounds.
for human companionship and adds, "Was there no injustice in
this?" Many readers have come to know the novel by reading modern
editions based on the 1831 version. Scholars argue that the
Of course, individual humans can be unjust as well. Victor original from 1818 more closely reflects Mary's original vision.
compounds his scientific hubris with the error of injustice. He
rejects the Monster rather than accepting responsibility for This study guide provides a summary and analysis of the 1818
him, and this aspect of the novel reflects William Godwin's edition of Frankenstein.

Frankenstein Study Guide Suggested Reading 39
e Suggested Reading
Bloom, Harold, ed. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. New York:
Chelsea, 2007. Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations. Print.
Botting, Fred. Making Monstrous: Frankenstein. Criticism

Theory. Manchester: Manchester UP, 1991. Print.
Brennan, Matthew C. "The Landscape of Grief in Mary

Shelley's Frankenstein." Studies in the Humanities 15.1 (1988):
33–44. Print.
Mellor, Anne K. Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her

Monsters. New York: Routledge, 2015. Print.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. 2nd ed. Ed. J. Paul Hunter. New

York: Norton, 2012. Norton Critical Editions. Print.

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Frankenstein

Study Guide by Course Hero

in letters to his sister. In turn, Victor quotes the Monster's

a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 4 ABOUT THE TITLE

j Book Basics d In Context

beside "the hideous phantasm of a man," which he stirred to

Romantic Movement age was about to dawn.

Another aspect of the Enlightenment relevant to Frankenstein

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In 1822 the second edition of the novel was published. In 1831

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was only 24 years old, Percy drowned.

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The Monster Frames for murder

Henry Clerval Elizabeth Lavenza

Robert Walton Justine Moritz

Other Major Character

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Full Character List Caroline is Victor's mother, who dies

Victor's closest friend, Henry is a

One of the servants in the Nugent is a witness in Victor's

The head of the family of exiles the

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Returning home more than a year later, Victor was shocked to

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Rising Action Falling Action

4. Victor meets the Monster, who tells his history.

5. Victor builds the Monster a mate, then destroys it.

8. Victor marries Elizabeth, whom the Monster kills.

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Victor brings the Monster to life; horrified, he flees.

Spring, following year

The Monster takes refuge in a hut and starts learning

Winter, following year

Rejected by the De Laceys, the Monster burns down

May, same year

The Monster kills William Frankenstein and frames

August, same year

The Monster convinces Victor to make him a mate.

Spring, 2 years later

Victor destroys the female monster; the Monster vows

Spring, same year

The Monster kills Henry and frames Victor, but he is later

Summer, same year

Victor and Elizabeth marry; the Monster kills Elizabeth on

August 5, 2 years later

While his ship is trapped in ice, Walton rescues Victor.

September, same year

Victor dies; the Monster appears on Walton's ship,

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This study guide provides a summary and analysis of the 1818

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view was outrageous and immoral. They believed that "wicked"

Letters 1–4 On August 5 Walton writes to his sister explaining recent

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