Frankenstein: Chapters 21-24

What is "invective," and who says he won't use it in Chapter 23?

"Invective" is abusive speech or a violent attack with words. Victor says he won't use it in his conversation with the magistrate.

What does "precarious" mean--whose situation is "precarious"?

"Precarious" means "uncertain, dangerous, or risky"--this describes Victor's situation fairly well at this point.

What advice does Victor give to the crew, advice he is also giving to himself?

Advising the crew not to let their lack of courage to keep them from achieving their goal, Victor seems to feel the same way about his own quest.

What is Victor's mental condition after he is finally released as a suspect in the murder?

After Victor is released, his mental state has deteriorated, and he requires medication since he has become suicidal.

How does Elizabeth feel about the wedding?

Elizabeth feels immense happiness about her impending wedding to Victor, but fears the happiness is just a dream--Victor is clearly miserable.

Why is it that Victor feels he can't be with people in Chapter 21?

In Chapter 21, Victor feels he has loosed an enemy, a monster, among them, and can't be with people to whom he has done that.

How is Victor like the fallen angel in Milton's "Paradise Lost"?

Like the prideful angel of Milton's work, Victor was very proud of his creation, but now he is in an eternal hell.

What did you think the creature meant when he told Victor he would be with Victor on his wedding-night?

Many think the creature intends to harm Victor's betrothed, Elizabeth, on their wedding-night.

What is "retribution," and who seeks it in the book?

Retribution is "punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act." Victor seeks the punishment of the creature for what he has done to wrong Victor. The monster seeks to punish Victor for creating him. Victor and the monster seek retribution.

What is another reason the creature commits crimes?

The creature commits crimes because he mourns his isolation and seeks companionship, though this is not why Victor believes the creature hurts people.

After the loss of both Elizabeth and Victor's father, what has the creature succeeded in doing to Victor?

The creature has isolated Victor, just like himself, by killing Elizabeth and causing Victor's father to die.

Where is the creature leading Victor, and why?

The creature is leading Victor north, to a land of cold and misery, so that they may have their final battle.

What happens to Elizabeth?

The creature kills Elizabeth.

Why does the creature say he is satisfied when he meets up with Victor again at last?

The creature says he is satisfied because Victor is as miserable and alone as the creature is now.

What is the creature's plan in Chapter 24, the end of the novel?

The creature says he plans to go further north and kill himself.

How does the creature torture Victor?

The creature tortures Victor by leaving messages for him.

What is the irony in Victor's speech when he says to the magistrate, "How ignorant are you in your pride of wisdom!"?

The irony in Victor's statement to the magistrate is that it was Victor's "pride and wisdom" that led him to create the monster to begin with.

How does the magistrate react to Victor's story?

The magistrate believes the situation is hopeless, since there is no way they can catch the monster.

Why does Walton fear a mutiny of his crew?

The ship is surrounded by ice mountains and in danger of being crushed, so Walton fears a mutiny.

Why does Victor decide to marry Elizabeth immediately in Chapter 22?

Victor agrees to marry Elizabeth immediately because it will please both she and his father.

What does Victor ask of Captain Walton?

Victor asks the captain to kill the creature if Walton sees it.

Why does Victor think the creature commits his crimes?

Victor believes the creature finds joy in the crimes he commits.

Who does Victor believe is the monster's target on Victor's own wedding night?

Victor believes the creature intends to kill Victor himself.

What action does Victor take after losing Elizabeth and his own father?

Victor finally tells the magistrate his story after he has lost everyone he cares for.

What precautions does Victor take before his wedding?

Victor gathers pistols and daggers to prepare for his wedding-night and the creature's promise to be there.

What is "retrospect" and who sits through one in this section of the book?

Victor has to sit through a "retrospect," a review or contemplation of past events, with Mr. Kirwin.

What happens while Victor is searching for the creature outside on his wedding-night?

Victor hears terrible screams from his bedroom while he is searching for the creature.

What evidence finally brings about Victor's release in the murder investigation?

Victor is able to prove he was on the island when the murder of Henry took place, so he is released.

What is the only consolation Victor gets by this point?

Victor is consoled only by dreams of his loved ones by the end of the book.

Where does Victor meet the creature again?

Victor meets the creature again in a graveyard.

What is Victor's plan for dealing with the creature in Chapter 23?

Victor plans to deal with the creature by fighting him until one of them is dead.

What does Victor plan to do after he and Elizabeth are married?

Victor plans to tell his wife about the creature and the evil he has done, after they are married.

Why does Victor ask Elizabeth to go to bed without him on their wedding-night?

Victor tells Elizabeth to retire without him so he can go and find the creature and kill it.

What advice does Victor give Walton at the end of the book?

Victor tells the captain to seek happiness in tranquility and to avoid ambition.

Why doesn't Victor tell anyone that the creature exists?

Victor thinks that people will either believe him to be insane if he tells them about the creature, or they will be terrorized forever in their minds when they know about the monster Victor has created.

Why is Victor accused of the murder?

Victor was accused of the murder because witnesses saw a single man in a boat leaving the scene, and the boat resembles the one Victor arrived in.

Why does Victor wish to return home after he is released?

Victor wishes to return home after he is released so that he can protect Elizabeth.

When Victor's father arrives to visit him, what does he think of Victor?

Victor's father believes that Victor is deranged.

How does Victor's father react to the news about Elizabeth?

Victor's father dies of sorrow after he hears about Elizabeth.

Who has been murdered in Chapter 21?

We find out in Chapter 21 that Henry Clerval has been murdered.

How does Victor feel when he regains consciousness in Chapter 21?

When Victor regains consciousness in Chapter 21, he wishes he were dead.