Frankenstein Chapters 6-8

What attitudes towards justice and the justice system are expressed in this chapter, and by whom?

Victor's father expresses his feelings about the justice system and how it will all work out for the best.

When does Victor finally plan to return home? What do he and Clerval do while waiting for his father's directions?

Although Victor originally intended to go back to Geneva in autumn he has to delay his arrival until the following spring because of severe conditions during the winter. As they wait for instructions from Mr. Frankenstein, Clerval and Victor end up hiking for two weeks across the countryside and mountains in early spring before heading home.

What does Victor do after his recovery? What is Clerval's "plan of life"?

Following his recovery, Victor makes visits to Waldman and Krempe. Clerval's plan is to study languages of the Orient, a plan which Victor finds appealing as well.

What is waiting for Victor when he finally recovers? Who has nursed him during his illness?

Henry Clerval has nursed him back to health during his illness. When he wakes up, a letter from Elizabeth was waiting for him.

At this point, the end of the first volume, what do you expect will happen after this? How would you charactarize Victor thus far?

I would characterize Victor as very guilty for what happened and what he created. I think that he is going to try to do something to fix his mistake without anybody else trying to find out what happened.

The next day, why does Justine say she has confessed to the murder of William? How does Victor respond to Justine's situation and to Elizabeth's anguish?

Justine confesses because her priest threatened to excommunicate her. Fearing this would damn her soul, she confesses a lie then feels even greater anguish over this sin. Victor retreated into the corner of the prison and does not speak out in Justine's defense.

Who has been identified as the murderer, and on what evidence? How does Victor respond to this news? Why doesn't he say anything about the real murderer?

Justine is identified as the murderer because the miniature portrait of Caroline Frankenstein was found in her pocket. Victor says he knows who the real murderer is and it is not Justine. He does not say anything though because he believes everyone will think he is insane.

Who is Justine Moritz and what is her story? What comments does Elizabeth make about her position in Swiss society? What religion is Justine?

Justine was taken in by the Frankenstein family who offered to care from her in lieu of her own abusive mom, who attempted to reconcile after Justine's siblings all died but ended up dying as well. Elizabeth comments that Swiss peasants are more dignified and moral compared to the ignorant peasants of other countries. Lastly, Justine is a Roman Catholic.

What happens at Justine's trial? How does Victor respond?

Justine's defense is she was visiting an aunt and upon her return, heard of William being missing. She spent hours searching for him. The city gates were locked so she was forced to sleep in a barn. Could the murderer have left the necklace in her pocket while she slept? Victor says nothing but becomes filled with despair and horror over his creation.

How long has Victor been away from home? What happens the night he returns to Geneva? How does he respond?

Victor has been away for six years. There is a violent, yet beautiful storm and Victor says it is nature's way of honoring William's death.

Whom does Victor see that night? When was the last time they saw each other? How long ago was that? What does Victor now believe happened to Wiliam? What does Victor assume about the nature of the creature?

Victor sees the outline of the monster climbing to the top of Mont Saleve. Victor has not seen the monster in two years. Victor now believes that the monster killed William. He assumes that the creature is hostile.

What is waiting for Victor when he returns to his apartment? What news does his father have for him? And what is his father's name? How does Victor respond?

When he gets to his apartment, Victor finds a letter from his father, Alphonse, sharing that his brother William was killed, prompting Victor's speedy return to Geneva to be with his family.

Who is William and how old is he? Have we heard of him before?

William is Victor's youngest brother and is about 5 or 6 when he dies. We did not hear of him in any earlier chapters.