Frankenstein Chapter Questions 13 - 24

What, according to the Creature, is the cause of his wickedness and what will be the remedy?

According to the Creature, the cruelty and misery which he has faced in his life is the cause for his wickedness, and that only the creation of a companion could remedy this.

What is revealed about the Creature's character very early in chapter 15?

After the Creature learns about Safie's past, he expresses a desire to set foot upon the stage of human antics.

In chapter 20, Victor says his calmness is brought by despair. At the beginning of chapter 24, he says his calculating revenge brings him calm. What does this change say about his character after the deaths of his wife and father?

After the deaths of his wife, Victor has now allocated his emotional turmoil towards hunting down the Creature and hopes it will grant him some satisfaction.

What evidence is there to suggest what the Creature really means by his threat to be with Frankenstein on his wedding night?

All of the Creature's past victims had been the friends and family of Victor, rather than his creator himself. Additionally, the Creature never makes an appearance during Victor and Elizabeth's honeymoon, granting him a false sense of security.

On his deathbed, Victor admits the he had an obligation to make sure his creature had a happy life. What is ironic about the excuse he offers for not doing so?

Although Victor admits he had an obligation to grant the Creature a happy life, he states that he could not do so due to his duty to protect humanity, but if he had fulfilled his duty to the Creature he would pose no threat to mankind.

Why doesn't the Creature kill himself after this incident?

Although despaired, the Creature is overwhelmed with rage and fury with a thirst for vengeance.

Describe Victor's feelings as he journeys through England.

Although he tries to take joy in his surroundings to not dampen Henry's spirits, he is burdened by the Creature's request which he must begin upon reaching his destination.

How does the end of the novel justify the concentric levels of narration introduced at the beginning?

Both Frankenstein and the Creature die at the end of the novel, only leaving Walton with the recollection needed to narrate such a story.

What does the Creature want Victor to do now? How does that show a difference in the Creature's character from the point when he wanted a companion?

Creature wants Victor to continue his pursuit of him, actively fueling his rage in order to allow Victor to continue his search for him. Rather than acquire a companion, the Creature has shifted his focus to causing Victor the same misery he had felt to provide him with satisfaction.

How is Safie a feminist character?

During Safie's upbringing, her mother teaches her to aspire to develop her intellect, rejecting her place in society. Later, against her father's wishes, Safie elopes to reunite with Felix.

How is his creation of this monster different from the first?

During the process of constructing The Creature, Victor's devotion to his work blinded and desensitized him to the disturbing state of his workspace. However, Victor's acute awareness and horror prevents him from proceeding with this task.

In what way does Elizabeth restore the Romantic Victor?

Elizabeth, an already romantic character, restores the Romantic Victor with her soothing words and presence.

What does Victor say about his childhood in chapter 19?

He compares his former self to himself as he is now, referencing his prior capacity for the appreciation of nature and his previously joyous nature.

How does the Creature feel about the Sorrows of Werter? In what ways is he different from the characters in the book?

He is greatly touched by the contents of the book, holding the story's protagonist, Werter, to a high esteem. While the Creature partially relates and sympathizes which the protagonist of Sorrows of Werter, he feels that he is vastly different from him, in how Werter has loving companions to grieve for him, while the Creature is known and cared for by none.

Why couldn't the Creature fully sympathize with the characters in Milton's book?

He is largely different from the characters in Milton's book in how he lacks any family, or friends, or substantial origin.

In what way does his study of human society make him what he eventually becomes?

His study of human society causes him to unearth the wickedness and cruelty of man which the Creature had never before truly recognized, causing him to despise humanity.

What do you think will happen on Victor and Elizabeth's wedding night?

I believe that rather than killing Victor himself, he will subvert his expectations by killing Elizabeth before Victor can confess his secret, ultimately causing him more pain.

What is your reaction to the Creature's speech? Do you agree with him at all? Do you think Victor has treated him fairly? Explain.

I can empathize with the Creatures feelings which he expresses in his speech. I agree with him in how his attempts to seek acceptance or affection from others were denied, in part justifying his actions, although not excusing them. I think that while Victor had the opportunity to treat the Creature fairly, he had missed his chance and soured his relationship with his creation.

What does the word "torpor" mean in the following context: "But my general state of being was a torpor, in which a prison was as welcome a residence as the divest scene in nature"?

Lethargy, deprived of all energy.

What paradox does the Creature see in humankind through his study of human history?

Man, as the Creature believes, are supposed to be benevolent and virtuousness beings. Rather, the Creature realizes that mankind has many flaws.

Why would the Romantic Mary Shelley call the English Civil War "the most animating epoch of English history"?

Mary Shelley would have called the English Civil War "the most animating epoch of English history", as it was a fight challenging England's government and religious freedom.

What is the "calmness" Victor finds after the Creature storms away?

Rather than be filled with rage, Victor's feelings are replaced by a sense of despair upon fully acknowledging his fate.

How does Victor react to Elizabeth and his father's deaths? How does it differ from his reaction to the other deaths in the novel?

Rather than grieve, Victor devotes the rest of his lifetime actively seeking out the Creature in order to avenge Elizabet and his father.

How would you describe Safie's father? How is he a foil to Safie, and to Victor's own father?

Safie's father holds more traditional values, while Safie thinks otherwise. In comparison to Safie's father, Victor's father is more supportive and accepting.

What plot exposition is revealed in chapter 14?

Safie's origins, her father's past, as well as how the cottagers fell from their former wealth into poverty.

How does Shelley build suspense in these chapters?

Shelley build's suspense in these chapters as we watch Victor experiencing his last glimpses of happiness alongside Elizabeth, while the date of Victor's wedding gradually draws closer, sealing his fate.

In view of the trial of Safie's father in chapter 14, and Justine's trial earlier, what is Shelley's opinion of the court in that era?

Shelly believed the court to be unjust, having falsely convicted Safie's father due to his wealth and religion.

What is familiar about the method of the murder discovered in this chapter?

Similar to how the murderer's past victims had been killed, the method of the murder was strangulation.

Why does the Creature ask for a mate?

The Creature asks for a mate, one just as hideous as him, so he will no longer roam the world lonesome and despised.

Follow Victor and the Creature's lines of reasoning in their debate over the creation of the companion Whose reasoning is most sound?

The Creature begs Victor to create him another monster to provide him with companionship, stating that it is Victors duty to relieve him of his loneliness, oathing to flee from the sight of mankind to live in isolation, only with the company of his companion. Victor argues that the creation of another being just as wretched as him would not be able to satiate his longing for the acceptance of humankind. However, Victor later complies to the Creature's demands, acknowledging his superior strength which could be used as a weapon against Victor, as well as to alleviate his misery. I believe Victor's reasoning is more sound, as although the Creature swears to leave mankind undisturbed he still exhibits a yearning for their kindness.

What evidence is there that the Creature is still essentially good despite this momentous disappointment?

The Creature contemplates his decisions, considering that his spontaneous plan to befriend the De Lacey family was at fault.

Why does the Creature decide to go to Geneva? How have these horrible circumstances changed him?

The Creature decides to go to Geneva partially to inflict his creator with pain, but also to possibly have his wishes granted to him by Frankenstein. Upon his travels, he finds William running through the wilderness. His character, now tainted by his circumstances, plots to kidnap him and raise him as his own. After having found that he is related to Frankenstein, he kills him and also gives the portrait which he was wearing to Justine in an attempt to cause Frankenstein further despair.

What does the Creature find in his pocket? How does it make him feel?

The Creature finds Frankenstein's notes detailing his creation in his pocket, leaving him sickened, revolted, and further isolated.

What does the Creature decide to do? What is his new plan?

The Creature instead decides return to the cottage to confront them, hoping that he would be able to win over the old man's affection.

Explain the second sentence of this chapter: "I shall relate events that impressed me with feelings which...have made me what I am."

The Creature intends to retell the events which have led to his descent from good will.

What is the Creature's reaction to Paradise Lost? According to the Creature, how is he both similar to and dissimilar from Adam?

The Creature is awed and amazed by the idea of a god and his creatures in opposition of one another. The Creature relates to Adam as they are creatures unique and different from any other being. The distinguishing characteristic between Adam and the Creature is that Adam was happy and thriving under the care of his creator.

Why does the Creature call the cottagers his "protectors"?

The Creature refers to the cottagers as his protectors because

What does the Creature threaten when Victor destroys the mate?

The Creature threatens "to be with him" on his wedding day, presumably meaning he intends to kill either Elizabeth or Victor on his wedding day.

What practical purpose does the beautiful stranger serve?

The Creature uses the arrival of the beautiful stranger to his advantage, taking it as an advantage to expand his knowledge of English through the teachings of the old man.

What is the primary disadvantage of the Creature's "education"?

The Creature's knowledge gained from his teachings tantalize him, making him realize how much of an outcast he truly is, preventing him from assimilating into human society.

How does the inclusion of Captain Walton affect the overall meaning of the novel?

The inclusion of Captain Walton serves to further convey the moral of the novel, stating that ambition can be fatal.

How does the monster react to his murdering Elizabeth?

The monster shows no remorse for his actions, instead exhibiting delight seeing Victor's suffering and grief. What does the word "acme" mean in the following context: "Mine has been a tale of horrors; I have reached their acme, and what I must now relate can but be tedious to you"? - Acme, in this context, is referring to the peak or highest point of Victor's sufferings.

What is the "sympathy" that the Creature longs for?

The sympathy the Creature longs for is one of a companion who is as equally despised and isolated from humanity him.

What style of literature describes the place where Victor begins to work in Scotland? Why?

The words used to describe the cottage where Victor begins to work indicates the place is being quite desolate, as it is located on a remote island inhabited only by a few other cottagers.

What happens that makes the Creature finally despair?

Upon returning to the cottage, the Creature has discovered that the De Lacey family has sold their cottage and are never to be seen by him again, severing his last link to humanity.

Victor makes several references to his destiny in this chapter (21). What does he believe his destiny to be?

Victor believes his destiny is to either die at the Creature's hands, or for him to live long enough to bear witness to the deaths of those dear to him.

Why does Victor think he survived all that he had been through? How is the fact that he lives ironic?

Victor believes that the only reason that his live has been spared by the Create thus far was with the intention to force him to helplessly watch his loved ones die before him, all indirectly by his hands. Although one might consider avoiding the Creature's wraith a miracle, Victor believes himself undeserving of life, and his situation to be a fate worse than death itself.

What opinion does Victor have of the Creature? Do you agree with his assessment of it? Explain.

Victor believes the Creature to be a barbaric, malevolent, and destructive force. Although from Victor's perspective this may be true, the Creature only grew to become such as a result of his circumstances .

Why does Victor decide to marry Elizabeth immediately?

Victor decides to marry Elizabeth at the earliest opportunity to satisfy Elizabeth and his father, as well as in an attempt to seek out and confront the Creature. Victor also fears that if he were to attempt to postpone the wedding the Creature would invoke his wraith upon another one of Victor's loved ones instead.

Why does Victor feel he can't be with people? What opinion does Victor express about his Creation?

Victor feels he is undeserving of conversing with others with the burden of guilt weighing on his shoulders, reminding him that if humanity was aware of his crimes they would surely despise him. Victor expresses distain towards his Creation, a being who finds joy in the destruction of mankind.

What are some of the reasons Victor feels he must go to England to complete his task?

Victor feels he must go to England to seek out the knowledge of fellow philosophers who may aid him in his task, as well as his distaste towards having to conduct the gruesome task of creating a being within his father's house in the presence of his family.

Who has been murdered, and why is Victor accused of the murder?

Victor is accused of Henry's death due to his appearance near the site of the murder, as well as his reaction upon seeing the body.

What is Victor's big fear in delaying his trip?

Victor is apprehensive towards delaying his trip in fear that the Creature will grow impatient with Victor, endangering Victor's loved ones.

When does it finally occur to Victor that he has foolishly misinterpreted the Creature's threat?

Victor only realizes his fatal mistake in misinterpreting the Creature's threat upon hearing a loud shriek from Elizabeth's room, soon after he had urged her to retire for the night so he could confront the Creature.

Why does Victor refuse to make the female monster? Do you feel he is justified in his refusal?

Victor refuses to make the female monster in the belief that it would be wrongful and immoral to do so.

What does Victor suggest is a creator's obligation to his creation?

Victor suggests that is the obligation of a creator to grant his creation as much happiness as possible, especially to compensate for his negligence towards the Creature.

What does Victor's father think is the cause of Victor's present anxiety?

Victor's father believes that the cause of Victor's present anxiety is that he is in love with another women, simply regarding Elizabeth as his sister rather than his wife.

Consider Victor's statement: "When I reflected on the work I had completed, no less a one than the creation of a sensitive and rational animal, I could not rank myself with the herd or common projectors... All my speculations and hopes are as nothing; and, like the archangel who aspired to omnipotence, I am chained to eternal hell." How does this establish Victor as a tragic hero?

Victor, although being well-intentioned, ends up a tragic hero due to his tragic flaw; his pride and insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Victor, in anger says to the magistrate, "How ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom." What is the irony of this statement?

Victors own "pride of wisdom" is what had initially lead to the creation of the Creature in the first place.

What is ironic about the desires of Victor and the Creature? (concerning companionship)

While Victor actively avoids social interaction, companionship is the one thing which the Creature desires most.

What happens when the Creature introduces himself to the cottagers?

While at first his introduction to the De Lacey's succeeds on behalf of the old man's blindness, when his children arrive they are shocked and promptly expelled him from their home.

What is different about Victor's solitude at the beginning of chapter 18 from his solitude while first creating the monster?

While in chapter 18 Victor seeks solitude to escape from his past and the Creature, he isolates himself in order to fully devote himself to the task of creating the Creature.