The latter part of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is one of deep sorrow and conflict. Victor’s creation is on the loose, and he fears the worst, that the monster may be responsible for the murder of his brother, and his dear friend Henry Clerval. After a family friend Justine Moritz, is executed for the conviction of Victor’s brother’s murder, Victor’s father takes the family on a trip to Belrive. Victor wanders off alone and wants to clear his head from what he fears the monster has done, and to his dismay sees the monster at the top of the summit. Victor speaks with the monster and the monster tells him of his life encounters, of the village he lived in in Germany, and of how he killed Victor’s brother in the woods. Victor is in dismay, and the monster convinces him to make him a female partner so he is not alone in the world. After much resistance Victor agrees, and the monster assures Victor he will be checking up on his progress, eager to have a soul mate for him to share his life with.
A quotation which helps shine light into why the monster is so bitter is “ I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.” (Shelley 94) In this passage the monster cries out to Victor, explaining the emotional cycle he has gone through in his short life, and begs for virtue and truth in his life. The monster realizes in his time in Germany that he is a freak of nature, and even sees his image in a pond and shutters at the look of himself. The monster pleads for Victor to talk with him and Victor ultimately agrees, feeling distraught and overwhelmed, but feels he has to hear what the monster has to say, “ I had hitherto supposed him to be the murderer of murderer of my brother, and I eagerly sought a confirmation or denial on this opinion.” (Shelley 95) Victor listens in utter disbelief as the monster confesses to his brother’s murder.
Another passage which shows the feelings and emotions the monster has is “ But “Paradise Lost” excited different and far deeper emotions. I read it, as I had read the other volumes which had fallen into my hands, as a true history.” (Shelley 116) By hearing this, Victor can see and feel the monster’s emotions and feelings and sees that he is capable of deep and plentiful thoughts. The monster speaks of how the books he found helped him cope with his feelings tremendously, as he read the books “ I now continually studied and exercised my mind upon these histories, whilst my friends were employed in their ordinary occupations.” (Shelley 115) These emotions confirm to Victor that the monster has intelligent thoughts, and is much deeper than just a brute and disgusting figure for which he had seen him previously, although he still doesn’t exactly “ think fondly” of the monster.
Some questions I had :
How did the monster end up in Germany in the first place?
Why doesn’t Victor ever try to kill the monster if it has caused so much harm to him?
