Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus
by Mary Shelley
Contents
Chapter III
Overview
Victor’s mother dies after nursing Elizabeth through scarlet fever, urging Victor and Elizabeth’s eventual union. Grief delays but does not stop Victor’s departure to Ingolstadt. There, Professor Krempe derides Victor’s alchemical past, while Professor Waldman’s eloquence and mentorship inspire Victor to embrace modern science, fixing his destiny.
Summary
At seventeen, Victor prepares to leave Geneva for the University of Ingolstadt, but tragedy strikes when Elizabeth contracts scarlet fever. Caroline Frankenstein insists on nursing Elizabeth; Elizabeth recovers, yet Caroline becomes ill and dies, blessing Victor and Elizabeth’s future union and charging Elizabeth to care for the younger children.
After a period of mourning, Victor resolves to depart. Henry Clerval longs to accompany him but is refused by his father. The family’s reluctant farewells leave Victor feeling solitary as he travels, torn between homesickness and anticipation for knowledge.
Upon arrival, Victor visits Professor Krempe, who harshly dismisses Victor’s studies of Agrippa and Paracelsus and insists he start anew, providing a reading list and news of upcoming lectures. Repelled by Krempe, Victor nevertheless attends a chemistry lecture by Professor Waldman.
Waldman recounts the history and power of modern science, claiming it “mocks the invisible world.” His benevolence and eloquence awaken Victor’s ambition to penetrate nature’s secrets. That night, Victor’s mind seethes with a single purpose to surpass current discoveries.
Victor visits Waldman privately, finding him kind and encouraging. Waldman respects the early alchemists’ zeal yet urges broad scientific study, shows Victor his laboratory, and supplies books and guidance. Victor resolves to devote himself to modern science, a decision he recognizes as decisive for his destiny.
Who Appears
- Victor FrankensteinNarrator; loses his mother, departs for Ingolstadt, scorned by Krempe, inspired by Waldman to pursue modern science.
- Elizabeth LavenzaFalls ill with scarlet fever, recovers; comforts the family and receives Caroline’s charge and blessing.
- Caroline Beaufort FrankensteinVictor’s mother; nurses Elizabeth, contracts the fever, dies after blessing Victor and Elizabeth’s future union.
- Henry ClervalVictor’s close friend; wishes to study at Ingolstadt but is prevented by his father.
- Professor KrempeIngolstadt professor; derides Victor’s alchemical readings and prescribes a fresh scientific course.
- Professor WaldmanBenevolent chemist; delivers a stirring lecture and mentors Victor, redirecting him to modern science.
- Alphonse FrankensteinVictor’s father; mourns Caroline and bids Victor farewell as he departs for university.