Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus
by Mary Shelley
Contents
Chapter XVI
Overview
The Creature, enraged by the De Laceys’ rejection, burns their cottage and sets out for Geneva, nursing growing hatred for humanity and Victor. After being shot while saving a girl, he murders William and frames Justine by planting the locket. He concludes by demanding Victor create a female companion.
Summary
The Creature reels from Felix’s violent rejection and spends a tormented night raging in the woods. By day, calmer reflection convinces the Creature to seek the blind De Lacey alone, but when the family fails to appear, Felix returns only to declare they will abandon the cottage forever. The Creature’s last tie to hope breaks.
Swept by despair and anger, the Creature destroys the garden and burns the De Laceys’ cottage before fleeing into the forest. Resolving to seek Victor, whom he identifies as his creator from the recovered journal, he begins a southwest journey guided only by the sun and a map, traveling by night and growing ever more vengeful.
In spring, a brief resurgence of gentleness moves the Creature to rescue a drowning girl, but her companion shoots him. Weeks of pain harden his resolve into a vow of “deep and deadly” revenge upon mankind, especially Victor.
Reaching Geneva at evening, the Creature encounters young William, initially hoping a child might be unprejudiced. When William reveals he is a Frankenstein and calls him a monster, the Creature strangles him to wound Victor. Finding a portrait on the boy, he plants it on the sleeping Justine to frame her, then hides.
Haunted yet determined, the Creature wanders the mountains and confronts Victor, declaring he will not depart until Victor agrees to his demand: to create a female companion of the same species who will not reject him.
Who Appears
- The CreatureNarrator; rejected by the De Laceys, burns their cottage, is shot after a rescue, kills William, frames Justine, demands a mate.
- Victor FrankensteinAddressee of the Creature’s tale; targeted for vengeance and pressed to create a female companion.
- Felix De LaceyDeclares the family will abandon the cottage after the Creature’s appearance; finalizes the Creature’s despair.
- William FrankensteinVictor’s young brother; reveals his name and is strangled by the Creature.
- Justine MoritzSleeping in a barn; the Creature plants William’s locket on her to frame her.
- Old De LaceyBlind father; his prior kindness motivates the Creature’s failed plan to reconcile.
- The RusticShoots the Creature after the Creature saves a drowning girl.