Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus
by Mary Shelley
Contents
Chapter XXII
Overview
In Paris and Geneva, Victor battles guilt and conceals the truth from his father. Elizabeth’s heartfelt letter prompts Victor to affirm their marriage despite the Creature’s threat. He sets the date, arms himself, and weds Elizabeth. They depart by boat toward Evian, ending with ominous foreboding at sunset.
Summary
Victor arrives in Paris exhausted and shuns society despite Alphonse Frankenstein’s attempts to cheer him. Wracked by guilt, Victor hints that William, Justine, and Henry died through his actions but refuses to explain, fearing disbelief and horror. He gradually composes himself, suppressing confessions that burst from him.
Elizabeth writes from Geneva, tenderly questioning whether Victor still loves her and insisting their marriage occur only by his free choice. Her letter revives the Creature’s threat—“I will be with you on your wedding night.” Victor reasons that marrying may hasten his own death but refuses to yield to intimidation and resolves to proceed.
Victor replies affectionately, promising to reveal his dreadful secret the day after the wedding. He returns to Geneva and reunites with the changed, compassionate Elizabeth. Though intermittently calmed by her, Victor cycles between fury and despair.
Alphonse urges immediate marriage. Believing the threat targets him alone, Victor agrees to wed in ten days and arms himself with pistols and a dagger. Preparations proceed; part of Elizabeth’s inheritance is restored, and plans are made to visit Villa Lavenza on Lake Como after the ceremony.
On the wedding day, Elizabeth’s unease contrasts with Alphonse’s joy and Victor’s forced tranquility. After the ceremony, Victor and Elizabeth embark across the lake toward Evian, where they plan to sleep. The journey is beautiful, and Elizabeth tries to lift Victor’s spirits, but shifting forebodings return as they land at sunset.
Who Appears
- Victor FrankensteinProtagonist; guilt-ridden, conceals the Creature’s existence, decides to marry despite the wedding-night threat, arms himself, and weds Elizabeth.
- Elizabeth LavenzaWrites a candid letter about their union and free choice; reunites with Victor; marries him; shows anxiety and attempts to soothe him.
- Alphonse FrankensteinAttentive father; urges Victor toward marriage and renewed domestic happiness; rejoices at the wedding.
- The CreatureAbsent but looming; his threat to be with Victor on the wedding night drives Victor’s decisions and fears.