Chapter VI

Henry Clerval gives Victor a letter from Elizabeth Lavenza, who anxiously seeks proof of his recovery. She shares Geneva news, warmly describes William, and recounts Justine Moritz’s harsh treatment by her mother, her education and affection in the Frankenstein home, her forced return, her mother’s death, and Justine’s recent return to them. Elizabeth urges Victor to write and come home.

Moved, Victor writes immediately, though the effort tires him. As he improves, he introduces Henry to the Ingolstadt professors. Praise from M. Waldman and the blunt boasting of M. Krempe torment Victor, whose horror of natural philosophy resurges at the sight or mention of scientific tools and achievements.

Perceiving Victor’s distress, Henry shields him from the topic and has removed Victor’s apparatus and changed his room. Victor, unable to confide his secret, gratefully follows Henry’s lead. Seeking distraction, Victor joins Henry in studying Persian, Arabic, and Sanscrit for solace and escape, avoiding his former pursuits.

Victor plans to return to Geneva in late autumn, but accidents and winter snows make the roads impassable, postponing his departure until spring. Though disappointed, he spends the winter cheerfully with Henry, regaining sociability and delight in nature and human company.

In May, Henry proposes a walking tour around Ingolstadt. Over a fortnight of rambles, conversation, and poetry, Victor’s health and spirits fully revive. They return on a joyful Sunday amid village dances, with Victor feeling unburdened and elated.