Summary
Victor finally comes face to face with his creation on a glacier in the Alps. The creature, articulate and intelligent, tells his story of awakening alone and abandoned, learning about humanity by observing a family in secret, and gradually realizing his own hideous appearance makes him an outcast from all society. Despite his attempts to help and connect with humans, he's met only with horror and violence. The creature's eloquent plea reveals a being capable of deep emotion and moral reasoning, yet twisted by complete isolation and rejection. He demands that Victor create a female companion for him, arguing that he has a right to happiness and that only another like him could accept him. The creature promises that if Victor grants this request, both will disappear forever to South America, living peacefully away from human society. If Victor refuses, the creature vows to make his life a misery, declaring 'I will be with you on your wedding night.' This confrontation forces Victor to grapple with his responsibility as creator and the consequences of abandoning his creation. The creature's story reveals how neglect and rejection can corrupt even a naturally good nature, while his demand puts Victor in an impossible position between his moral obligations and the safety of others. The chapter explores themes of parental responsibility, the effects of social isolation, and whether someone's circumstances excuse their harmful actions.
Coming Up in Chapter 22
Victor must decide whether to create a companion for his creature, knowing that his choice will determine the fate of everyone he loves. His decision will set in motion events that will test the very limits of his conscience.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
C“ursed, cursed creator! Why did I live? Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed? I know not; despair had not yet taken possession of me; my feelings were those of rage and revenge. I could with pleasure have destroyed the cottage and its inhabitants and have glutted myself with their shrieks and misery. “When night came I quitted my retreat and wandered in the wood; and now, no longer restrained by the fear of discovery, I gave vent to my anguish in fearful howlings. I was like a wild beast that had broken the toils, destroying the objects that obstructed me and ranging through the wood with a stag-like swiftness. Oh! What a miserable night I passed! The cold stars shone in mockery, and the bare trees waved their branches above me; now and then the sweet voice of a bird burst forth amidst the universal stillness. All, save I, were at rest or in enjoyment; I, like the arch-fiend, bore a hell within me, and finding myself unsympathised with, wished to tear up the trees, spread havoc and destruction around me, and then to have sat down and enjoyed the ruin. “But this was a luxury of sensation that could not endure; I became fatigued with excess of bodily exertion and sank on the damp grass in the sick impotence of despair. There was none among the myriads of men that existed who would pity or assist me; and should I feel kindness towards my enemies? No; from that moment I declared everlasting war against the species, and more than all, against him who had formed me and sent me forth to this insupportable misery. “The sun rose; I heard the voices of men and knew that it was impossible to return to my retreat during that day. Accordingly I hid myself in some thick underwood, determining to devote the ensuing hours to reflection on my situation. “The pleasant sunshine and the pure air of day restored me to some degree of tranquillity; and when I considered what had passed at the cottage, I could not help believing that I had been too hasty in my conclusions. I had certainly acted imprudently. It was apparent that my conversation had interested the father in my behalf, and I was a fool in having exposed my person to the horror of his children. I ought to have familiarised the old De Lacey to me, and by degrees to have discovered myself to the rest of his family, when they should have been prepared for my approach. But I did not believe my errors to be irretrievable, and after much consideration I resolved to return to the cottage, seek the old man, and by my representations win him to my party. “These thoughts calmed me, and in the afternoon I sank into a profound sleep; but the fever of my blood did not allow me to be visited by peaceful dreams....
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Abandoned Responsibility
When we create something dependent on us then abandon it, we don't escape consequences—we create a dangerous force that will eventually return to demand accountability.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify when something we've created or started is coming back to demand our attention.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when problems at work or home trace back to something you started but didn't finish—then ask yourself if addressing it now might prevent bigger issues later.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Sublime
An overwhelming feeling of awe and terror when faced with something vast and powerful, like mountains or storms. In Romantic literature, sublime settings often mirror intense emotional moments. The glacier where Victor meets his creature is meant to evoke this feeling.
Modern Usage:
We feel this when standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or watching a massive thunderstorm - that mix of beauty and fear.
Noble Savage
The idea that beings uncorrupted by civilization are naturally good and pure. The creature initially has this quality - he's capable of kindness and moral reasoning despite never being taught. His corruption comes from society's rejection, not his nature.
Modern Usage:
We see this in movies about people raised in isolation who are pure-hearted until the 'real world' corrupts them.
Parental Abandonment
When a creator or parent figure refuses responsibility for their creation or child. Victor literally runs away after bringing the creature to life, leaving him to figure out existence alone. This abandonment creates the monster's rage.
Modern Usage:
This happens when parents walk out on kids, or when people create problems at work and then disappear, leaving others to deal with the mess.
Social Isolation
Complete separation from human connection and community. The creature's hideous appearance makes normal relationships impossible, warping his personality. Shelley shows how isolation can turn even good impulses destructive.
Modern Usage:
We see this in online communities where isolated people sometimes turn angry and harmful, or in how solitary confinement affects prisoners.
Moral Reasoning
The ability to understand right from wrong and argue ethical positions. The creature demonstrates sophisticated moral thinking when he explains why Victor owes him companionship. His arguments are logical even when his methods are wrong.
Modern Usage:
This is what we do when we explain why something is unfair or try to negotiate for what we think we deserve.
Emotional Blackmail
Using threats and manipulation to force someone to do what you want by making them feel guilty or afraid. The creature uses both logical arguments and terrifying threats to pressure Victor into creating a companion.
Modern Usage:
This happens when someone says 'If you really loved me, you'd do this' or threatens to harm themselves if you don't comply.
Characters in This Chapter
Victor Frankenstein
Reluctant creator
Finally confronts the consequences of his abandonment. He's forced to listen to his creature's story and face his failures as a creator. His horror at what he's done wars with his fear of what the creature might do.
Modern Equivalent:
The parent who walked out and now has to face their angry adult child demanding answers
The Creature
Abandoned creation seeking justice
Reveals his intelligence, emotional depth, and the story of his corruption through rejection. He makes both reasonable arguments and terrifying threats, showing how abandonment has twisted his good nature into something dangerous.
Modern Equivalent:
The foster kid who aged out of the system and now demands the support they never got
De Lacey
Blind father figure
The old blind man represents the creature's only positive human interaction. Because De Lacey can't see the creature's appearance, he responds to his words and character instead, showing what might have been possible.
Modern Equivalent:
The one person who judges you by your character instead of your looks or background
Felix and Safie
The family the creature observes
They unknowingly become the creature's teachers about human love, family, and society. Their horror when they finally see him destroys his hopes for acceptance and triggers his turn toward violence.
Modern Equivalent:
The perfect family you watch from the outside, knowing you'll never be part of their world
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I am malicious because I am miserable."
Context: The creature explains why he has become violent and vengeful.
This reveals the core tragedy - the creature wasn't born evil, but became so through suffering. It's both an explanation and an excuse, showing how pain can justify harmful actions in our own minds.
In Today's Words:
I hurt people because I'm hurting.
"You are my creator, but I am your master; obey!"
Context: The creature asserts power over Victor by threatening consequences if his demands aren't met.
This power reversal shows how abandoned children often gain control over their neglectful parents through guilt and fear. The creature has learned to weaponize Victor's conscience.
In Today's Words:
You made this mess, so now you have to fix it - or else.
"I will be with you on your wedding night."
Context: The creature's final threat if Victor refuses to create a companion.
This ominous promise shows how the creature will destroy Victor's chance at happiness if denied his own. It's both a specific threat and a promise of lifelong torment.
In Today's Words:
I'll ruin the best day of your life if you don't give me what I want.
"If I have no ties and no affections, hatred and vice must be my portion."
Context: The creature explains how isolation has corrupted his nature.
This shows the creature's understanding that love and connection are necessary for goodness. Without them, he argues, evil is inevitable. It's both insight and manipulation.
In Today's Words:
If nobody loves me, then I'll have no choice but to be bad.
Thematic Threads
Responsibility
In This Chapter
Victor faces the full weight of abandoning his creation, who eloquently demands accountability for his suffering
Development
Evolved from Victor's initial flight from responsibility to direct confrontation with consequences
In Your Life:
You might see this when avoiding difficult conversations or neglecting relationships until they reach a crisis point
Social Rejection
In This Chapter
The creature's story reveals how complete social isolation corrupted his naturally good impulses
Development
Introduced here through the creature's perspective on his treatment by humanity
In Your Life:
You might recognize this in how workplace exclusion or family rejection can make people bitter and reactive
Class
In This Chapter
The creature is rejected not for his actions but for his appearance—judged instantly as unworthy of human society
Development
New angle showing how physical appearance determines social acceptance
In Your Life:
You might experience this when people make assumptions about your worth based on how you look or where you're from
Identity
In This Chapter
The creature struggles with self-understanding, learning about humanity while being excluded from it
Development
Introduced here as the creature grapples with what he is and where he belongs
In Your Life:
You might feel this when caught between different worlds—not quite fitting into any group completely
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
The creature's demand for a companion reveals how fundamental connection is to psychological health
Development
New perspective showing how relationship needs drive desperate behavior
In Your Life:
You might see this in how isolation makes people act in increasingly extreme ways to get attention or connection
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does the creature tell Victor about how he learned to understand human society, and why couldn't he join it?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does the creature believe Victor owes him a companion, and what does this reveal about the relationship between creator and creation?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see the pattern of abandonment creating bigger problems in workplaces, families, or communities today?
application • medium - 4
If you were Victor, how would you weigh your responsibility to the creature against the potential danger to others?
application • deep - 5
What does the creature's story teach us about how isolation and rejection can change someone's character over time?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Abandoned Responsibilities
Think about something you started or someone you took responsibility for, then abandoned or neglected. Write down what you created or took on, why you stepped back, and what consequences followed. Then consider: Is this responsibility still demanding your attention in some way? What would facing it directly look like now?
Consider:
- •Abandoned responsibilities don't disappear - they often grow into bigger problems
- •Sometimes stepping back was necessary for your wellbeing, but acknowledgment is still needed
- •The goal isn't guilt but recognition of patterns and potential solutions
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone abandoned a responsibility to you. How did it affect you, and what would repair look like now?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 22: The Wedding Day Tragedy
The coming pages reveal unresolved conflicts can destroy the people we love most, and teach us running from problems often makes them worse. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.