# Chapter III explained — Frankenstein

> Chapter companion for Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

## What happens

Victor Frankenstein departs for the University of Ingolstadt after the death of his mother, Caroline Beaufort, from scarlet fever. He leaves behind his family and his friend Henry Clerval, who is unable to accompany him due to his father's objections. Upon arriving, Victor meets Professor Krempe, who dismisses his previous studies of alchemists, and later Professor Waldman, who encourages his pursuit of modern science, setting Victor on a path that will determine his future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Pride

Victor's desire for knowledge and his departure from home reflect his ambition, while Clerval's father sees ambition as ruinous.

### Family and Friendship

The close bonds between Victor, Elizabeth, Clerval, and his family are highlighted through farewells and shared grief.

### Dangerous Knowledge

Victor's pursuit of science, encouraged by Waldman, foreshadows the perilous path of forbidden knowledge.

## Character check-ins

### Victor Frankenstein

Departs for Ingolstadt after his mother's death; meets Professors Krempe and Waldman.

### Elizabeth Lavenza

Recovers from scarlet fever; consoles the family after Caroline's death; bids Victor farewell.

### Henry Clerval

Spends the last evening with Victor; prevented by his father from accompanying Victor to Ingolstadt.

### Caroline Beaufort

Dies of scarlet fever after nursing Elizabeth; on her deathbed she joins Victor and Elizabeth's hands.

### Alphonse Frankenstein

Blesses Victor at his departure; grieves the loss of his wife.

### M. Waldman

Professor at Ingolstadt; encourages Victor's scientific pursuits and offers guidance.

## Key lines

> She died calmly; and her countenance expressed affection even in death.

Caroline passed away peacefully, her face still showing love.

_Describes the serene death of Victor's mother._

> I threw myself into the chaise that was to convey me away, and indulged in the most melancholy reflections.

I climbed into the carriage that would take me away, lost in sad thoughts.

_Victor's sorrowful departure from home._

> Thus ended a day memorable to me: it decided my future destiny.

That day was unforgettable; it shaped my entire future.

_Victor reflects on the significance of meeting Waldman._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/frankenstein_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters