# Chapter VII explained — Frankenstein

> Chapter companion for Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

## What happens

Victor receives a letter from his father Alphonse informing him of the murder of his younger brother William. The letter describes how William was found strangled in Plainpalais, with the print of a murderer's finger on his neck, and that a valuable miniature of Caroline Beaufort is missing. Elizabeth blames herself for letting William wear the miniature. Victor, devastated, returns to Geneva with Henry Clerval. Upon arriving, he learns from his brother Ernest that Justine Moritz has been accused of the murder and will be tried that day. Victor, knowing the true murderer is the Creature he created, decides to remain silent about his knowledge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Dangerous Knowledge

Victor's secret knowledge of the Creature's existence and his decision to remain silent highlights the perilous consequences of his scientific pursuits.

### Revenge and Destruction

The murder of William is the first act of the Creature's revenge against Victor, setting a destructive chain of events in motion.

### Isolation and Loneliness

Victor's internal torment and inability to share the truth isolate him from his grieving family.

## Character check-ins

### Victor Frankenstein

Receives the news of William's murder, returns to Geneva, and decides to conceal his knowledge of the Creature's guilt.

### Alphonse Frankenstein

Writes a letter to Victor detailing William's murder and urging him to return home to console the family.

### Henry Clerval

Accompanies Victor on his journey to Geneva and offers heartfelt sympathy.

### Ernest Frankenstein

Welcomes Victor home and informs him that Justine Moritz has been accused of William's murder.

### William Frankenstein

The victim; his murder is the central event of the chapter.

### Justine Moritz

Accused of William's murder; her trial is imminent.

## Key lines

> William is dead!—that sweet child, whose smiles delighted and warmed my heart, who was so gentle, yet so gay! Victor, he is murdered!

William has been killed—the sweet child whose smiles brought joy to my heart, so gentle and cheerful. Victor, he has been murdered!

_Alphonse's letter conveys the devastating news of William's death._

> I saw him too; he was free last night!

I saw the murderer myself; he was at large just last night!

_Victor reveals to Ernest that he knows the true murderer is still free._

> Justine Moritz! Poor, poor girl, is she the accused? But it is wrongfully; everyone knows that; no one believes it, surely, Ernest?

Justine Moritz! That poor girl is the one accused? But it's a mistake; surely no one believes she did it, Ernest?

_Victor expresses disbelief that Justine has been accused of William's murder._

## Links

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