Frankenstein · Chapter
Chapter XVI explained
The Creature recounts his despair and rage after being rejected by the De Lacey family, leading him to declare war on humanity.
What happens
The Creature recounts his despair and rage after being rejected by the De Lacey family, leading him to declare war on humanity. He describes his accidental murder of William Frankenstein, his planting of the portrait on Justine, and his demand that Victor create a female companion for him.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Destruction
The Creature declares 'everlasting war against the species' and vows revenge on Victor, culminating in William's murder.
Isolation and Loneliness
The Creature's profound loneliness drives his actions, as he laments being 'alone, and miserable' and seeks a companion.
Monstrosity and Otherness
The Creature's physical deformity leads to his rejection by humanity, and he internalizes the label of 'monster' and 'archfiend.'
Characters to notice
- The Creature
Narrates his descent into rage and revenge after rejection, commits murder, and demands a female companion.
- Victor Frankenstein
The Creature addresses him as his creator and enemy, demanding a mate.
- William Frankenstein
Murdered by the Creature in the woods near Geneva.
- Justine Moritz
The Creature plants William's portrait on her, framing her for the murder.
- Felix De Lacey
Rejects the Creature violently, leading to the Creature's despair.
- Old De Lacey
The blind father whom the Creature attempted to befriend.
Key passages
“Cursed, cursed creator! Why did I live? Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed?”
The Creature curses Victor for giving him life and questions why he didn't end his own existence immediately.
The Creature expresses his despair and anger at his creator.
“I, like the archfiend, 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.”
The Creature feels a hellish torment inside and desires to destroy everything around him, then take pleasure in the devastation.
The Creature's rage and desire for destruction are vividly described.
“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 Creature vows eternal war on all humanity, especially Victor, who created him and condemned him to unbearable suffering.
The Creature's declaration of revenge against humanity and Victor.
“Frankenstein! you belong then to my enemy—to him towards whom I have sworn eternal revenge; you shall be my first victim.”
Upon learning that the boy is a Frankenstein, the Creature decides to make him the first target of his revenge against Victor.
The Creature murders William upon discovering his identity.
“I, too, can create desolation; my enemy is not invulnerable; this death will carry despair to him, and a thousand other miseries shall torment and destroy him.”
The Creature feels a hellish triumph, realizing he can cause Victor the same pain he feels, and vows to inflict endless suffering.
The Creature's exultation after killing William, seeing it as the start of his revenge.
“We may not part until you have promised to comply with my requisition. I am alone, and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species, and have the same defects. This being you must create.”
The Creature demands that Victor create a female companion for him, as he is lonely and rejected by all humans.
The Creature's demand for a mate, central to the plot.
