Frankenstein · Chapter
Chapter XVII explained
Victor Frankenstein and the Creature engage in a tense debate on a glacier.
What happens
Victor Frankenstein and the Creature engage in a tense debate on a glacier. The Creature argues that his malice stems from misery and solitude, and demands that Victor create a female companion for him, promising to flee to South America and live peacefully. Victor initially refuses, fearing the creation of another monster, but after reasoning and the Creature's persuasive arguments, he reluctantly consents on the condition that the Creature swear to leave Europe forever. The Creature swears and departs, leaving Victor overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow as he returns to Geneva.
Themes in this chapter
Creation and Responsibility
Victor grapples with his duty as a creator, weighing the potential consequences of making another being against the Creature's plea for happiness.
Isolation and Loneliness
The Creature's argument centers on his profound loneliness, claiming that a companion would cure his malice and allow him to live peacefully.
Revenge and Destruction
The Creature threatens revenge if his request is denied, and Victor fears that a second creature could lead to greater destruction.
Characters to notice
- Victor Frankenstein
Victor is torn between compassion and horror, ultimately agreeing to create a female companion for the Creature out of a sense of justice and fear.
- The Creature
The Creature argues his case with eloquence and emotion, swearing to live peacefully if granted a companion, but also threatening revenge if denied.
Key passages
“I am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?”
My wickedness comes from my suffering; I am rejected by everyone.
The Creature justifies his behavior as a reaction to universal rejection.
“I consent to your demand, on your solemn oath to quit Europe forever, and every other place in the neighbourhood of man, as soon as I shall deliver into your hands a female who will accompany you in your exile.”
I agree to your request, but only if you swear to leave all human-inhabited regions forever once I give you a female companion.
Victor sets a strict condition for his consent.
“I swear, by the sun, and by the blue sky of Heaven, and by the fire of love that burns my heart, that if you grant my prayer, while they exist you shall never behold me again.”
I swear by the sun, sky, and my own love that if you give me what I ask, you will never see me again as long as these things endure.
The Creature makes a solemn oath to disappear if his request is granted.