Frankenstein · Chapter
Walton, in Continuation explained
Walton concludes his letters to Margaret, describing Victor Frankenstein's death and his final conversation with the Creature.
What happens
Walton concludes his letters to Margaret, describing Victor Frankenstein's death and his final conversation with the Creature. The Creature mourns Victor, expresses remorse for his crimes, and declares his intention to die alone in the Arctic. Walton reflects on the tragedy and the lessons of ambition.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Pride
Victor warns Walton against ambition, reflecting on his own downfall as a cautionary tale.
Revenge and Destruction
The Creature's vengeance culminates in Victor's death, but he is consumed by remorse and self-destruction.
Isolation and Loneliness
The Creature laments his utter solitude, abandoned by all and even by his creator.
Characters to notice
- Robert Walton
Walton narrates the final events, expressing sorrow and disappointment, and decides to return to England.
- Victor Frankenstein
Victor dies aboard Walton's ship, having completed his tale and warned Walton against ambition.
- The Creature
The Creature appears over Victor's body, expresses remorse and self-loathing, and vows to end his own life in the Arctic.
- Margaret Saville
Walton's sister, the recipient of his letters, to whom he addresses his final reflections.
Key passages
“Yet I cannot ask you to renounce your country and friends, to fulfil this task; and now, that you are returning to England, you will have little chance of meeting with him.”
Victor tells Walton he cannot ask him to abandon his life to hunt the Creature, especially since Walton is heading back to England.
Victor releases Walton from any obligation to pursue the Creature.
“Seek happiness in tranquillity, and avoid ambition, even if it be only the apparently innocent one of distinguishing yourself in science and discoveries.”
Victor advises Walton to find peace in a quiet life and to steer clear of ambition, even in science.
Victor's final warning against the dangers of ambition.
“I shall collect my funeral pile, and consume to ashes this miserable frame, that its remains may afford no light to any curious and unhallowed wretch, who would create such another as I have been.”
The Creature plans to build a pyre and burn himself so that no one can study his remains and try to create another being like him.
The Creature's final act of self-destruction and prevention of further harm.