The Monster's Longing for Connection

The creature's desire for companionship and love, from his first observations of the De Laceys to his final demand for a mate.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Observing the De Laceys

A Silent Witness to Happiness The First Feelings When the monster first sees the De Lacey family, he is deeply moved by their interactions. He watches the old man's kindness, the gentle Agatha, and the sorrowful Felix. He feels a mixture of pain and pleasure, and he longs to join them. He begins to help them secretly, gathering wood and clearing snow. Learning Love and Compassion Through his observations, the monster learns about love, kindness, and family bonds. He sees how they care for each other, and he dreams of being accepted by them. He believes that if they come to know him, they might overlook his appearance. This hope drives him to learn their language and their ways. The Emotional Impact When the monster sees his own reflection in a pool, he is horrified by his ugliness. He realizes that his appearance makes him a monster in the eyes of others. Despite this, he continues to hope for acceptance. The De Laceys' rejection of him is devastating, and it turns his love into hatred.

Demand for a Female Companion

A Plea for Sympathy The Reasoning The monster argues that he is evil only because he is miserable. He tells Victor that if he had a companion, one as hideous as himself, he would be happy and would leave humanity alone. He swears to take his mate to the wilds of South America, never to be seen again. The Promise and Betrayal Victor reluctantly agrees, but later destroys the female creature. The monster's hope is shattered. He had believed that he might find love and peace, but Victor's action destroys that possibility. The monster's wrath is unleashed, and he vows to make Victor suffer as he has suffered. The Final Lament After Victor's death, the monster speaks to Walton. He expresses remorse for his actions, but also blames Victor for his creation and abandonment. He declares that his suffering is greater than Victor's, and he will end his own life. The desire for connection remains unfulfilled, and the monster disappears into the ice.

Winter and spring, during the monster's stay in the hovel

On the glacier, after the monster's narrative