The Monster's Demand for a Companion

The creature confronts Victor on the glacier and persuades him to create a female mate, a promise Victor later breaks.

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Encounter on the Glacier

A Meeting of Creator and Creature The Confrontation After the deaths of William and Justine, Victor retreats to the Alps, seeking solace in the sublime scenery. On the glacier of Montanvert, he is suddenly confronted by the monster he created. The creature approaches with superhuman speed, and Victor curses him, vowing to destroy him. But the monster speaks calmly, imploring Victor to hear his story. The Monster's Plea The creature recounts his journey from creation to the present, describing his initial innocence, his rejection by humans, and his gradual descent into bitterness. He argues that he is malicious only because he is miserable. He asks Victor to create a female companion for him, one who will share his exile and sympathize with him. In return, he promises to leave humanity forever. Victor's Reluctant Consent Despite his horror, Victor is moved by the creature's arguments. He reflects on his duty as a creator and the justice of the request. After a long pause, he agrees to create a female creature, on the condition that the monster and his mate will quit Europe forever. The monster swears a solemn oath, and Victor returns to Geneva, though his heart is heavy with dread.

Victor's Journey to England

A Necessary Expedition Preparing for the Task Back in Geneva, Victor is consumed by the obligation to create the female monster. He cannot bring himself to begin the work in his father's house, so he proposes a journey to England to consult with philosophers there. His father and Elizabeth agree, hoping the trip will restore his health. Henry Clerval accompanies him as far as Strasbourg, and they travel together down the Rhine. The Deceptive Comfort of Travel During the journey, Victor experiences moments of calm, especially in the company of Clerval. They visit cities and scenic landscapes, and Victor tries to forget his promise. But the weight of his task never leaves him. He decides to isolate himself in the remote Orkney Islands to complete the work, away from all human society. The Solitary Labor Victor rents a hut on one of the Orkneys and begins to assemble the materials for the female creature. The work is even more loathsome than before, and he is haunted by the fear of the monster's return. He labors for weeks, but his mind is tormented by doubts about the wisdom of his promise.

Destruction of the Female Creature

A Decision Made in Terror The Moment of Reconsideration One evening, as Victor is about to finish the female creature, he is struck by a torrent of reflections. He imagines the consequences: the female might be more malignant than the male, she might refuse to honor the compact, or the pair might breed a race of devils that would threaten humanity. The thought of unleashing such a curse upon the world fills him with horror. The Monster's Rage As Victor looks up, he sees the monster watching him through the window, a ghastly grin on his face. Overcome with madness, Victor tears the half-finished female creature to pieces. The monster howls in despair and revenge, then withdraws. Victor locks the door and vows never to resume the work, knowing that he has sealed his own doom. The Threat Later, the monster enters Victor's room and confronts him. He curses Victor and delivers a chilling threat: "I will be with you on your wedding-night." Victor attempts to seize him, but the monster escapes. The rest of the night is spent in anguish, and Victor resolves to face his fate, though he fears for Elizabeth.

Two months after Justine's death, August

Autumn after the glacier encounter

On the Orkney Islands, a few months after the journey began