Chapters 7-9
English Lit: AQA GCSE Frankenstein, topic 1.2.3
Chapter 7, Volume II
The Monster finds a bag of clothes and books, which he begins to read. He sympathises with many of the characters but also sees his differences to them, causing him to question his place once again.
Paradise Lost
- When the Monster reads Milton's Paradise Lost, he sees a strong similarity to his own situation.
- The Monster identifies both with Adam's unique position in the world and with Satan's envy.
Victor's journal
- The Monster finds pages from Victor's journal in the clothes which he had stolen from the apartment.
- Reading about his own creation and the horror Victor felt upon seeing him come to life makes the Monster feel even more despondent and lonely.
The Monster and the cottagers
- The Monster wants to reveal himself to the cottagers, but puts this off as he fears they will reject him.
- Eventually, the Monster approaches De Lacey, hoping that the old man's blindness will prevent him from being prejudiced against him for his hideous appearance.
- The Monster begins a conversation with De Lacey, who seems sympathetic to his situation.
- The other cottagers return horrified, and Felix attacks the Monster with a stick, causing him to run away.
Chapter 8, Volume II
The Monster starts behaving like a wild beast in a destructive rage, vowing 'ever-lasting war' against mankind, and in particular his creator, in revenge for the way he has been treated.
The De Laceys' departure
- The Monster is eventually calmed by the pleasant weather and returns to the cottage.
- He learns that the De Laceys plan to leave forever and becomes very angry.
- The Monster sets fire to the cottage.
The drowning girl
- On his way to Geneva, the Monster sees a young girl fall into a stream.
- The Monster rescues her and saves her from drowning.
- The man accompanying the girl sees the Monster and tries to shoot him.
- The Monster is enraged by this response to his benevolence and vows once again to bring hatred and vengeance to mankind.
The boy in the woods
- The Monster comes across a boy in the woods and thinks that a young, unprejudiced child might be kind to him.
- Instead, the boy screams and claims that his father, Alphonse Frankenstein, will punish the Monster.
- The Monster is filled with vengeful rage and strangles the boy.
- The Monster picks up something from the boy (the picture of Caroline) and places it in the folds of the dress of a woman (Justine) sleeping in a barn nearby.
The Monster's request
- The Monster ends his tale and tells Victor that he has sought him out because he wants him to create another monster to be his companion.
Chapter 9, Volume II
The Monster persuades Victor to make him a female companion.
The Monster's persuasion
- The Monster claims that the only reason he has behaved badly is because of Victor's neglect and his consequent lack of companionship.
- The Monster promises that if he gets a female companion, they will leave mankind alone.
Victor's agreement
- Victor finds the Monster very persuasive and eventually agrees.
- Victor returns to Geneva and prepares to commit himself to the task.
- The Monster assures Victor he will keep watch over him.
Test yourself on Chapters 7-9
Why does the Monster choose to approach De Lacey instead of the other villagers?
What does the Monster find in the clothes which he had stolen from Victor's apartment?
What does the Monster vow to unleash on mankind?
Why has the Monster sought out Victor?
The Drowning Girl