The De Laceys
English Lit: AQA GCSE Frankenstein, topic 2.3.6
Summary of the De Lacey's Characters
The De Laceys are the family of peasants whom the Monster comes across when he first goes out into the world. It is from them that the Monster learns how to speak and interact, observing them through a crack in the wall.
Characters
- The De Laceys live a simple existence and struggle with poverty after they were exiled from their homeland of France.
- The two young De Laceys are called Felix and Agatha, and the family also take in a Turkish woman named Safie, who is in love with Felix.
- De Lacey is the father of the family and is particularly important to the novel as he is blind.
- This gives the Monster hope that he will accept and be kind to him, as he will not be prejudiced because of the Monster’s hideous appearance.
Attack
- When the Monster eventually reveals himself to De Lacey, the younger De Laceys return and attack the Monster, fearing he is a threat to their father.
Importance to the novel
- The De Laceys are of great importance to the novel as it is from them that the Monster learns how to speak and interact, observing them through a crack in the wall.
- Felix teaches Safie how to speak English, which aids the Monster’s education, and also reads to her from books, which helps the Monster learn about the world and also learn to read.
The De Laceys - Key Quotations
The De Laceys are the family of peasants whom the Monster comes across when he first goes out into the world. It is from them that the Monster learns how to speak and interact, observing them through a crack in the wall.
Family love
- 'Nothing could exceed the love and respect which the younger cottagers exhibited towards their venerable companion. They performed towards him every little office of affection and duty with gentleness' (Volume Two: Chapter 4).
- The Monster is fascinated by the De Laceys' love and care for each other.
- This is presumably interesting to the Monster as they contrast with anything he has experienced.
- The happiness of the De Laceys echoes that of the Frankenstein family, to demonstrate that happiness does not need to come from wealth.
The Monster's fantasy
- 'I formed in my imagination a thousand pictures of presenting myself to them, and their reception of me. I imagined that they would be disgusted, until, by my gentle demeanour and conciliating words, I should first win their favour, and afterwards their love.' (Volume Two: Chapter 4).
- The Monster creates a fantasy where the De Laceys accept him into their family.
- He imagines a just world, where his kindness and thoughtful speech would be enough to counteract his appearance.
The Monster's reveal
- 'At that instant the cottage door was opened, and Felix, Safie, and Agatha entered. Who can describe their horror and consternation on beholding me? [...] he [Felix] dashed me to the ground and struck me violently with a stick. I could have torn him limb from limb, as a lion rends the antelope. But my heart sunk within me as with bitter sickness, and I refrained.' (Volume Two: Chapter 7).
- After waiting for the perfect opportunity to reveal himself to De Lacey, the Monster's plan is ruined by the return of the younger De Laceys and Safie.
- The cottagers instantly respond to the Monster in the manner he has been treated before, which makes the reader sympathetic to the Monster.
Test yourself on The De Laceys
Why is De Lacey so important to the novel?
How does Felix react when he sees the Monster?