An Analysis of
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Volume 3 - Chapter 5
An Analysis of Chapter 22
Tone
Foreboding, Tragic, And Melancholic With Moments Of False Hope.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrilling - (4) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Explosive - (5) | A little - (2) | Quick - (4) |
Basically...
Victor Frankenstein, refusing to revisit London and haunted by the loss of Clerval, travels with his father to France and eventually returns to Geneva. He receives a letter from Elizabeth questioning his love for her and proposing that their marriage not go forward if he loves another. Victor, however, resolves to wed her, haunted by the Creature's threat to be with him on his wedding night. He proceeds through the wedding preparations, but despite moments of happiness, anxiety and dread shadow the event as he and Elizabeth depart for their honeymoon.
In more detail...
In this chapter, Victor and his father avoid London, heading to Portsmouth and thence to Havre, as Victor cannot bear revisiting places associated with Clerval and past happiness. Victor's grief remains profound, and he is often tormented by guilt over the deaths of William, Justine, and Henry, feeling responsible for their fates through the monster he created. His father tirelessly cares for him, attributing Victor's self-accusations to delirium or depression, and Victor, unable to confide the truth, remains silent about the Creature. Upon reaching Paris, Victor receives an intimately written letter from Elizabeth, expressing her desire to marry only if Victor's heart is fully hers and urging him to confess if he loves another. The letter recalls to Victor the Creature's ominous threat to be present on Victor's wedding night, leading Victor to resolve to wed Elizabeth quickly, hoping to forestall tragedy. Upon returning to Geneva, Victor and Elizabeth are both noticeably changed by suffering, yet their circle proceeds with wedding plans. Victor conceals his dread behind artificial cheerfulness, and the wedding takes place, followed by a honeymoon journey to Evian. The chapter closes with a sense of foreboding as Victor's fears return upon landing, and the happiness of the day gives way to anticipated tragedy.
Characters
- Victor Frankenstein
- About - Haunted by grief for the deaths of Clerval, William, and Justine, Victor blames himself for their fates, unable to confide the truth about the Creature to his father. He receives Elizabeth's earnest letter, resolves to proceed with the marriage knowing the Creature's threat, and struggles to maintain composure while consumed with dread and guilt.
- Personality Traits - Guilt-ridden, self-tormenting, secretive, introspective, anxious, and at times resolute.
- Physical Characteristics - Emaciated, pale, and feverish from trauma and sickness.
- Character Connections
- Alphonse Frankenstein - Victor's father, who nurses him, encourages recovery and marriage, and remains unaware of the Creature.
- Elizabeth Lavenza - Victor's cousin and fiancée; she is loving and self-sacrificing, central to Victor's hopes of happiness.
- Henry Clerval - Victor's murdered friend, whose memory haunts him.
- The Creature - Victor's creation, whose threat to be present on the wedding night dominates Victor's psyche.
- Elizabeth Lavenza
- About - Victor's cousin and intended bride; she writes a vulnerable letter urging honesty before marriage, expresses deep love, and desires Victor's happiness above her own. She shows concern for Victor's health and is sensitive to his distress, while herself subdued by misfortune.
- Personality Traits - Gentle, caring, compassionate, selfless, introspective, and somewhat anxious.
- Physical Characteristics - Thinner, pale, and less vivacious than before.
- Character Connections
- Victor Frankenstein - Her cousin and fiancé; her happiness and fate are intimately linked to his decisions.
- Alphonse Frankenstein - Her uncle and Victor's father, supportive of the match.
- Alphonse Frankenstein
- About - Victor's supportive and loving father, who is solely focused on Victor's recovery and future happiness. He encourages the wedding and tries to avert unpleasant memories.
- Personality Traits - Kind, devoted, practical, optimistic, emotionally supportive.
- Physical Characteristics - Older man, affectionate and attentive, no specific description this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Victor Frankenstein - Son; Alphonse's main concern is Victor's health and happiness.
- Elizabeth Lavenza - Niece by adoption; supportive of her marriage to Victor.
- The Creature
- About - Victor's creation, not physically present this chapter but dominates events through his past acts and the foreboding of his threat toward Victor on his wedding night.
- Personality Traits - Vengeful, cunning, omnipresent in Victor's fears.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described directly in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Victor Frankenstein - Creator; his adversary and object of vengeance.
- Elizabeth Lavenza - Implied future victim by virtue of the threat.