An Analysis of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's
Frankenstein

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Volume 3 - Chapter 7

An Analysis of Chapter 24

Tone

Melancholic, Tragic, Intense, Remorseful, And Reflective, With Moments Of Horror And Philosophical Weight.

Basic Stats

Intensity Clarity Conflict Resolution Pacing
Heart-pounding - (5) Clear - (4) Explosive - (5) Complete - (5) Quick - (4)

Basically...

Victor Frankenstein narrates his relentless pursuit of the Creature for revenge, leading to his own demise in the Arctic. Upon Victor's death, Walton encounters the Creature, who expresses his remorse and announces his intention to end his own life, concluding the tragic saga.

In more detail...

The final chapter recounted in part by Victor Frankenstein and in part by Robert Walton concludes the narrative arc. Victor, consumed by grief and vengeance following the murders of his loved ones, dedicates himself to chasing his creation across Europe and into the Arctic. Despite extreme suffering and near death, he continues to pursue the Creature, who sometimes leaves taunting messages and clues. Victor describes the toll of his quest - physical hardship, spiritual torment, fleeting comforts of sleep and dreams of lost family. When he is ultimately rescued by Walton's ice-locked ship, Victor relates his story and implores Walton to continue hunting the Creature if he dies, but tempers his request with reluctance at the enormity of the task. As Walton faces a mutiny and chooses to return south, Victor declines and finally succumbs to death. Shortly after, the Creature boards the ship, delivers a speech full of sorrow and guilt over his actions, and resolves to kill himself, vanishing into the darkness, bringing the tragic cycle of revenge and suffering to an end.
Characters
  • Victor Frankenstein
    • About - Pursues the Creature obsessively for revenge, recounts the story of his downfall to Walton, and dies aboard Walton's ship. He undergoes extreme suffering, both physical and emotional, blaming himself but also feeling justified in his refusal to create a second Creature. Urges Walton to destroy the Creature, then reflects on his own ambitions and failures before dying.
    • Personality Traits - Obsessive, vengeful, intelligent, passionate, melancholic, introspective, ultimately tragic and remorseful.
    • Physical Characteristics - Wasted and near death; former hints of great vigor and stature, but now weakened, emaciated, and feverish.
    • Character Connections
      • The Creature - His creation, object of revenge, and source of guilt and tragedy.
      • Elizabeth Lavenza - His beloved, murdered by the Creature.
      • Henry Clerval - His closest friend, also murdered by the Creature.
      • Alphonse Frankenstein - His father, died from grief over family tragedies.
      • Robert Walton - His confidant in his final days, implored to continue his mission.
  • The Creature
    • About - Hunted by Victor across Europe and the Arctic, leaves taunting signs but also aids his pursuer's survival. After Victor's death, the Creature boards the ship, is overcome with grief and remorse, admits to his crimes, and resolves to destroy himself and disappear forever.
    • Personality Traits - Eloquent, tormented, self-loathing, passionate, capable of both love and malice, ultimately remorseful.
    • Physical Characteristics - Gigantic, uncouth, distorted, of 'loathsome' appearance; hands like a mummy, long ragged hair.
    • Character Connections
      • Victor Frankenstein - His creator and nemesis; their relationship is defined by mutual destruction and tragic interdependence.
      • Walton - Witnesses the Creature's final confession and intended suicide.
  • Robert Walton
    • About - Captain and narrator of the frame tale, rescues Victor, listens to Victor's story, faces a mutiny, ultimately decides to return to England. Encounters the Creature after Victor's death and records his final moments.
    • Personality Traits - Curious, compassionate, ambitious, easily moved, philosophically reflective.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not fully described in this chapter, but previously depicted as commanding and educated.
    • Character Connections
      • Victor Frankenstein - Rescues, befriends, and tries to comfort Victor; records his story and final hours.
      • The Creature - Witnesses the end of the Creature's journey and departure.
      • Margaret Saville - His sister, whom he addresses in his letters.
  • Margaret Saville
    • About - Walton's sister, recipient of his letters; does not appear directly but is the audience for Walton's narrative.
    • Personality Traits - Supportive, beloved by Walton.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not described.
    • Character Connections
      • Robert Walton - Sister, confidant, and recipient of the story.