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Frankenstein

Volume III

Chapter 17

Chapter Summary

In this pivotal chapter, the tension between Victor Frankenstein and the creature he created escalates dramatically as the creature openly vows revenge against Victor. Following the destruction of the female companion that Victor had reluctantly begun to create for him, the creature feels utterly betrayed and abandoned, leading him to declare that he will make Victor pay for his actions.
The creature's vow is fueled by a deep sense of injustice and loneliness. He articulates his anguish, expressing that Victor's refusal to fulfill his promise of companionship has caused him immense pain. This emotional turmoil is compounded by the creature's acknowledgment of how society has treated him; he has been met with fear and violence at every turn, which has fostered a profound sense of isolation and bitterness.
As the creature begins to carry out his threats of revenge, Victor is plunged into despair. He realizes that his failure to take responsibility for his creation has not only endangered his own life but also the lives of those he loves. The chapter foreshadows a series of tragic events as the creature actively seeks to inflict suffering on Victor. This ultimately manifests in the deaths of Victor's loved ones, beginning a cruel cycle of vengeance that intertwines their fates.
In the throes of anguish, Victor reflects on the consequences of his ambition and the monstrous nature of the being he brought to life. He wrestles with feelings of guilt and horror, recognizing that he has unleashed a force he cannot control. The creature, now fully aware of his own capacity for emotion and suffering, transforms from a mere creation into a formidable antagonist, driven by a desire to make Victor experience the same despair he has endured.
This chapter serves as a turning point in the narrative, where the themes of creation, responsibility, and revenge come to the forefront. It highlights the tragic consequences of Victor's hubris and the resulting fallout from his abandonment of the creature. As the tension mounts, readers are left anticipating the devastating repercussions of their conflict, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy that will characterize the final chapters of the novel. The chapter emphasizes the moral implications of Victor's scientific pursuits and the dire consequences of forsaking one's responsibilities toward their creations.