In the final chapter of 'Frankenstein,' the narrative reaches its tragic climax as Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of the creature he created leads to devastating consequences. After an intense and grueling chase across the Arctic, Victor, now gravely ill and weakened by both physical strain and emotional turmoil, confronts the reality of his actions. The narrative is conveyed through the voice of Robert Walton, who continues to document Victor's harrowing tale.

Victor, consumed by guilt and despair, reflects on the series of tragedies that have unfolded since he animated the creature. He laments the loss of his family and friends, who have suffered due to his ambition and the creature's wrath. Victor's health deteriorates as he grapples with his impending death, realizing that his obsession with knowledge and power has led him to a desolate end. He expresses a profound sense of regret for having unleashed a being that has brought nothing but misery into the world.

In a poignant exchange, Victor implores Walton to heed his warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the quest for knowledge. He urges the explorer to abandon his own dangerous pursuit of discovery, fearing that it may lead to similar destruction. Victor's plea serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of playing God and the moral responsibility that comes with creation.

As Victor's life fades, the creature appears, mourning the death of his creator. The creature expresses a deep sense of anguish over his existence, revealing his own suffering and isolation. Despite being the source of destruction, he confesses that he is tormented by the rejection he has faced from humanity. The creature's lamentation underscores the themes of abandonment and the longing for companionship, which have driven his actions throughout the novel.

In a moment of tragic irony, the creature acknowledges the pain he has caused but also his own deep sorrow. He reflects on the idea that he is a victim of Victor’s ambition, and in doing so, he highlights the complex relationship between creator and creation. The chapter ends with the creature vowing to end his own life, seeking to escape the misery of his existence. As he departs into the icy wilderness, the reader is left to ponder the profound implications of Victor's actions and the moral dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of knowledge.

Thus, Chapter 20 serves as a powerful conclusion to the novel, encapsulating the tragic outcomes of ambition, the quest for knowledge, and the profound loneliness that can arise from isolation and rejection. The fates of both Victor and the creature intertwine in a poignant finale that resonates with themes of responsibility, consequence, and the human condition.