In this chapter, Victor Frankenstein receives devastating news that his younger brother, William, has been murdered. The chapter opens with Victor still reeling from the trauma and guilt stemming from his recent experiment, where he animated the creature. This emotional turmoil is compounded when he learns of William's death. Victor's immediate reaction is one of sorrow, but it is soon overshadowed by a growing sense of dread.

Upon receiving the news, Victor makes the journey back to his hometown of Geneva, where the murder took place. The atmosphere is heavy with grief, and Victor is plagued by a sense of foreboding. As he travels, his mind races with thoughts of his creation, the creature, whom he now fears may be responsible for William’s death. This fear is rooted in the creature's grotesque appearance and the violent tendencies that Victor has begun to associate with his own actions.

Victor arrives home to find his family in mourning. His father, Alphonse, and his adopted sister, Elizabeth, are devastated by the loss. The family is further shaken when they learn that the murder has been attributed to Justine Moritz, a beloved family friend who has been living with them. Justine, who is innocent, is accused of the crime due to circumstantial evidence, specifically a locket that belonged to William found in her possession.

As the trial unfolds, Victor’s internal conflict deepens. He is consumed by guilt, feeling responsible not only for William’s death but also for the wrongful accusation against Justine. He recognizes that it was his ambition and reckless pursuit of knowledge that led to the creation of the creature, which in turn has brought about this tragedy. The chapter emphasizes Victor's profound sense of helplessness as he grapples with the consequences of his actions.

In an atmosphere charged with grief and injustice, Victor becomes increasingly isolated. He feels an overwhelming need to confess the truth about the creature and his role in the events that have transpired, but he hesitates, fearing that no one would believe him and that it would only bring more turmoil to his family.

The chapter concludes with a sense of impending doom as Victor’s suspicions about the creature grow stronger. He is tormented by nightmares and visions of the creature, reflecting his mental anguish and the moral implications of his scientific pursuits. This chapter marks a pivotal moment where Victor's ambition clashes with the reality of his creation, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy that follows. The theme of responsibility is underscored as Victor faces the consequences of his actions, foreshadowing the darker events that are yet to come.