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A summary of Chapters 1 & 2 in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of Frankenstein and what it means. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans.
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- Chapters 6-8
A summary of Chapters 6-8 in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein....
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- ✍️ Frankenstein Preface & Letters 1-4 Summary & Analysis
- 👶 Frankenstein Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis
- 👹 Frankenstein Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis
- 😢 Frankenstein Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis
- 👪 Frankenstein Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis
- 👺 Frankenstein Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis
- 👮 Frankenstein Chapters 21-24 Summary & Analysis
- 🎓 References
Frankenstein Preface Summary
The preface to Frankenstein outlines the circumstances under which the novel was written. The reader learns that Frankensteinowes its birth to a simple children’s game in which Shelley and her friends challenged each other to write a ghost story. What once started as an amusement, later became one of the most remarkable works of English literature.
Frankenstein Letter 1 Summary
The novel begins with a series of letters written by Robert Waltonto his sister, Margarette Saville. From the first letter, the reader learns that Robert is about to embark on a voyage to the North Pole. He writes about his dream to discover a northern passage to the Pacific and shares his excitement about the trip.
Frankenstein Letter 2 Summary
In the second letter written to Margaret, Walton informs her that he has hired a vessel and is ready for departure. Still considering his journey “fixed as fate,” he expresses doubts about its successful outcome. He is concerned about the lack of his own experience as a sailor and, most importantly, the absence of a true friend.
Frankenstein Chapter 1 Summary
In the first chapter, Frankenstein tells Walton about his family and childhood. Victor’s father, Alphonse, met his future wife, Caroline, through his friend and Caroline’s father, Beaufort. After Beaufort’s death, Alphonse took care of Caroline and later married her. When Victor was five years old, his parents adopted an orphan girl, who later became his dearest friend and wife.
Frankenstein Chapter 2 Summary
Soon after Victor’s younger brother is born, the family settles in Geneva. There Frankenstein meets his best friend, Clerval. As a teenager, Victor discovers books written by alchemists and becomes fascinated with their ideas of turning dead material into life. A sudden incident, lightning ruining a tree, makes Victor abandon his interest in science for some time.
Frankenstein Chapter 3 Summary
Victor turns seventeen and prepares to become a student at the University in Ingolstadt. The sudden death of his mother delays his departure. Despite the loss, he leaves for Germany, where he meets his new mentors. Professor M. Krempe makes an unpleasant impression on Victor, but professor Waldman becomes his friend and encourages him to return to science.
Frankenstein Chapter 5 Summary
On a rainy November night, Victor Frankenstein manages to infuse life into a dead body of his creation. The moment the creature opens his eyes, Victor’s dreams turn into a nightmare. He realizes that he has created a monster. The beast tries to speak to him, but Victor abandons him in horror.
Frankenstein Chapter 6 Summary
Victor’s recovery marks Frankenstein‘s chapter 6. He receives a letter from Elizabeth, in which she describes life at home and expresses concerns about Victor’s health. When Frankenstein feels well enough to leave his chamber, he takes Henry Clerval to the university and introduces him to professors.
Frankenstein Chapter 7 Summary
Victor receives a letter from his father, Alphonse, from which he learns that his little brother, William Frankenstein, was murdered. Devastated and heartbroken, Victor arranges the trip back home. Near the place where the boy died, Victor notices the figure of the Monster and concludes that the creature has killed his brother.
Frankenstein Chapter 9 Summary
In Frankenstein‘s chapter 9, the reader finds Victor overwhelmed with grief and feelings of guilt after Justine’s execution. He is tormented by remorse, as he blames himself for the tragic events that happened in his family. He contemplates suicide, but the thoughts of Elizabeth and his father stop him from taking the step.
Frankenstein Chapter 10 Summary
Frankenstein, in chapter 10, in summary, spends a day walking up the top of Montanvert mountain. He seeks consolation in nature. As he reaches the summit, his worst enemy appears before him. Overwhelmed with hatred, Victor intends to attack the Monster, but the latter convinces him to listen to his story.
Frankenstein Chapter 11 Summary
Chapter 11 focuses on the story of the Monster that the latter tells to Frankenstein. In summary, the first years of his life were a total confusion. Like a child abandoned by his mother, the Monster discovered the basics of being a human by trial and error.
Frankenstein Chapter 13 Summary
Frankenstein‘s chapter 13, in summary, marks the appearance of a beautiful Arabian woman in the family. She brightens the mood of all household members. The woman does not speak their language, but as she learns, so does the Monster. When he is finally able to comprehend all conversations, the new world opens up in front of him.
Frankenstein Chapter 14 Summary
The Frankenstein’s chapter 14 tells the reader the story of the De Lacey family and describes how they ended up in such poverty. Once a privileged household, they owe their present condition to the dishonesty of Safie’s father, whom Felix has helped to escape from prison.
Frankenstein Chapter 15 Summary
The Frankenstein’s chapter 15, in summary, tells the reader about the Monster’s discovery. In the dark forest, he found a bag with books. Inspired by the knowledge he obtained from them, he decided to seek protection from the De Laceys. The old man, due to his blindness, accepts him without prejudice, but others get horrified by his ugliness and reject him.
Frankenstein Chapter 16 Summary
From the moment the De Lacy family has rejected him, the Monster lost all hope to be accepted by people. Seeking vengeance, he heads to Geneva to track down Frankenstein. Chapter 16, in summary, describes the events which turned a sensible creature into a devil and made him declare war to the entire human race, and foremost to his creator.
Frankenstein Chapter 17 Summary
To summarize, in chapter 17 Frankenstein finds himself confronted with the choice – either to comply with the beast’s demand and to give life to another monster or to be destroyed. At first, he disgustingly refuses to accept the creature’s proposal, but reflecting upon his arguments, Victor consents to create a mate for the Monster.
Frankenstein Chapter 18 Summary
By all means, Victor tries to postpone creating the second monster. He does not want to conduct his experiments at home, surrounded by family. Victor decides to arrange a trip to England to collect scientific information. His friend, Clerval, accompanies him on his journey.
Frankenstein Chapter 21 Summary
The Monster’s revenge falls upon Frankenstein in chapter 21. Circumstantial evidence points out that he has murdered a young man. Witnesses testify that they have seen his boat departing the banks of the town after the man’s body has been found. In a dead man, Frankenstein recognizes Henry Clerval. He faints and remains delusional for two months in prison.
Frankenstein Chapter 22 Summary
On the way to Geneva, Victor and his father stop in France to improve Victor’s health. In Paris, Frankenstein receives a letter from Elizabeth, in which she expresses concerns that he may have fallen in love with another woman. Victor decides not to postpone the marriage, but the wedding day is overshadowed by the anticipation of the Monster’s revenge.
Frankenstein Chapter 23 Summary
In a house where newlyweds arrive for their wedding night, Frankenstein leaves Elizabeth alone in a room while he goes to search for the Monster. Suddenly he hears blood-curdling screams of his wife and finds her dead. Devastated, he rushes back to Geneva to save his father and brother. Alphonse dies in Victor’s hands, unable to endure suffering.
Timeline of Events. November 17. Victor brings the Monster to life; horrified, he flees. Volume 1, Chapter 4. Spring, following year. The Monster takes refuge in a hut and starts learning from the De Laceys. Volume 2, Chapter 3. Winter, following year. Rejected by the De Laceys, the Monster burns down their home and sets off. Volume 2, Chapter 8.
ChapterSummaryPrefatory MatterThe title page contains the subtitle The ...Letters 1–4Robert Walton, preparing to explore the ...Volume 1, Chapter 1Here Victor Frankenstein begins his story ...Volume 1, Chapter 2When Victor was 17 years old, his parents ...A summary of Chapters 6-8 in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of Frankenstein and what it means. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans.
Need help with Chapter 1 in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein? Check out our revolutionary side-by-side summary and analysis.
Chapter 1. Victor recounts the story of his upbringing, in a rather muddled narrative of chance, fate and adoption. Victor’s parents adopted Elizabeth Lavenza, who becomes a kind of sister to Victor. Chapter 2. Victor’s passion for investigating “the hidden laws of nature” begins to dominate his life.
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