Chapter 17 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a pivotal moment that details a tense confrontation between Victor Frankenstein and his creature, leading to a fateful agreement. This chapter takes place on the slopes of Montanvert, a glacier in the majestic Chamonix Valley, with the imposing peak of Montblanc in the background.
The core of Chapter 17 revolves around:
The Creature's Confrontation and Confession
In this dramatic encounter, the creature confronts Victor, who had fled into the mountains to escape his inner turmoil. The creature, filled with a mixture of despair and rage, begins to unravel the truth behind recent tragedies. He informs Victor of his direct involvement in the deaths of William Frankenstein and Justine Moritz.
The creature candidly explains that his acts of violence were a direct consequence of Victor's rejection and abandonment. Feeling isolated, unloved, and abhorred by his creator and humanity, his initial good intentions were twisted into bitterness and a thirst for vengeance. This confession highlights the creature's perspective, portraying him not just as a monster, but as a being driven to evil by profound loneliness and suffering.
The Creature's Desperate Plea
Following his confession, the creature makes a compelling, desperate plea to Victor. He argues that his malevolence stems from his solitary existence and his inability to connect with any living being. To alleviate his suffering and prevent further harm to humanity, the creature demands that Victor create a female companion for him.
He promises that if Victor grants him this partner, they will both leave Europe forever and live in solitude, far from human civilization, ensuring that he will never again inflict pain on mankind. His argument centers on the idea that companionship would fill the void in his existence, turning his destructive impulses into peace and contentment.
Victor's Moral Dilemma and Agreement
Initially, Victor is repulsed by the creature's demand. He recoils at the thought of creating another monstrous being that could potentially perpetuate a race of creatures, leading to untold suffering for humanity. He views the creature's request with horror and disgust, torn between his responsibilities as a creator and his fears for the world.
However, the creature's eloquent arguments, coupled with veiled threats of continued revenge if his plea is denied, begin to wear down Victor's resolve. The creature powerfully articulates his profound misery and the potential for greater evil if his request is refused. Under the weight of guilt for the creature's very existence and the threat of further violence against his loved ones, Victor reluctantly agrees to embark on the creation of a second being. This decision sets the stage for future complications and tragedies in the novel.
Here is a summary of the key elements of Chapter 17:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Setting | Slopes of Montanvert, a glacier in the Chamonix Valley, overlooking Montblanc. |
| Central Event | Victor Frankenstein is confronted by his creature. |
| Creature's Revelation | Confesses his role in the murders of William Frankenstein and Justine Moritz. |
| Creature's Justification | Blames his violence on Victor's rejection and abandonment, leading to immense suffering and rage. |
| Creature's Demand | Requests that Victor create a female companion for him to alleviate his loneliness. |
| Victor's Response | Initially refuses but eventually agrees under duress, fearing further retribution and swayed by the creature's arguments. |
| Significance | Marks a crucial turning point, as Victor commits to a project that will have dire consequences. |
This chapter is crucial for understanding the creature's character development and the moral complexities that Victor faces, highlighting themes of responsibility, isolation, and the consequences of creation.
