In Chapter 17 of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein is confronted by his creature on the desolate slopes of Montanvert, a glacier nestled in the majestic Chamonix Valley that offers a commanding view of Montblanc. This pivotal encounter serves as a moment of intense revelation and emotional confrontation between creator and creation.
The Creature's Grievances and Confessions
During this dramatic meeting, the creature, brimming with anger and despair, directly informs Victor of his role in the tragic deaths of William Frankenstein and Justine Moritz. He explicitly blames his violent actions and the subsequent sorrow on Victor's profound rejection and abandonment. The creature argues that his malevolent deeds stem from the isolation and hatred he experienced as a result of being forsaken by his creator.
The conversation in this chapter is crucial for understanding the creature's perspective and the complex nature of his vengeful acts. He presents his actions not as inherent evil, but as a consequence of his suffering and Victor's initial disavowal of him.
Key Aspects of the Confrontation
This chapter marks a significant turning point, bringing to light the creature's full capacity for both articulation and malice, directly linking his deeds to Victor's negligence.
Here's a summary of the critical elements of this intense chapter:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | The desolate and imposing slopes of Montanvert, a glacier in the Chamonix Valley, with the vast, snowy expanse of Montblanc visible in the distance. This stark, sublime setting mirrors the raw emotions and grave revelations exchanged. |
| Central Characters | Victor Frankenstein, grappling with grief and fear, and his creature, who is articulate, enraged, and seeking to explain his actions to his creator. |
| Core Event | A direct and confrontational encounter where the creature reveals his responsibility for the murders of Victor's younger brother, William, and the innocent family servant, Justine Moritz. |
| Creature's Justification | The creature explicitly states that his violent outbursts and malevolent deeds are a direct result of Victor's unwavering rejection and abandonment of him. He paints himself as a victim of loneliness and scorn, driven to cruelty by despair. |
| Emotional Impact | The chapter is charged with intense emotions, including Victor's horror and the creature's anguish, rage, and a desperate plea for understanding, or at least acknowledgment, from his creator. |
The Creature's Narrative
The creature details how his initial experiences were filled with confusion and loneliness, only to be met with fear and revulsion from humanity, including Victor himself. He recounts how this consistent rejection fueled his anger and led him down a path of violence, culminating in the deaths of those close to Victor. This confrontation forces Victor to truly comprehend the devastating ripple effects of his creation and subsequent abandonment. The creature's eloquent, yet chilling, explanation challenges Victor's perception of him as merely a monster, revealing a complex being shaped by circumstance and neglect.
