Frankenstein: Volume II - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Following Justine's execution, Victor feels guilty. He falls ill as a result of his guilt and depression, and his father, having seen Victor depressive state, falls ill too. The Frankenstein family go away to their home in Belrive, but Victor spends his time there alone because the guilt and secrecy of Justine's death makes it agonising for him to spend time with his family (in contrast to the landscape in Belrive which impresses him due to its beauty). Victor often thinks about sucide but it put of by the grief it would cause Elizabeth and the potential harm the creature could cause in his absence. Victor's hatred for the creature becomes an obsession and he begins to think of nothing but revenge. Elizabeth also changes after the execution, and loses all faith in humanity. Now men appear to her 'as monsters thirsting after each other's blood'. Elizabeth still believes Justine's innocence, and tells Victor she is pityful for the man who must hold the guilt of her murder, to which Victor internally despairs. He seeks escape from this by travelling through the Alpine valley, where he often went as a boy. He is taken back by the beautiful scenery and sees it as proof of an omnipotent God. He is able to sleep for the first time since Justine's execution.

What makes it gothic?

• The sublime - the Belrive and Apline landscapes have a calming effect on Victor
• Secrecy - Victor is hiding the secret of Williams death
• Psychology - Victor becomes both obsessive and suicidal