Chapters 10, 11 and 12: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

[Chris OConnor]

Chapters 10, 11 and 12: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

[angelgirl]

Hi all! I don't know how far in you are with the reading, but chapters 10, 11 and 12 are so crucial to the discussion. It's a wonder no one has had much to say about it.
In chapter 10, the monster approaches Frankenstein FOR THE FIRST TIME. It's the first time we hear the story from his perspective. Up to this point, he has committed crimes and been villanised by Frankenstein. But through these chapters we have the chance to hear his story. Victor realises in chapter 10 that he deserves a hearing, at least.

In chapter 11 the monster's tale begins. He has had to work it out by himself with no care or responsibility taken by his creator. He has had to realise his sensations. He soon realises people run away, simply because of his appearance. No one to care for him. Shunned by society he spies on some cottagers. He picks up on civility by spying on them.

[angelgirl]

In chapter 12, the monster learns from the good cottagers he spies on. He learns how to talk, he learns their names. Agatha and Felix who are siblings and their blind father DeLacey. He learns they're troubled by poverty. He notices Felix spends the whole day cutting wood to keep the fire going. The creature takes it upon himself to supply the wood for them. The cottagers are grateful for the anonymous individual who supplies them with wood. It shows he has been capable of much kindness. Felix could now focus on cultivating the gardens because of the monster's assistance.

He soon discovers what is accepted as 'beauty.'. He figures out his reflection is horrendous and why he has received poor treatment for it (by his creator too, no less). However, he shows he is capable of humanity and love when given the chance to.

[angelgirl]

The cottagers are grateful to the anonymous individual who supplies them with wood and calls him 'wonderful' and 'good spirit.'. It's a statement that he is capable of goodwill but unfortunately it is not the case when they see him, he is judged too soon.

A moral behind this might be not to judge a book by its cover.