Frankenstein: Chapter 11

The color-coded bars in this section make it easy to track the themes throughout the work. Each color corresponds to one of the themes explained in the Themes section of this LitChart. For instance, indicates that all six themes apply to that part of the summary.

Summary Analysis Themes

The monster describes its early days after being created: running from Victor’s apartment, seeing light and dark and feeling hunger and cold, and discovering fire and its ability to both cook and burn.

The monster’s development mirrors the development of man. But as they went from beasts to men, men also lost their innocence.

Wherever the monster goes it’s appearance terrifies humans, so it decides to avoid them. Eventually it finds a place to hide in the darkness near the side of a cottage. Inside he observes a man, woman, and an old man and watches them at their daily tasks.

The monster is pained by the isolation it must endure not because of its nature, but because of its appearance. The family is an example of the “domestic affection” it craves.