Frankenstein
Scene #9 · Chapter 20
Victor sits in his laboratory at twilight, reflecting on the potential consequences of creating a female creature. He realizes she might be more malignant than the original creature, refuse to honor the creature's promises, or produce a race of devils that could threaten humanity's existence. As he looks up, he sees the creature watching him through the window with a ghastly grin. Overcome with passion and madness at the sight of the creature's malicious expression, Victor tears apart the half-finished female creature while the creature watches. The creature responds with a howl of devilish despair and revenge before withdrawing from the window.
This moment represents Victor's first act of moral responsibility in the novel, as he chooses to protect humanity rather than satisfy his own need for safety. The destruction triggers the creature's final transformation from a being seeking companionship to one devoted entirely to revenge, setting in motion the tragic events that will follow. Victor's decision demonstrates the novel's exploration of the consequences of creation and the ethical limits of scientific ambition.
Had I right, for my own benefit, to inflict this curse upon everlasting generations?
Chapter 20 · Victor Frankenstein
I shuddered to think that future ages might curse me as their pest, whose selfishness had not hesitated to buy its own peace at the price, perhaps, of the existence of the whole human race.
Chapter 20 · Victor Frankenstein
I thought with a sensation of madness on my promise of creating another like to him, and trembling with passion, tore to pieces the thing on which I was engaged.
Chapter 20 · Victor Frankenstein
I trembled and my heart failed within me, when, on looking up, I saw by the light of the moon the dæmon at the casement.
Chapter 20 · Victor Frankenstein