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Chapter 11
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Frankenstein, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Family, Society, Isolation
Ambition and Fallibility
Romanticism and Nature
Revenge
Prejudice
Lost Innocence
Summary
Analysis
The monster wonders why the family seems unhappy and realizes it is because the old man is blind and the family is poor and hungry. To make up for adding to their misery by eating their food, it gathers wood for them and leaves it outside their cottage at night. It also realizes they communicate through sound, and sets about learning their language. It learns that the young man is named Felix, and the girl, Agatha.
Here is proof that the monster is actually kind and generous. But most people are prejudiced, and judge it solely on what it looks like.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
One day the monster sees itself in a pool of water. He realizes finally why people have screamed and run when they see him. Yet the monster becomes convinced that with gentle words and actions he could get the family to see past his awful appearance. Spring comes, lifting everyone's spirits. The monster looks to the future with hope.
The monster discovers its own ugliness, and realizes that people judge it on its looks rather than its nature. Yet it remains innocent enough to believe that it can overcome these prejudices, especially when Nature gives it joy.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
