Frankenstein, Chapter 20 summary
Chapter 20 of 28 · Part 2 · 14 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 20, the narrator destroys the unfinished female creature because he fears the harm she and her possible children could cause, and his first creation threatens revenge on his wedding night. After disposing of the remains at sea, he drifts to an unfamiliar town, where he must answer questions about a murdered gentleman.
What happens
- Fearing another dangerous creature and a race of offspring, the narrator destroys his unfinished work while his first creation watches.
- The creature confronts him, demands obedience, and threatens to return on his wedding night when he refuses.
- A letter from Clerval prompts the narrator to plan his departure and clear his laboratory.
- He sinks the remains at sea, falls asleep in his boat, and wakes dangerously far from shore.
- He reaches a town whose hostile inhabitants take him to a magistrate to answer for a gentleman’s murder.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Frankenstein, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
The creature claims control through his power to cause suffering. The narrator’s refusal challenges that power and turns their dispute toward revenge.
Quick check
Why does the narrator destroy the unfinished female creature?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Frankenstein, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Starten Sie 90 Tage kostenlosNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
