Chapter 19: Now in London with
Clerval, Victor tries to relax, but finds it impossible. For several months, Frankenstein puts off
the task in hand and travels around England with Clerval instead. Eventually, however, he tells his
best friend to leave him alone for a few weeks. Then, in solitude, Victor begins the process of creation
again. He explains, "I looked towards its completion with a tremulous and eager hope, which I dared
not trust myself to question, but which was intermixed with obscure forebodings of evil, that made my
heart sicken in my bosom."
Chapter 20: Well into the process
of building another monster, Victor suddenly realizes that he cannot be guaranteed that this new being
that he is creating will agree to live in exile in South America. More troubling is the idea that the
two monsters will produce a race of their own, which will roam the earth, terrorizing future generations
of men. Looking out his window, he sees the devilish face of his creature, which makes him resolved
to end his work. Soon, Frankenstein and his monster have another heated conversation and the creature
repeats his threat of vengeance.
With this decided, Victor agrees to meet Clerval near a small town by the sea. When Frankenstein gets
there, however, the inhabitants give him a very rude welcome, telling him that he is wanted by the police.
This puzzles Victor, but he agrees to go with them.
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