Frankenstein- Chapter 7 Reading Journal

Overview:
Frankenstein receives a letter from his father telling him that his youngest brother, William, has been murdered. He rushes home but finds that the closer he gets, he finds that he has too many feelings and has to stay in Lausanne for a couple of days. He then decides to walk to his town but all of a sudden see's the creature he created. He becomes determined and resolute that he is the person that killed William and when he finally arrives, tells them this. He's told that Justine has been arrested for the murder, yet still he doesn't believe it.

Point 1:
It seems that over the past 6 years, Frankenstein has isolated himself from his family. Finally when he is told that his brother has been killed, he makes his way home. However, when his family is grieving and they need him to be there, he can't bring himself to return home. He says 'At first I wished to hurry on, for I longed to console and sympathise with my loved and sorrowing friends; but when I drew near my native town, I slackened my progress. I could hardly sustain the multitude of feelings that crowded into my mind... fear overcame me; I dared not advance, dreading a thousand nameless evils that made me tremble, although I was unable to define them... I remained two days in Lausanne, in this painful state of mind.' In chapter 6, Elizabeth can just about stop herself from going to Frankenstein to help him recover, yet it seems that he can't even bring himself to get to his family. This reminds the reader of the way that he treated the creature that he created, suggesting that his caring nature has been taken away since this incident. It may also foreshadow the meeting with his creature.

Point 2:
For the first time in 2 years, Frankenstein is confronted with his creature- 'A flash of lightening illuminated the object, and discovered it's shape plainly to me; it's gigantic stature, and the deformity of it's aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy demon, to whom I had given life.' Shelley uses cruel language to describe the creature, immediately telling the reader that Frankenstein still despises the creature for what it has done to him. His mind jumps to the conclusion that the monster has killed his brother and he believes that just because he's had the thought it must be true. In fact, he convinces himself so much that he wishes Justine to be acquitted, even though there is more evidence suggesting that she did it then the creature did. Frankenstein has had barely any contact with this creature but believes him to be a 'demon' because of the trauma he went through.