Volume 3 summaries

Chapter 1

In this chapter of Mary Shelly's novel, Frankenstein cannot bring himself to begin his work, and spends much time alone, while his health improves. He wishes to marry Elizabeth, but he is nervous about doing so without completing his task. He decides to travel to England, where he has heard some philosophers and scientists have made new discoveries that will help him. His father arranges for Henry Clerval to travel with him.

Chapter 2

 In London, Frankenstein seeks out the scientists and philosophers whose ideas will help him. When he and Clerval are invited to visit Scotland, they set off together on a long sight-seeing journey across the country. 

When they arrive in Scotland, Frankenstein tells Clerval he wants to travel alone for a while. He travels to the remote Orkney Islands north of Scotland and hires a hut. He begins to work on the creature’s companion, constantly disgusted by what he is doing. 

Chapter 3

Frankenstein starts wondering about the possible consequences of making a new creature. He considers that she might not agree with the pact made by the first creature and might refuse to leave Europe, or that she might hate the first creature, or that the two might have children who could then do great damage. 

He notices the creature watching him through the wind...