Chapter 2

This chapter
Characters 17
Places 26
The narrator and Elizabeth grow up closely together in a harmonious Swiss home, forming contrasting but complementary interests: Elizabeth’s calm devotion and the narrator’s intense desire to learn. After moving to a house near Belrive, the narrator befriends Henry Clerval, while their fascination with knowledge leads the narrator through occult studies, until a thunderstorm incident and an explanation of electricity dramatically shift his interests and begin a chain of changes tied to his fate.

On stage

Victor Narrates his childhood companionship with Elizabeth, his friendship with Henry Clerval, and how his studies shift after reading occult authors and experiencing a thunderstorm.
Elizabeth Lavenza Plays a stabilizing, loving influence on the narrator and Clerval, softening their temperaments and shaping their ambitions toward beneficence and good works.
Henry Clerval Becomes the narrator’s closest childhood friend, immerses in chivalric play and moral thinking, and is portrayed as learning beneficence as the aim of his ambitions.
Alphonse Frankenstein Responds to the narrator’s discovery of Cornelius Agrippa by dismissing it as “sad trash,” and his casual glance fails to deter the narrator from continuing to read.
Caroline Beaufort Referenced indirectly through the narrator’s reflection on the family’s kindness and indulgence, and through the home’s generally affectionate atmosphere.
the man of great research in natural philosophy Explains a new theory of electricity and galvanism after the thunderstorm lightning strike, displacing the narrator’s earlier occult interests.

Mentioned

Cornelius Agrippa Works serve as the catalyst for the narrator’s initial enthusiasm for obscure theories and later contribute to his subsequent discontent and change of direction.
Paracelsus Provides further reading that occupies the narrator’s fascination with exploded systems and the “elixir of life” pursuit.
Albertus Magnus Adds to the narrator’s early study of contradictory, discarded systems that later lose value to him.
Sir Isaac Newton Serves as an illustrative comparison for the narrator’s sense of knowledge limits and dissatisfaction.
the guardian angel of my life Narrator attributes his change of inclination and will to this protective influence, framed as an attempt to avert impending destruction.
Destiny Used by the narrator as an explanatory framework for his ruin and inevitability of destruction.

Settings

Geneva The narrator’s native country; a city with a house possessed by the family and a backdrop for their early life.
Belrive (eastern shore of the lake) A campagne on the eastern shore of the lake near Geneva; described as the main residence in seclusion and later the location near which the family witnesses a storm and seeks scientific interest.
the lake near Geneva A lake associated with the eastern shore where Belrive lies; used as part of the description of the family’s Swiss home.
the Swiss home The family’s Swiss dwelling environment, surrounded by mountains and seasonal natural scenery.
Roncesvalles A chivalric setting referenced through the play-acting and masquerades Clerval tries to stage.
the Round Table of King Arthur Arthurian legend referenced as inspiration for Clerval’s plays and masquerades.
Roncesvalles / Round Table tradition (masquerades) General chivalric/moral-theatrical context; not a distinct location but a narrative setting for childhood games.
Thonon A Swiss location whose nearby baths are the destination of a pleasure trip mentioned in the narrator’s youth.
the baths near Thonon A bathing destination near Thonon; part of the excursion during which weather keeps them inside an inn.
an inn near the baths (Thonon trip) A lodging where the family stays during bad weather on the trip; depicted as the place where the narrator finds a volume of Cornelius Agrippa.
Jura A mountain range behind which the storm advances.
the old and beautiful oak An oak tree near the family’s house, struck by lightning; later found destroyed in a peculiar way.
Main 4

Victor

Also known as: Frankenstein, M. Frankenstein

Man consumed by moral guilt and dread from his experiments and abandonment of his created being. Still believes the created being threatens him directly. Attached to Elizabeth as cousin and intended spouse; tormented by memory and an impending cycle of murders.

Beaufort friend-of-family via fatherCaroline Beaufort motherhis father fatherElizabeth Lavenza more than sister / cousin-like bondAlphonse Frankenstein child/son +4 more
Chapters 1, 2

Alphonse Frankenstein

Also known as: the narrator’s father, the father, his father

Genevese man from a distinguished family; public figure with ancestral service as counsellor and syndic. Respected for integrity and indefatigable attention to public business; upright and guided by justice in love. Not characterized as scientific; provides household atmosphere. Later becomes caregiver of Elizabeth Lavenza (future).

Beaufort intimate friendCaroline Beaufort husbandElizabeth Lavenza guardian/household headVictor father/parentHenry Clerval father of a friend; conflicts with Clerval’s desire to study
Chapters 1, 2

Elizabeth Lavenza

Also known as: the narrator’s cousin, Elizabeth, the narrator’s Elizabeth

Gentle, compassionate, morally steady orphan connected to Victor as cousin and intended spouse; capable of noticing Victor’s changes and responding with concern. Provides a moral anchor and embodies the best hope for Victor’s happiness and domestic stability.

the peasant woman foster child (charge)the peasant man foster child (charge)the village priest consulted authority regarding her careCaroline Beaufort rescued/placed under careAlphonse Frankenstein adopted into household / cared for +2 more
Chapters 1, 2

Henry Clerval

Also known as: Clerval

A boy/young man from Geneva, the son of a merchant. Has singular talent and fancy; loves enterprise, hardship, and danger. Deeply read in books of chivalry and romance; writes heroic songs and begins tales of knightly adventure. Aspires to become a gallant, adventurous benefactor recorded in story; morally oriented ambition shaped by Elizabeth’s influence.

Victor closest childhood friendElizabeth Lavenza friend/companion; Elizabeth influences his moral directionCaroline Beaufort family acquaintance during farewell eveningAlphonse Frankenstein relative of his friend; his father’s approval/disapproval concerns educationthe narrator’s cousin will receive/enable a letter to be sent from the narrator
Chapter 2
Secondary 2

Caroline Beaufort

Genevese woman whose courage and benevolence are emphasized; past suffering makes her a guardian-like figure for the afflicted. Tender, soft, benevolent, devoted; seeks to shelter and surround family with things that excite pleasurable emotion.

Beaufort fatherAlphonse Frankenstein later husband/wife relationshipElizabeth Lavenza rescuer/benefactorCaroline Beaufort same person as narrator’s motherVictor mother/parent
Chapters 1, 2

the man of great research in natural philosophy

A person visiting or accompanying the family during their time near Belrive who is portrayed as knowledgeable in natural philosophy and capable of explaining electricity and galvanism.

Victor teacher/expounder figure (indirect instruction)
Chapter 2
Mentioned 11
Beaufort Was sought out by the narrator’s father after hiding for ten months; dies after months of sickness left Beaufort with few funds.
the peasant woman Communicates Elizabeth Lavenza’s history to the narrator’s mother during the visit.
the peasant man Distributes a scanty meal to hungry children in his cottage; is present as part of the household during the narrator’s mother’s visit.
the village priest Is consulted by the narrator’s parents’ household regarding taking Elizabeth into their home; their consultation results in Elizabeth becoming an inmate of the parents’ house.
Caroline Beaufort’s relation Receives Caroline under protection after Beaufort’s death.
Cornelius Agrippa Works serve as the catalyst for the narrator’s initial enthusiasm for obscure theories and later contribute to his subsequent discontent and change of direction.
Paracelsus Provides further reading that occupies the narrator’s fascination with exploded systems and the “elixir of life” pursuit.
Albertus Magnus Adds to the narrator’s early study of contradictory, discarded systems that later lose value to him.
Sir Isaac Newton Serves as an illustrative comparison for the narrator’s sense of knowledge limits and dissatisfaction.
the guardian angel of my life Narrator attributes his change of inclination and will to this protective influence, framed as an attempt to avert impending destruction.
Destiny Referenced conceptually as an ‘influence’ and as ‘fate’ connected with the lecture sequence that ‘destroyed’ the narrator’s previous resistance to science.
Main 12

Geneva

The narrator’s native country; a city with a house possessed by the family and a backdrop for their early life.

  • Narrator’s father takes Caroline to Geneva after Beaufort’s interment.
  • Caroline is placed under the protection of a relation in Geneva.
  • Parents own a house in Geneva; narrator describes avoiding crowds and attaching to a few friends there.
  • Geneva school routine is mentioned as part of his education.
  • The narrator’s education in local schools is referenced as completed before age seventeen.
  • The narrator does not visit Geneva for two years while absorbed in discovery.
  • His father’s letters from Geneva enquire about his occupations and address his silence.
  • Elizabeth’s letter dated in Geneva describes household changes and gossip.
  • Victor’s convalescence prompts correspondence to family in Geneva.
  • Victor arrives in the environs of Geneva as night closes around; gates are shut.
  • Victor’s father’s house is where Victor enters at dawn.
  • Justine returns around eight o’clock to the house in Geneva.
  • She cannot search freely when the gates are shut.
  • The trial and visits occur in connection with Geneva’s judicial institutions.
  • Gates closing at ten o’clock shapes Victor’s dissatisfaction with staying in Geneva.
  • Victor feels temporarily freer after retreat to Belrive.
  • Victor returns home at once, enters the house, and is met with alarm.
  • Victor returns to Geneva and struggles to recommence his work.
  • Victor’s father speaks with him there about marriage and the cause of his unhappiness.
  • Victor’s father reassures Victor that Elizabeth and Ernest are safe there.
  • Victor decides that returning to Geneva is his remaining duty after release.
  • Victor and his father return to Geneva.
  • Elizabeth welcomes Victor in Geneva with compassion and tears.
  • A marriage ceremony is performed in Geneva.
  • The couple depart by water for their first days of happiness.
  • Victor arrives
  • his father dies of grief
  • Victor later is imprisoned and then released
  • Victor decides to quit Geneva for ever.
  • Victor wanders the confines of town seeking a clue.
  • Victor enters the cemetery at night and swears vengeance at the tombs of William, Elizabeth, and his father.
Chapters 1, 2

Italy

A country-region of travel described as a restorative for Caroline’s weakened frame after marriage; includes tours through a land of wonders and stops in parts of Italy.

  • Immediately after their union, the parents seek the pleasant climate of Italy.
  • From Italy they visit Germany and France.
Chapter 1

Germany

A country visited by the parents on travel after Italy.

  • The parents visit Germany.
  • De Lacey and Agatha end up confined as exiles and find a miserable asylum in a cottage in Germany
Chapter 1

France

A country visited by the parents on travel after Italy.

  • The parents visit France.
  • Felix conducts the fugitives through France toward Lyons
Chapter 1

Lake of Como

A lake whose shores are visited during an excursion beyond the frontiers of Italy; a setting for visiting cottages of the poor.

  • Parents spend a week on the shores of the Lake of Como.
  • Narrator’s mother and narrator visit a poor cottage in a vale/foldings near the lake.
Chapter 1

Milan

A city near which the narrator’s father goes by himself; the poor cottage is visited after that. Also referenced as the origin of Elizabeth’s noble lineage.

  • The narrator’s mother visits the poor abode when the father has gone by himself to Milan.
  • Elizabeth is described as the daughter of a Milanese nobleman.
Chapter 1

our villa (parents’ villa hall)

The narrator’s family residence; includes a hall where Elizabeth is found playing with him and where she is integrated into family life.

  • Father returns and finds Elizabeth playing with the narrator in the hall of their villa.
  • Elizabeth becomes the inmate of the parents’ house and companion of their occupations and pleasures.
Chapter 1

a poor cot in the foldings of a vale

A singularly disconsolate poor cottage setting associated with penury and five hungry babes.

  • Narrator’s mother notices the cot during a walk with the narrator.
  • She finds a peasant couple distributing a scanty meal to five hungry babes.
Chapter 1

Belrive (eastern shore of the lake)

A campagne on the eastern shore of the lake near Geneva; described as the main residence in seclusion and later the location near which the family witnesses a storm and seeks scientific interest.

  • Family resettles to a house near Belrive after the birth of the second son.
  • Thunderstorm occurs while they are retired to their house near Belrive.
Chapter 2

the lake near Geneva

A lake associated with the eastern shore where Belrive lies; used as part of the description of the family’s Swiss home.

  • Belrive is identified as being across the lake’s eastern shore from Geneva.
  • Victor contemplates calm waters at Lausanne and later travels by road along its side toward Geneva.
  • Victor crosses the lake in a boat during the storm to arrive at Plainpalais.
Chapter 2

Jura

A mountain range behind which the storm advances.

  • Thunderstorm advances from behind the mountains of Jura.
  • Observed from the lake as they coasts opposite banks.
Chapter 2

the old and beautiful oak

An oak tree near the family’s house, struck by lightning; later found destroyed in a peculiar way.

  • Lightning turns a stream of fire into the oak; the tree disappears, leaving only a blasted stump.
  • Next morning, the tree is found shattered into thin ribbons of wood.
Chapter 2
Secondary 14

Lucerne

A town where Beaufort retreats to live unknown and in wretchedness with his daughter.

Reuss

A river used as a geographic reference point near the house where Beaufort hides.

Naples

A city where the narrator is born.

Austria

A country referenced as imprisoning the Italian father of Elizabeth’s orphan status; dungeons and confiscation occur under its power.

the frontiers of Italy (beyond)

Border region referenced as the route for an excursion when narrator is about five years old.

a mean street near the Reuss

Specific neighborhood in Lucerne-like geographic context where Beaufort’s house is located—described as mean and associated with misery.

a cottage (peasant abode)

The specific peasant home containing the family and the hungry children; described as penury in its worst shape.

the Swiss home

The family’s Swiss dwelling environment, surrounded by mountains and seasonal natural scenery.

Roncesvalles

A chivalric setting referenced through the play-acting and masquerades Clerval tries to stage.

the Round Table of King Arthur

Arthurian legend referenced as inspiration for Clerval’s plays and masquerades.

Roncesvalles / Round Table tradition (masquerades)

General chivalric/moral-theatrical context; not a distinct location but a narrative setting for childhood games.

Thonon

A Swiss location whose nearby baths are the destination of a pleasure trip mentioned in the narrator’s youth.

the baths near Thonon

A bathing destination near Thonon; part of the excursion during which weather keeps them inside an inn.

an inn near the baths (Thonon trip)

A lodging where the family stays during bad weather on the trip; depicted as the place where the narrator finds a volume of Cornelius Agrippa.

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