Many weeks passed after Victor Frankenstein returned to Geneva. Victor Frankenstein did not want to start his work again. Victor Frankenstein was afraid of the monster (a scary, giant creature he created). Victor Frankenstein did not want to build a second creature. He felt a strong repugnance (a feeling of strong dislike or disgust) for the task.
Victor Frankenstein needed to study for many months. He needed to learn how to make a female creature. Victor Frankenstein heard about a clever man in England. This man knew many things about science. Victor Frankenstein wanted to visit England to learn from him. But Victor Frankenstein waited for a long time.
Victor Frankenstein felt better and stronger now. Sometimes Victor Frankenstein felt very sad and lonely. At those times, Victor Frankenstein went to the lake. He sat in a small boat alone for many hours. The fresh air and the sun made Victor Frankenstein feel better. He smiled more when he was with his friends.
One day, Alphonse Frankenstein called Victor Frankenstein to talk. Alphonse Frankenstein was happy to see Victor Frankenstein outside. But Alphonse Frankenstein saw that Victor Frankenstein was still unhappy. Alphonse Frankenstein wanted to know the reason. He asked Victor Frankenstein to tell him the truth.
Alphonse Frankenstein wanted Victor Frankenstein to marry Elizabeth Lavenza. Alphonse Frankenstein thought they loved each other like brother and sister. Alphonse Frankenstein asked if Victor Frankenstein loved another woman. He did not want Victor Frankenstein to feel forced to marry Elizabeth Lavenza. Alphonse Frankenstein wanted his son to be happy.
Victor Frankenstein looked at Alphonse Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein said he loved Elizabeth Lavenza very much. No other woman was as good as Elizabeth Lavenza. Victor Frankenstein wanted to marry Elizabeth Lavenza. He hoped for a happy future with her.
Alphonse Frankenstein was very happy to hear this. He suggested a wedding very soon. But Victor Frankenstein was very afraid. Victor Frankenstein could not marry Elizabeth Lavenza yet. Victor Frankenstein made a promise to the monster. He had to finish his work first.
Victor Frankenstein told Alphonse Frankenstein about the trip to England. Victor Frankenstein did not tell the true reason for the trip. He said he wanted to see new places. Alphonse Frankenstein was glad that Victor Frankenstein wanted to travel. Alphonse Frankenstein hoped the trip would make Victor Frankenstein happy.
Victor Frankenstein planned to be away for one year. Alphonse Frankenstein made a plan with Elizabeth Lavenza. They asked Henry Clerval to go with Victor Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein was happy to see his friend Henry Clerval. But Victor Frankenstein also wanted to be alone to do his work.
Victor Frankenstein hoped the monster would follow him to England. If the monster followed him, the Frankenstein family would be safe. Victor Frankenstein felt like a slave (a person who is not free and must work for another). He had to do what the monster wanted.
Victor Frankenstein left Geneva in September. Elizabeth Lavenza was sad to see Victor Frankenstein go. Victor Frankenstein got into a carriage (a large box on wheels pulled by horses). He brought his science tools with him. Victor Frankenstein did not look at the beautiful trees. He only thought about his scary work.
Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval met in the city of Strasburgh. They traveled down the Rhine River in a boat. Henry Clerval was very happy. Henry Clerval loved the sun and the birds. But Victor Frankenstein was very sad. He had many dark thoughts.
The river was very beautiful. Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval saw many castles (very large, old stone houses for kings) on the hills. They saw many vineyards (fields where people grow grapes for wine). The workers in the fields sang songs. Victor Frankenstein felt a little peace as he looked at the blue sky.
Henry Clerval loved nature very much. Henry Clerval looked at the tall rocks and the dark woods. He was a very kind and good friend. Victor Frankenstein is very sad now because Henry Clerval is dead. Victor Frankenstein remembers the words of his friend. Henry Clerval’s spirit still visits Victor Frankenstein today.
The boat went past the city of Cologne. Then Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval went to Holland. They arrived at a place called Rotterdam. They took a ship across the sea to England. It was a cold morning in December. Victor Frankenstein saw the white cliffs of Britain.
They saw the river Thames. The land near the river was flat and green. They saw many small towns. Finally, Victor Frankenstein saw the many tall buildings of London. He saw the big church called St. Paul’s. He saw the famous Tower of London. Victor Frankenstein was now in England.