Frankenstein - Analysis of Volume 2 Chapter 6

Plot Summary

We learn the details of the cottagers’ past. We find out that the family is called De Lacey. They were a highly respected family in Paris, but lost their status and money because of Safie’s father, a Turkish merchant. He was imprisoned by the French government, and when Felix saw his unjust trial (which condemned him more based on religion than actual crime) he vowed to help him escape. Felix declined offers of monetary payment “with contempt”, instead asking if he could marry Safie. The merchant agreed and Safie wrote him many letters (which the creature copied and brought to Victor for proof of his story). Safie told him how her mother, a Christian Arab slave, had educated her on her religion, which allowed women more independence and status. Safie did not want to return to Asia to be one of a man’s many wives so was happy to marry a Christian like Felix. Her father was rescued and the three headed towards Turkey. Her father was in reality not going to let Felix and Safie be married, but was going to lead Felix on until he could run off back to Turkey with his daughter. Felix found out that De Lacey and Agatha had been imprisoned for his crime and gave himself up in hopes of freeing them. He was unsuccessful and was imprisoned for five months, losing their fortune and status. When they got out they were exiled, so found their cottage in Germany; this plus the loss of Safie made Felix…