Chapter 13

The beautiful Arabian Safie arrives on horseback; her presence disperses the family's sorrow and gives the creature the opportunity to learn language alongside her.

As Safie learns French from the De Laceys—speaking with the old man, taking guitar lessons—the creature profits from every lesson, improving faster than his pupil companion.

Through Felix's reading of Volney's Ruins of Empires to Safie, the creature acquires a sweeping view of human history—nations, governments, religions—and is filled with wonder and revulsion at mankind's mixture of virtue and vice.

Learning of property, rank, and descent, the creature turns these concepts toward himself—possessing no money, no friends, no kin—and asks with growing anguish: am I a monster, a blot upon the earth?

The arrival of Safie, who must learn French like the creature, provides an opportunity for him to accelerate his understanding of language and human expression.

Learning of parents, children, and family bonds, the creature realizes he has no father, no mother, no kin—only a blind vacancy where childhood should be—deepening his sense of singular wretchedness.

The creature briefly pauses his self-reflection to return to his beloved protectors' story, acknowledging its power to inspire indignation, delight, wonder, and above all, reverence.

The creature briefly entertains the possibility that Safie might become his companion, imagining a future where his virtues could overcome his physical appearance.

The creature learns the De Laceys were once prosperous in Paris, De Lacey a respected elder, Agatha a distinguished lady, Felix bred in his country's service—until the Turkish merchant's case destroyed them.