Chapter 19

In London, Victor seeks scientific information for his grim task while feeling isolated and tormented by his past.

Victor contrasts Clerval's enthusiastic pursuits with his own secret anguish as he begins gathering materials for his new creation.

An invitation from a friend in Scotland prompts Victor and Clerval to plan a tour of northern England and Scotland.

The journey north begins with a visit to Windsor's forest and the historic, picturesque city of Oxford.

Victor's enjoyment of Oxford is embittered by his misery, and even moments of inspiration are quickly extinguished by despair.

A painful memory drives them from Matlock, but they find two months of relative peace in the mountains of Cumberland.

Leaving Cumberland, Victor is consumed by paranoia that the monster will take revenge on his family for the delay.

Upon arriving in Scotland, Victor, impatient to begin his work, tells Clerval he wishes to continue his tour alone.

After parting from Clerval, Victor travels to the northern highlands and chooses one of the remotest Orkney islands for his work.

Victor hires a miserable hut, establishes a routine of labor and solitary walks, and contrasts the desolate landscape with Switzerland.

As the work progresses, Victor is sickened by the filthy process and grows increasingly restless, nervous, and fearful.