Frankenstein: The Journey to England

Weeks passed after I returned to Geneva, but I could not find the courage to begin my terrible work.I heard that a scientist in England had made new discoveries, and I knew I needed his knowledge to succeed.I often spent whole days alone on the lake in a little boat, watching the clouds and listening to the waves.

One day my father came to me and said gently, “My son, I have always hoped that you would marry Elizabeth.”“Perhaps you think of her only as a sister — tell me honestly, is there someone else?”“I love Elizabeth with all my heart,” I answered, “and all my hopes for the future are bound up in our marriage.”

But how could I marry while that terrible promise hung over me like a heavy chain?I had to finish my work first and let the monster leave with his companion; only then could I be free.So I told my father that I wished to travel to England for a while before the wedding.

My father agreed, and without telling me, he arranged for my friend Henry Clerval to meet me and travel with me.At first I was annoyed, because I wanted to be alone, but I soon felt grateful for my cheerful friend’s company.It was agreed that Elizabeth and I would marry as soon as I came back, and I said goodbye to her with a heavy heart.

Clerval and I travelled down the river Rhine in a boat, past green hills, ruined castles and little towns.Clerval was delighted by everything he saw; his eyes shone, and he spoke of the beauty of nature with deep feeling.I, on the other hand, could only watch the beautiful views in silence, because my mind was full of dark thoughts.

From Rotterdam we sailed across the sea, and on a clear morning I saw the white cliffs of the English coast.We sailed up the river Thames, and at last London appeared before us, with its crowds, towers and church spires.Clerval smiled at the city like a child, but I knew that my terrible task was waiting for me there.