In Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, the character of Victor Frankenstein receives four letters from his creature. These letters serve as a means of communication between the two, as the creature desperately tries to convey the suffering and isolation he has experienced since his creation.
In the first letter, the creature begs Victor to listen to his story and to understand the circumstances that have led him to this point. He explains that he has been shunned and rejected by society because of his appearance, and has been forced to live in hiding. Despite his initial kindness and desire to learn and understand the world around him, the creature has been met with nothing but fear and hatred from those he encounters.
In response, Victor is overwhelmed with guilt and regret for his actions. He had not considered the consequences of his actions and the impact they would have on the creature's life. He realizes that he has a moral obligation to listen to the creature's story and to try to make amends for the suffering he has caused.
In the second letter, the creature continues to plead with Victor to hear him out and to create a companion for him. He recognizes that his loneliness and isolation have contributed to his feelings of anger and despair, and he believes that having a companion would alleviate some of his suffering. Victor is hesitant at first, but ultimately agrees to try and create a female companion for the creature.
In the third letter, the creature expresses his frustration and disappointment when Victor fails to follow through on his promise. He feels betrayed and abandoned by Victor, and his anger and resentment towards him only grows. Victor realizes that he has let his fear and hesitation get in the way of fulfilling his promise to the creature. He feels guilty for not living up to his word and for causing the creature more pain and suffering.
In the fourth letter, the creature delivers an ultimatum to Victor. He tells him that if he does not create a companion for him, he will be forced to take matters into his own hands and create one himself. This threatens to further escalate the already volatile situation between the two. Victor is faced with a difficult decision: should he follow through on his promise and risk the potential consequences, or should he break his promise and potentially face the wrath of the creature?
Ultimately, Victor decides to follow through on his promise and creates a female companion for the creature. While this may not completely absolve him of his responsibility for the suffering he has caused, it is a step towards trying to make amends and to try and bring some measure of happiness to the creature's life.
In conclusion, the four letters in Frankenstein serve as a means of communication between Victor and the creature, and highlight the complex and multifaceted relationship between the two. Through these letters, the creature is able to express his feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger, while Victor is forced to confront his guilt and responsibility for the suffering he has caused. Despite the challenges and conflicts that arise between the two, there is also a sense of empathy and understanding that ultimately leads to a resolution.
