What happens in Chapter 14 of Frankenstein?
The creature recounts the story of the De Lacey family, a narrative he has slowly assembled over time. The De Laceys — the elderly blind De Lacey, his son Felix, and daughter Agatha — once led a comfortable life in Paris. Their troubles began when a Turkish merchant, Safie's father, was unjustly sentenced to death by the French government, likely due to his wealth and religion. Outraged by this unfair judgment, Felix promised to help him and visited the imprisoned man secretly through a dungeon window. His determination grew stronger because of his feelings for Safie, the merchant's daughter, who came to see her father and whose gratitude moved Felix deeply. The Turk promised Safie's hand in marriage in exchange for Felix's loyalty. As they prepared for the escape, Safie sent Felix passionate letters with help from a French-speaking servant. The creature notes that he copied these letters while living in his hovel. Safie's mother, a Christian Arab enslaved by the Turks, raised her to value independence and intellect, which inspired Safie's wish to remain in Europe. Felix guided the Turk through France to Leghorn, where the merchant, while outwardly supporting the young lovers' hopes, secretly despised the thought of his daughter marrying a Christian and planned to take her away with him. When the French government discovered Felix's plan, De Lacey and Agatha were imprisoned. Felix surrendered himself to save them but was unsuccessful; the family was exiled, losing their wealth and eventually finding shelter in a German cottage. The treacherous Turk, upon learning of Felix's misfortune, left Italy with his daughter, sending only a small amount of money to Felix. When Safie found out about Felix's situation, she defied her father's orders to forget him, gathered jewels and money, and set off for Germany with an attendant from Leghorn. The attendant fell ill near their destination, but a local woman ensured that Safie made it to the De Lacey cottage safely.
Analysis
Chapter 14 unfolds as a reflective narrative where the creature shares the history of the De Laceys, a story that he feels has left a profound impact on him. He underscores the authenticity of his tale by stating, "I have copies of these letters, for I found means, during my residence in the hovel, to procure the implements of writing." This self-aware reference to documentary evidence mirrors the novel's broader epistolary style.
The chapter revolves around a series of betrayals and sacrifices. Felix's noble act of rescuing the Turk stands in sharp contrast to the Turk's calculated betrayal, while Safie's courageous defiance against her father highlights his oppressive nature. This moral duality gives the chapter a parable-like quality. The recurring theme of imprisonment—illustrated through the Turk's dungeon, De Lacey and Agatha's confinement, and Safie's metaphorical entrapment in a harem—links physical restraint to social and gender oppression.
Safie's mother is a significant thematic element: her legacy of intellectual independence and religious freedom shapes Safie's choices and introduces a feminist critique of the "bondage" women endure under patriarchal and religious systems. The tone of the chapter shifts from romantic during Felix and Safie's courtship to bitter, reflecting the Turk's ingratitude and echoing Felix's emotional journey from idealistic hero to the "most miserable of his family."
Key quotes from Chapter 14
“it was judged that his religion and wealth rather than the crime alleged against him had been the cause of his condemnation.”
The creature explains why Parisians viewed the Turkish merchant's death sentence as unjust.
“She instructed her daughter in the tenets of her religion and taught her to aspire to higher powers of intellect and an independence of spirit forbidden to the female followers of Muhammad.”
The creature describes the lessons Safie's Christian Arab mother passed on to her before dying.
“He could have endured poverty, and while this distress had been the meed of his virtue, he gloried in it; but the ingratitude of the Turk and the loss of his beloved Safie were misfortunes more bitter and irreparable.”
The creature reflects on why Felix was the most miserable member of the De Lacey family when first observed.
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