After the discovery of the body, a servant had found in Justine's pocket a picture of Caroline Frankenstein last seen in William's possession. Victor proclaims Justine's innocence, but the evidence against her seems irrefutable, and Victor refuses to explain himself for fear that he will be labeled insane.
Justine confesses to the crime, believing that she will thereby gain salvation, but tells Elizabeth and Victor that she is innocent and miserable. They remain convinced of her innocence, but Justine is soon executed. Victor becomes consumed with guilt, knowing that the monster he created has now caused the deaths of two members of his family.
After Justine's execution, Victor becomes increasingly sad. He considers suicide but restrains himself by thinking of Elizabeth and his father. Victor decides to travel to the summit of Montanvert, hoping that the view of a pure, eternal, beautiful natural scene will revive his spirits. Victor goes to a glacier where he spots a creature loping toward him at incredible speed. At closer range, he recognizes clearly the grotesque shape of the monster. He issues futile threats of attack to the monster, whose enormous strength and speed allow him to elude Victor easily. Victor curses him and tells him to go away, but the monster, speaking eloquently, persuades him to accompany him to a fire in a cave of ice. Inside the cave, the monster begins to narrate the events of his life.
The monster explains how he secretly observed a family and through listening to their conversations is able to learn the language. He grew very fond of this family and even went to the lengths of stealing food and gathering wood to help this family that is suffering with poverty. He after learning how to read and speak the language then decides to approach the old man because he realizes the man will be welcoming towards him despite his horrific apperance. As he is in mid conversation with the man the rest of the family returns and drives the monster out of their home.
