Chapter Nine begins with Victor in a deep depression, even considering suicide, after the death of William and execution of Justine. Realizing Victor’s poor state, Alphonse takes the family on a trip to Belrive. The place’s beautiful scenery gives Victor momentary bliss. However, the depression resurfaces, so he later decides to travel on his own to Montavert hoping the scenery will cheer him up again. He takes in the beauty of the mountains and glaciers and is somewhat comforted by the “sublime” view.
Seconds later, Victor sees an obscure figure running across the glacier who he then determines to be his monster. The monster eventually convinces Victor to come into his cave and listen to his story. The narration then switches to Frankenstein’s monster. He tells of his difficult life ever since his creation and coming to the realization that he had to distance himself from humans because they feared him so much. He eventually finds shelter in a hut next to a cabin where he watches a young man and woman and an old man through a hole in the wall.
The monster notices that the young man, Felix, seems unhappy. One day, however, when a girl named Safie moves into the cabin, Felix immediately cheers up. As Felix teaches Safie English, the monster watches and learns along, as well. The monster learns about humanity from watching those in the cottage as well as from the books he finds, most notably, Paradise Lost by John Milton, with which he sees many connections with his own life. The monster also finds in his coat old pages from Victor’s journal, which reveals to the monster how ugly and frightening his own creator thought he was, upsetting the monster even more.
Due to his continuing feelings of isolation and loneliness, Felix attempts to meet the cottagers. However, when he tries to talk to the old blind man while the others are out, Felix unexpectedly comes back and forces the monster out of the house. After this incident, the monster vows to take revenge on all humans, his creator in particular.
The monster then describes to Victor how he murdered William when he found out he was related to Victor, and purposefully placed the picture of Caroline in Justine’s pocket in order to frame her for the murder. After disclosing his life story to Victor, the monster tells Victor that he will not end his murderous rage until Victor creates a female companion for him. He promises to move to South America and live in the jungles with her so that he will no longer have the urge to murder. Victor eventually reluctantly agrees.

“It is a scene terribly desolate. In a thousand spots the traces of winter avalanche may be perceived, where tree lie broken and strewed on the ground; some entirely destroyed, others bent, leaning upon the jutting rocks of the mountain or transversely upon other trees. The path, as you ascend higher, is intersected by ravines of snow, down which stones continually roll from above; one of them is particularly dangerous, as the slightest sound, such as even speaking in a loud voice, produces a concussion of air sufficient to draw destruction upon the head of the speaker. The pines are not tall or luxuriant, but they are sombre and add an air of severity to the scene” (66-7).
This passage describes just how much Victor is in awe of nature and its beauty. It is interesting that he finds comfort in nature after “messing” with science and creating an ugly, murderous, monster as a result. Nature clearly brings Victor more comfort than does science at this point in the novel. The passage also contains a bit of irony. He describes the scene as “desolate” and “sombre”, many of the emotions he has been feeling in his depression. However, these feelings, when seen in nature, become beautiful. It is as if Victor comes to terms with and is comforted by the fact that nature is all-encompassing and more powerful than he.