The Frankenstein De Lacey Family Tree?

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In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the monster observes and falls in love with the De Lacey family, an exiled French family. The family consists of an old blind man, his son, Felix, and daughter Agatha. De Lacey, who is blind, is a kind and gentle man who is a Parisian-turned-blind-peasant. He is the only person the monster sees from a patriarchal perspective, harboring the equivalent of a woman.

The monster observes the De Lacey family while hiding, learning how to speak and interact by observing them over a period of months. The De Lacey family is a household of three members: the blind father, his son, Felix, and his daughter, Agatha. They were exiled from France after Felix had helped Safie’s father. The monster takes secret refuge in a hovel adjoining their cottage in Germany.

The De Lacey family is presented as sympathetic characters, impoverished and struggling to make ends meet. They are self-sacrificing and self-sacrificing. The monster observes that Felix often looks forlorn until his beloved Safie finally arrives at the De Lacey family.

The De Lacey family is a central part of the plot, as they are essential to the plot. The monster observes that Felix often looks forlorn until his beloved Safie finally arrives at the De Lacey family. The two young De Laceys, Felix and Agatha, are also in love with a Turkish woman named Safie.

The De Lacey family is a significant part of the story, as they are the only family members who are not visible to the monster. The monster learns about the importance of belonging, kindness, and socialization from the De Lacey family, which is portrayed as kind, gentle, and self-sacrificing.

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📹 Quickfire Quotes: The De Lacey Family

… function of the De Lacey family in Frankenstein. This video offers key quotations and opportunities to unpack Shelley’s intention.


Why Did Frankenstein Attack DeLacey'S Family
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Why Did Frankenstein Attack DeLacey'S Family?

The conversation between the monster and De Lacey abruptly ends when the De Lacey family enters and attacks him out of fear, igniting the monster’s anger toward his creator, Frankenstein. Observing them through a hole in his dwelling, the monster initially experiences despair when the De Lacey family moves away but quickly succumbs to rage. In his fury, he destroys their garden and sets fire to their cottage. A pivotal moment occurs in Chapter 15, where, having grown fond of the family, the monster wishes to make contact, especially with the blind De Lacey while Felix, Agatha, and Safie are gone.

However, when the family discovers the monster holding the elder’s hand, they react with horror; Felix violently attacks him, fearing for his father’s safety. The family’s rejection devastates the creature, reinforcing his feelings of hatred and revenge, as they were his only hope for acceptance. The De Lacey family, once prosperous but exiled from Paris, signifies the themes of isolation and the longing for connection in "Frankenstein." The monster learns about sympathy and humanity through observing them, yet his rejection underscores the tragedy of his existence, culminating in mutual suffering. Ultimately, the creature’s plea for acceptance is met with nothing but fear and violence.

Why Is The DeLacey Family Poor In Frankenstein
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Why Is The DeLacey Family Poor In Frankenstein?

De Lacey is the blind father of a French peasant family, consisting of his children, Felix and Agatha. Once affluent, the family lost their wealth after being wrongfully exiled from Paris due to Felix's attempt to assist Safie's father, a Turkish merchant. This act of justice led to their downfall, as the merchant's treachery ensured the De Laceys were stripped of their fortune and forced into a life of poverty.

The family now struggles to survive in their cottage, where they live in near-starvation, relying on subsistence farming and showing great self-sacrifice, often giving whatever food they have to ensure De Lacey's health.

Despite their wretched circumstances, De Lacey’s forgiving nature and unconditional love for his children persist; he does not blame Felix for their plight. The Creature, observing the family, learns about compassion and human relationships, developing sympathy for their struggles. De Lacey, blind and unable to see the Creature's monstrous appearance, serves as a representation of inherent goodness in humanity, while the family's strong bonds offer a poignant contrast to the Creature’s own isolation. This dynamic further highlights the themes of acceptance and love, crucial elements in Shelley's "Frankenstein," as the family navigates their plight with resilience amidst a cruel world.

Who Is The De Lacey Family In Frankenstein
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Who Is The De Lacey Family In Frankenstein?

The De Lacey family is a central element in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," consisting of the blind father, M. De Lacey, and his children, Felix and Agatha. Once affluent nobility, the family has been reduced to poverty after their wrongful exile from Paris. They reside in a cottage in the woods, where the creature secretly observes and learns from them, particularly admiring the warmth and kindness they display towards one another, which shapes his understanding of companionship and belonging.

M. De Lacey's blindness renders him unaware of the creature's presence; however, he represents compassion and gentility. The creature becomes attached to the family, longing for acceptance and friendship, especially from De Lacey. Felix, the son, is in love with Safie and aims to aid her father’s escape while Agatha exemplifies self-sacrifice and care.

Tragically, the creature is met with horror and hatred when he eventually reveals himself to the family, leading to a vengeful response that results in the destruction of their cottage. Despite their struggles, the De Laceys symbolize the potential for human kindness, further emphasized by the creature’s tragic longing for connection, which remains unfulfilled throughout the narrative. Thus, the De Lacey family provides insight into themes of isolation, empathy, and the desire for acceptance within the framework of the novel.

Where Can I Find The Delacey Family In Frankenstein
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Where Can I Find The Delacey Family In Frankenstein?

The DeLacey Family appears in Volume 2 of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, playing a crucial role in the moral and emotional development of the monster. While their interactions with the monster are limited, the family profoundly influences his understanding of kindness, socialization, and belonging. The DeLaceys consist of blind patriarch De Lacey, and his children, Felix and Agatha, who were once affluent in France before being exiled and stripped of their wealth. The monster observes them from a hidden hovel, learning to speak and empathize with their struggles.

De Lacey, described as kind and gentle, becomes a source of comfort for the creature, who admires the family’s mutual care and affection. This observational learning fuels the monster's desire to connect with humans. He aids the DeLaceys by secretly gathering food and firewood, showcasing his goodwill despite his tragic appearance.

The contrasting backstories of the DeLacey family and the monster—one facing misfortune due to exile, the other shunned due to his grotesque form—underline themes of isolation and the innate human need for companionship. Ultimately, the monster's hope for acceptance leads to despair when he is rejected, illustrating the devastating consequences of social exclusion and the longing for familial connection in a world that shuns him.

What Happens To The De Lacey Family Chapter 16
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What Happens To The De Lacey Family Chapter 16?

By the time the monster reaches the cottage, the De Lacey family has already vacated, fearing for the old man's safety due to the monster's presence. Felix is seen terminating the lease, marking the end of the monster's frail connection to humanity. This abandonment ignites the monster's rage and desire for revenge. In a fit of anger, he sets fire to the cottage, effectively destroying his last hope for acceptance. The De Lacey family’s departure is a result of their horror-filled experiences, especially after Felix and Agatha react with terror upon encountering the monster.

The creature had initially approached the blind De Lacey, believing he could win him over while the others were away. However, the family's fear leads them to abandon the cottage, leaving the monster feeling rejected and isolated. This rejection deepens his anguish and fury, propelling him toward Geneva in pursuit of Victor Frankenstein. In the aftermath, while the monster burns down the cottage, he contemplates the loss of potential companionship and the harsh reality of his existence.

The De Lacey family's decision to flee and the monster's destructive act illuminate themes of isolation and revenge in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," encapsulating the tragic consequences of alienation and misunderstanding. The final link to society severed, the monster’s wrath sets him on a dark path, determined to confront his creator.

Who Are The De Laceys In Frankenstein A2
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Who Are The De Laceys In Frankenstein A2?

The De Lacey family in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" consists of De Lacey, a blind father, his son Felix, and his daughter Agatha, who are exiled French peasants living in a cottage in Germany. The creature, seeking refuge, secretly observes them from a nearby hovel and educates himself by listening to their interactions, particularly with a woman named Safie. The De Laceys were once affluent but lost their wealth due to wrongful exile from Paris.

De Lacey, described as kind-hearted, plays a crucial role, as he is unable to judge the creature by its hideous appearance, unlike his children and Safie, who react with fear and shock upon confronting the creature.

Throughout the novel, the creature admires the love and respect the De Lacey family displays towards one another, which makes him long for companionship and acceptance. He learns to speak and understand emotions by watching them interact. However, when the creature attempts to connect with De Lacey, his family reacts violently, further deepening the creature's sense of isolation and driving him towards revenge for the injustices he has faced.

This family embodies both the potential for human compassion and the tragic consequences of societal prejudice. The De Laceys significantly influence the creature's understanding of humanity, illustrating the themes of acceptance and the nature of monstrosity throughout the narrative.

Who Are The De Lacey Family
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Who Are The De Lacey Family?

The De Lacey family, an exiled peasant family in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," consists of the blind father, De Lacey, and his children, Felix and Agatha. The family has historical ties to an ancient Norman lineage, originating from Lassy, Calvados, which participated in the Norman Conquest of England and the subsequent invasion of Ireland. The family's notable ancestor is Hugh de Lacy (1020–1085), with the name documented since then. Though once wealthy, the De Laceys now struggle in poverty and live in a cottage in exile, where they are observed by the Monster.

Throughout several months, the Monster learns to speak and understand human interaction by watching their kindness and mutual care. Due to his blindness, De Lacey cannot see the Monster’s grotesque appearance, allowing for a unique bond to form between them. The family’s experiences illustrate themes of belonging and compassion, emphasizing the Monster's desire for acceptance.

The De Lacey family's plight, along with their self-sacrifice and resilience, makes them sympathetic characters within the narrative. Their adversity highlights the human experience of caring for one another amidst struggles. The De Lacey family not only serves as a crucial point of emotional connection in the Monster's journey but also acts as a representation of lost nobility due to misfortune. Overall, they embody the essence of humanity that the Monster yearns to understand and be part of, fostering a deep admiration within him.

What Does De Lacey Represent In Frankenstein
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What Does De Lacey Represent In Frankenstein?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the De Lacey family symbolizes inherent goodness in humanity, contrasting sharply with the prejudice the monster faces. As a blind man, De Lacey cannot see the monster's terrible appearance and responds with kindness and acceptance rather than horror. This crucial interaction, particularly in Chapter 15, illustrates the noble qualities of the old man, who has a gentle demeanor and is described as descending from a good family. The De Lacey family consists of the blind father and his children, Felix and Agatha, who embody themes of isolation, compassion, and familial bonds.

The monster, observing the De Laceys secretly, learns about humanity, love, and emotional depth from their struggles. He admires their music and warmth, wishing to connect with them. Unfortunately, when he finally approaches De Lacey, the family reacts in shock due to their prejudices, leading to hostility. The monster’s complex emotions—ranging from joy to despair—reflect his tumultuous existence as he yearns for acceptance. Through De Lacey's character, Shelley illustrates the idea that genuine human goodness can exist free from societal bias.

The family's challenges represent the romantic ideal of resilience and emotional bonds, positioning the De Laceys as pivotal figures in the narrative, influencing the monster's understanding of societal norms and human relationships.

Why Is The De Lacey Family Poor
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Why Is The De Lacey Family Poor?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the De Lacey family, once prominent and affluent in France, faces ruin due to their support for Safie's father, a Turkish merchant who was unjustly imprisoned by the Parisian government. This act of compassion led to their downfall, as Felix De Lacey's efforts to free Safie's father infuriated the authorities. Consequently, the family was stripped of their property and exiled north, forced to live a life of severe poverty and near-starvation as subsistence farmers.

The family consists of De Lacey, the blind patriarch, and his children, Felix and Agatha. As the Creature observes them over time, he witnesses their struggle and kindness towards one another despite their dire circumstances. The sight of their poverty and unhappiness deeply impacts the Creature, who, in a bid to alleviate their suffering, begins gathering wood for them. He learns that their sadness primarily stems from their economic plight and the old man's blindness.

Initially privileged, the De Laceys are now reduced to seeking basic sustenance, living in constant hardship. The family's fall from grace serves as a poignant reflection on societal injustices and compassion, profoundly affecting the Creature, who yearns for acceptance and connection despite being ostracized by society and his own creator.


📹 Video SparkNotes: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein summary

Check out Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Video SparkNote: Quick and easy Frankenstein synopsis, analysis, and discussion of …


Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

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