Chapter 12

The Creature, hiding in a hovel beside a cottage, observes the tender routines of a poor but loving family through winter into spring. He learns of their poverty, secretly helps by gathering wood and clearing snow, and begins to decipher language and reading, delighting in the discovery. Moved by their kindness yet aware of his own deformity after a shocking glimpse of his reflection, he resolves to master speech before revealing himself. As spring arrives, hope brightens his spirits and he imagines winning their favor.