Throughout the novel, Frankenstein does not take full responsibility for his actions. He doesn't believe that he has control over his decisions, but instead blames fate. Before telling his story to Walton, Frankenstein says that his "fate is nearly fulfilled" and that "nothing can alter [his] destiny." In fact, Frankenstein believes that his fate was already sealed by the age of fifteen, when during a storm he witnessed lightening strike a tree, leaving only a "blasted stump." This observation sparks an interest in Frankenstein and brings about his destiny:
Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible destruction.
In college, his professor's words are "the words of fate, enounced to destroy [him]." When discussing the books given to him by his professor, he states that this day "decided [his] future destiny." Yet, Frankenstein seems mistaken. It is Frankenstein's decision to read the books and use the knowledge as he does, which leads to his demise.
Similarly, Frankenstein's creation (the monster) uses the idea of fate to avoid taking full responsibility for his actions. He states that his rejection by Felix and his family leads to his miserable fate. When he decides to approach the family, he describe the conversation as "an interview with them which would decide my fate."
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