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Posted by akannan on Sunday October 18, 2009 at 5:36 AMBest answer as selected by question asker.
At the point of chapter 5 in the novel, Victor's endeavors represent a change in perception from old to new. The fact this is the moment when he finishes his creation is a symbolic instant of changing from old to new. Victor's new methods of science and scientific inquiry have supplanted the "old" ways of perceiving life as creation. This is a moment where a new order has been adopted. Another moment of old being replaced by new can be seen in Victor's reception to the monster, itself. The "old" way of welcoming creation into the world is completely reversed with Victor's reaction to it. Upon seeing his "hideous progeny," Victor abandons it and runs away. This is not traditionalist notions of rearing children, which demand loyalty and personal responsibility. A sad and new approach to raising children has been enacted through Victor's actions. When the monster stands over his bed and smiles, and Victor runs away in horror, a new scenario has emerged when parents abandon children who are left to raise themselves.

