Student Question
What are the initial impressions of Victor Frankenstein and his family in Frankenstein? How do Victor and Elizabeth compare?
Quick answer:
Victor Frankenstein initially appears ambitious, driven by a desire to distinguish himself, influenced by his family's honor and reputation. His father, a man of character, sets high expectations for him. Victor's relationship with Elizabeth, who enters their family like a "present," reveals his possessive nature; he sees her as more than a cousin, desiring her as his own. While Victor is passionate and prone to temper, Elizabeth is calm and gentle, highlighting their contrasting personalities.
We can see Victor’s desire to make something of himself, and his need to possess Elizabeth.
Victor begins by telling us that his family is very important. His ancestors have been in Geneva for a long time, and therefore his family is “one of the distinguished of that republic” (Ch. 1). By beginning this way, Victor establishes his father’s “honor and reputation” and explains, in a way, why he would set out to make a name for himself. The reader might understand why a young man of extraordinary ability would be stifled by so much public respectability.
Victor also points out that his father married a penniless woman, the daughter of a dear friend who had fallen into disgrace but paid his debts. The story is one of honor, and demonstrates Victor’s father’s character. He has a lot to live up to.
The story of how Elizabeth came to...
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be in Victor’s house is almost like a fairy tale, and she is described almost as a possession in half-joking terms by everyone. Victor’s mother calls her a “present,” but Victor seems to feel very strongly on the matter, definitely seeing her as more than a cousin from a young age.
No word, no expression could body forth the kind of relation in which she stood to me—my more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only. (Ch. 1)
That Victor wants to possess Elizabeth is clear. He does not see her as a sister or a cousin. As young as he is, he is already infatuated with her, and his self-centered nature is clear. He wants her for his own.
Victor describes himself as having a sometimes violent temper, and Elizabeth as calm and gentle. Passionate, he devoted himself to learning, possibly to put his temper and passions to good use. Victor describes his education as varied and complex. He read fantasy and mysticism as well as science. He read anything that he thought would make him understand the world better, and was only happy when he was studying.
Her victory was announced by an unusual tranquillity and gladness of soul, which followed the relinquishing of my ancient and latterly tormenting studies. (Ch. 2)
Looking back, Victor realizes that this was his doom. He should have lived his life, and not pursued his studies so much. If he had, he might not have done what he did, and caused himself and others so much pain. Of course, Victor is also egotistical enough to chalk it all up to destiny, which he says “decreed my utter and terrible destruction” (Ch 2). Ultimately, Victor does not take full responsibility because he can’t.