2.1.1
Role
Development I
Development I
Victor develops from an innocent and intellectual youth to an ambitious man, to a character motivated only by revenge. This highlights the inevitable downfall of someone who obsessively pursues knowledge.
A complex character
A complex character
- Shelley uses the character of Victor to challenge the reader's response to him as a protagonist.
- The readers feelings towards Victor change throughout the novel, especially as the narrative is transferred between different characters.
A victim
A victim
- Victor is introduced in Walton's initial letters.
- Victor is decribed as 'a European', in direct opposition to the Monster, who is 'a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island'.
- Victor is also described as 'a man on the brink of destruction', suggesting he is just an innocent victim of the creature.
- Walton aligns himself with Victor.
- Walton describes Victor as 'so noble a creature' with a 'cultivated' mind and 'unparalleled eloquence'.
A well-liked character
A well-liked character
- Victor is well-loved by his family and friends, and Professor Waldman quickly develops a liking for him.
- Victor's amiable character could suggest that he is ultimately a good man.
- Victor changes his mind regarding Walton's self-centred pursuits, advising him to 'avoid ambition', and appears to have learnt from his experiences.
- Victor's amiable character could suggest that he is ultimately a good man.
Criticism of society
Criticism of society
- Shelley could also be suggesting that the characters who fail to see Victor's flaws are themselves short-sighted.
- This could be Shelley's criticism of a society which prizes background and nobility above moral worth.
Development II
Development II
Victor develops from an innocent and intellectual youth to an ambitious man, to a character motivated only by revenge, highlighting the inevitable downfall from an obsessive pursuit of knowledge.
An arrogant character
An arrogant character
- The confidence with which Victor presents his ambition can come across as arrogant.
- Victor's neglect of his loving family and friends in pursuit of scientific glory makes him seem self-centred and callous.
A coward
A coward
- The reader begins to lose sympathy for Victor during Justine Moritz's trial.
- Victor repeatedly states his desire to intervene but entirely fails to take action.
- Victor refers to himself as the 'true murderer' of his brother William, voicing his sense of responsibility.
A villain
A villain
- In the Monster's narrative, Shelley presents the Monster as thoughtful, rational and eloquent.
- This presentation contrasts vastly with the way in which Victor has presented the Monster up to this point.
- Victor is cruel and violent towards the Monster, attacking him and insulting him with 'Abhorred monster!' and 'fiend'.
- Shelley calls the Monster's 'monstrosity' into question and encourages the reader to query the validity of Victor's own narrative, as well as his actions.
1Plot Summaries
1.1Volume I
2Characters
2.1Victor Frankenstein
2.2The Monster
3Key Themes
3.1Ambition & Pursuit of Knowledge
3.2Prejudice
3.4Companionship & Family
3.5Revenge
3.6Monstrosity
4Authorial Method
4.1Genre & Intertextuality
4.2Form & Structure
4.3Settings & Symbolism
4.4Imagery & Doubling
5Context
Jump to other topics
1Plot Summaries
1.1Volume I
2Characters
2.1Victor Frankenstein
2.2The Monster
3Key Themes
3.1Ambition & Pursuit of Knowledge
3.2Prejudice
3.4Companionship & Family
3.5Revenge
3.6Monstrosity
4Authorial Method
4.1Genre & Intertextuality
4.2Form & Structure
4.3Settings & Symbolism
4.4Imagery & Doubling
5Context
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