Victor Frankenstein

English Lit: AQA GCSE Frankenstein, topic 6.1.1

Quotations about Victor

Here are some quotations highlighting key aspects of Victor's character.

'My mother's tender caresses and my father's smile of benevolent pleasure...'
Victor's childhood is full of love and affection, in contrast to his own treatment of the Monster.
'I was their plaything and their idol'
The word 'idol' warns about Victor's hubristic (boastful) nature and again juxtaposes with (contrasts with) his own views of the Monster.

'Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world.'
Victor sees himself surpassing the natural limitations of the world and improving it.
His pursuit of science is presented as a type of enlightenment using Biblical imagery. There is a suggestion that without this, the world is lacking.

'The summer months passed while I was thus engaged, heart and soul, in one pursuit.'
Victor is single-minded. Even though he has very supportive friends and family, his scientific endeavours lead him to neglect them.

Here are some quotations highlighting key aspects of Victor's character.

'But I, the true murderer, felt the never-dying worm alive in my bosom, which allowed of no hope or consolation.'
Victor seems to acknowledge his role in his brother William's death but does nothing to clear Justine's name.
Victor focuses on his own suffering, further highlighting how self-centred he has become.

'Do not return to your families with the stigma of disgrace marked on your brows. Return as heroes who have fought and conquered...'.
Despite warning Walton of the dangers of ambition, Victor gives this rousing speech to the crew, encouraging them to proceed with the journey despite its dangers.
This speech suggests that Victor has not learnt anything from his experiences and still values fame and glory above all else.

Which word in the quotation 'I was their plaything and their idol' anticipates Victor's hubristic (boastful) nature?
What kind of imagery suggests that Victor's pursuit of science is a type of enlightenment?
Who does Victor give this speech to?
'Do not return to your families with the stigma of disgrace marked on your brows. Return as heroes who have fought and conquered...'
What suggests that Victor has not learnt anything from his experiences and still values fame and glory above all else?