Frankenstein: The Doctor, Chapters 1 - 2

Frankenstein: The Doctor, Chapters 1 - 2

Victor Frankenstein: Chapter 1

The stranger, who the reader soon learns is Victor Frankenstein, begins his narration. He starts with his family background, birth, and early childhood, telling Walton about his father, Alphonse, and his mother, Caroline.

Frankenstein describes how his childhood companion, Elizabeth Lavenza, entered his family. Elizabeth is Victor’s cousin, the daughter of Alphonse’s sister; when Victor is four years old, Elizabeth’s mother dies and Elizabeth is adopted into the Frankenstein family. 

Victor's Early Days: Chapter 2

Elizabeth and Victor grow up together as best friends. Victor’s friendship with Henry Clerval, a schoolmate and only child, flourishes as well, and he spends his childhood happily surrounded by this close domestic circle. 

Victor's childhood, although marked with some tragedy (his mother dies of scarlet fever), is always quickly alleviated by the presence of a close, loving family. 

So...Victor Frankenstein DID know love and particularly the love and importance of family. Remember this.

The many faces of Dr. Frankenstein

Important Quote

"It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of man that occupied me, still my enquiries were directed to (...) the physical secrets of the world."

Open Ended

If Victor grew up knowing love, and the love of family and friends, why do you think he would create a life and then promptly abandon him?