Exploring Victor Frankenstein's Influences: A Narrative Perspective
Victor Frankenstein's Influences and Experiences
Frankenstein Chapter 2, Excerpt 2
By Mary Shelley
Victor Frankenstein continues recounting the influences that lead to his great experiment. In this excerpt, we learn about a significant event that impacted Victor's mindset and changed the course of his studies.
An accident during Victor's childhood sparked a sudden change in his interests. The violent thunderstorm he witnessed near Belrive, accompanied by a striking display of lightning, left a lasting impression on him. The destruction of a beautiful oak tree by a stream of fire ignited Victor's curiosity and introduced him to the mysterious forces of electricity.
Before this incident, Victor was familiar with basic principles of electricity. However, the catastrophic event led him to a deeper exploration of the subject. A knowledgeable natural philosopher present at the scene introduced Victor to groundbreaking theories on electricity and galvanism, overshadowing the influence of his childhood idols such as Cornelius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelsus.
This experience marked a turning point for Victor. He abandoned his former interests in natural history and embraced the study of mathematics, viewing it as a more reliable and substantial field of knowledge. The destruction of his idols and the disillusionment with his previous pursuits fueled Victor's shift towards a new scientific path.
Possible Narrative Topics
Based on this excerpt, several narrative topics could be explored using supporting details:
- Victor’s experience studying a new science: The influence of the thunderstorm incident on Victor's transition to studying electricity and galvanism.
- The reason Victor's childhood heroes are the cause of his destruction: How the revelation of new scientific knowledge shattered Victor's admiration for his idols.
- Victor sees himself as all-powerful: Victor's changing perspective on his intellectual abilities and the pursuit of knowledge.
- Victor wishing he had a different relationship with his father: The impact of Victor's evolving scientific interests on his family dynamics and personal relationships.
Question
Which of the following topics could be used to write a narrative using supporting details from this excerpt?
Answer
The reason Victor's childhood heroes are the cause of his destruction.