Frankenstein: Volume I - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Victor becomes engrossed in his studies, where laboratory work particularly fascinates him and he is often there for days on end. Victor is so distracted by his studies that he does not visit his family in Geneva. He becomes fascinated with the human body and has a 'supernatural enthusiasm' for the 'principle of life' and death. He begins pillaging graveyards for specimens to use for his dissections and after endless work, discovering the secret to life. Victor begins to construct a creature and envisions a new race of species. He becomes obsessed with his work and is encouraged by the thought of fame and glory, so much so that he isolates himself from his studies, social life and family. Victor briefly thinks about his father, who he has not contacted in a year, but deludes himself into thinking that his father will understand and approve of his work.

What makes it gothic?

• Mystery - Will Victor create life? Or even a race of beings?
• The Supernatural - Going against the natural way, the 'undead'
• The pursued protagonist - Victor is pursued by his own mind, knowledge and imagination
• Psychology - Obsession: Is Victor insane?