Question

In Frankenstein explain why Victor chooses to describe Oxford and Cumberland/Westmorland in much more detail than Matlock and Edinburgh, and only mentions Coupar, St. Andrew’s, and Perth. How do these descriptions affect the pacing of the story? How does this structure contribute to the overall visual impact of these descriptions? Provide examples and evidence from the text to support your responses.

Answer 1

.The Victor's journey from Europe to England is a significant moment for the character. He isplagued with guilt that he created a monster and fear that his family is not safe from themonster's revenge. During his visit to Oxford and Cumberland he wants to shake off thefeeling of impending doom from overcoming his whole being. He wanted, in fact, to distracthimself from the sights and places. However, in the latter part of this travel and his visit toEdinburgh and Matlock, Victor felt the tightening of his fear around him. He was notsuccessful in throwing off the heavy feeling and decided to focus on getting to Scotland tofinally finish his project. The character in this part limited his descriptions of the places to setanother mood or pace for the story. The mere mentioning of Coupar, Perth and St. Andrewsmerely suggests that these places have been a part of the journey but is irrelevant to thecharacter at the time when he is at his most stressful times