Question

In the novel, Victor says “The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore my bosom and would not forgo their hold.” (Chapter 8) Why does Victor claim he is suffering worse than the accused, and how does this add to his characterization? Explain your thinking using complete sentences.

Answer 1

Victor Frankenstein believes his suffering is worse than the accused's because of his deep remorse and guilt, which accentuates his internal conflict and the repercussions of his actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Victor Frankenstein compares his suffering to that of an accused person's tortures.

Victor claims he is suffering worse than the accused because while the accused has innocence to sustain her, he is continuously tormented by the fangs of remorse for his own actions that led to the suffering of others.

His deep sense of guilt reveals the psychological torture he endures because of his role in creating the Creature and the subsequent horror it causes.

This adds to his characterization by highlighting his internal conflict and his recognition of the consequences of playing God, which deepens the reader's understanding of his complex character.