Final answer:
Victor is motivated to continue living by a strong sense of responsibility towards Bess, his own will to live, and a resolve to protect and seek justice. The idea of creating a better future for Bess provides him with the strength to confront his guilt and hardship.
Step-by-step explanation:
Victor is facing profound internal conflict, torn between the desire to escape his suffering and the drive to continue living. In the passages provided, we can infer that several key elements are keeping him going. The primary motivator appears to be a deep sense of responsibility and connection to others, especially Bess, whose life he feels he has impacted significantly. Despite the anguish Victor experiences, his inherent will to live and the human instinct for survival resonate powerfully, urging him onward.
Furthermore, Victor is fueled by a sense of purpose and a resolve to protect Bess from her past. He promises not to return her to the negative influences she wishes to escape from and instead provides a sense of safety and hope for a better future. This pledge not only bolsters Bess's spirit but seems to galvanize Victor's determination as well. Finally, an underlying quest for justice and truth seems to anchor Victor's perseverance. He confronts his guilt and seeks redemption by planning a future for Bess that is free from the shadows of her past. His personal growth and moral fortitude become the bedrock upon which he decides he must understand the full extent of Bess's history to move forward. The transformative challenges he faces act as a crucible, shaping him into a person who values life even in the midst of hardship.