Final answer:
Victor Frankenstein's character evolves from youthful ambition to tragic self-awareness due to the outcomes of his pursuit of knowledge, which is underscored by contrasting quotes from early in the narrative and Volume III, Chapter 7.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Victor undergoes significant changes in his perspective and demeanor over the course of the narrative. Early on, Victor is deeply engrossed in his academic pursuits and is blinded by his ambition, as evidenced by his early fascination with alchemy and achieving the grandiose, as shown in a quote from the beginning of the book where he revels in the potential to "penetrate the secrets of nature." However, by Volume III, Chapter 7, his tone has shifted to one of deep regret and self-awareness, a stark contrast highlighted by a quote reflecting on his obsessive quest, realizing that "Seeking knowledge for personal glory had blinded [him] to the consequences."
These two quotes illustrate that Victor's journey in the novel is marked by a transition from youthful arrogance and ambition to a tragic awareness and understanding of the ramifications of his actions. The juxtaposition of these quotes demonstrates how experiences and consequences can profoundly reshape a character's outlook, which Mary Shelley uses to convey themes of responsibility and the dangers of unchecked ambition.