Final answer:
At Plainpalais, Victor Frankenstein discovered that his younger brother William had been murdered, likely by the monster he created, leading to a reflection on the themes of creation, responsibility, and ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein makes a harrowing discovery at Plainpalais: his younger brother William has been murdered, and he realizes that only his creation, the monster, could have been responsible. This realization is a pivotal moment in the novel, as it confirms Victor's fears about the consequences of his ambition and the dangers of meddling with life and death. The intersection of environment and race in the character of Frankenstein's monster suggests a critique of societal norms and the alienation that arises from being perceived as 'other' in both appearance and behavior. Victor initially runs away from the monster due to its horrifying countenance, an action which reflects his repulsion and failure to take responsibility for his creation. This complexity within the novel encourages readers to consider deeper themes of creation, responsibility, and the repercussions of scientific exploration without ethical restraint.