Frankenstein / Mary Shelly / Ch 1-3

The first three chapters serve to characterize Frankenstein before his life became hopeless and he met Walton on the frozen ocean.  Frankenstein has a adopted sister which he cares very deeply about.  He had a very happy and privileged childhood which would for most people make them stuck up. Frankenstein is not totally stuck up but is very determined. He has a great interest in learning especially about the reasons for nature’s occurrences.  He has no responsibilities given to him by his parents and he seems to be free to do as he pleases.  In his youth he taught himself a great deal.  “But the cursory glance my father had taken of my volume by no means assured me that he was acquainted with its contents; and I continued to read with the greatest avidity,” (Shelly 21).  Although he had a great childhood he blames his ultimate downfall on his childhood. His father failed to fully explain his opinion about Frankenstein books so Frankenstein further delved into his books in obstinacy to his father’s remark.