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How Did Young Frankenstein Spend His Childhood Years?

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Frankenstein is the protagonist of the world-famous book Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley. The scientist spent his childhood in a wealthy family. The knowledge of natural wonders absorbed him from an early age. Victor had few friends, including the brothers and Henry Clerval. Later he shared the secret of his monster with Henry.

Detailed answer:

Young Frankenstein spent all his childhood in his home library. There he was actively absorbing new knowledge. It was unusual for a boy from a well-to-do family. The works of eminent scientists of past years fell into his hands. His main hobby was studying natural wonders described by alchemists. For instance, he was interested in the philosopher’s stone. Of all the children in the family, Victor was the only one who showed such an interest in education. The boy learned the basics of chemistry early. He was ready to conduct experiments.

Although the parents saw great potential in Victor, they didn’t expect their son to become an outstanding researcher. The boy showed an interest in science. Still, his hobbies comprised the paranormal and miraculous. The child’s father, in turn, pursued the ideas of rational education. He sought to protect him from such sciences. However, young Frankenstein learned chemistry and alchemy on his own. Was the boy gifted in these fields? Yes, since none of his teachers could offer him the knowledge he wanted to receive. Therefore, the formation of interests in the spheres Victor studied is entirely his merit.

Due to the isolation of young Frankenstein in science, he did not show much interest in his peers. But he had one friend, Henry, with whom he managed to maintain a good relationship. The young people worked together and shared the secret of the monster created by the young scientist. As children, they were different from each other, which made their friendship unusual and, at the same time, strong. Henry was so close to Victor that he was practically a member of the Frankenstein family. No other person was as close to the future inventor as Clerval. Although he did not share Victor’s thirst for knowledge, Henry understood his friend. As a result, the boys confided their secrets to each other. Henry died at the hands of the monster that young Frankenstein created.

What inspired little Frankenstein to become a genius inventor and create the monster? It was not his family and loved ones but personal interest. The boy stood out from his environment. Neither adults nor his peers could understand Victor’s desire to study the ancient science of alchemy. But the future inventor developed his talent due to his father’s fortune. People of his era did not have free access to such literature as the boy had. The Frankenstein family could afford not to worry about whether their children would be fed and educated. Relative freedom was the decisive factor that determined young Frankenstein’s attraction to everything unknown. This thirst for knowledge became a symbol of the character’s professional path.

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IvyPanda. (2024) 'How Did Young Frankenstein Spend His Childhood Years'. 20 August.

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IvyPanda. 2024. "How Did Young Frankenstein Spend His Childhood Years?" August 20, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/how-did-young-frankenstein-spend-his-childhood-years/.

1. IvyPanda. "How Did Young Frankenstein Spend His Childhood Years?" August 20, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/how-did-young-frankenstein-spend-his-childhood-years/.


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IvyPanda. "How Did Young Frankenstein Spend His Childhood Years?" August 20, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/how-did-young-frankenstein-spend-his-childhood-years/.

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