Companionship

"'My children,' [Caroline] said, 'my firmest hopes of future happiness were placed on the prospect of your union'" (pg. 24). Although Victor and Elizabeth grow up together almost as siblings, they and the whole family are taught that they are not immediate family. Elizabeth addresses Caroline and Alphonse as aunt and uncle and Victor and his siblings as cousin. It is implied my Victor's mother's words on her deathbed that she intended for Victor and Elizabeth to marry, but I don't see how that union could ever be possible. The two basically grew up together. Even if they are not exactly related, their relationship seems too close for marriage. I feel like since the author puts so much emphasis on Elizabeth, an event will occur involving both Elizabeth and the monster. Going off the theme of death, it is possible that the monster will kill Elizabeth and Victor is chasing him in the arctic to avenge it. Then he tells his misfortunes to Walton and that is how the story begins.

Death

"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world" (pg 32). One of the eminent themes so far in this book is death. Elizabeth's parents die which eventually leads her to live with the Frankensteins. Victor's mother dies after catching the fever Elizabeth had while taking care of her. Justine's, the servant, mother dies. William, the youngest Frankenstein brother, is murdered (pg. 47). An intelligent observation would be to assume that this theme will continue throughout the rest of the novel. I would guess that the monster will play a large role in this theme. Although when he is first created he is established to be a "gentle giant," I believe that his lack of companionship and giant structure signifying his differences from other people will compell him to the point of actually being a monster.