Frankenstein: The Doctor, Chapters 1 - 2

The stranger, who the reader soon learns is Victor Frankenstein, begins his narration. He starts with his family background, birth, and early childhood, telling Walton about his father, Alphonse, and his mother, Caroline.

Frankenstein describes how his childhood companion, Elizabeth Lavenza, entered his family. Elizabeth is Victor’s cousin, the daughter of Alphonse’s sister; when Victor is four years old, Elizabeth’s mother dies and Elizabeth is adopted into the Frankenstein family. 

Elizabeth and Victor grow up together as best friends. Victor’s friendship with Henry Clerval, a schoolmate and only child, flourishes as well, and he spends his childhood happily surrounded by this close domestic circle. 

Victor's childhood, although marked with some tragedy (his mother dies of scarlet fever), is always quickly alleviated by the presence of a close, loving family. 

So...Victor Frankenstein DID know love and particularly the love and importance of family. Remember this.