It may be difficult for the reader to suspend prior knowledge of the plot at this
point and recall that Victor's one sighting of his Creature in the vicinity of Geneva
does not constitute proof that he has done anything transgressive, let alone has accomplished
the murder of William and the framing of Justine. Given what Victor actually knows
of his Creature, this first greeting of him would seem to testify to a psychological
disturbance, if not a real derangement. Certainly, he does not treat him as the prodigal
son returning to his rightful father.