NOTES

addressed me in French

For the third time in these Irish chapters (see III:3:29 and III:4:11) Mary Shelley emphasizes a multiple perspective associated with shifts in language. To some extent, she must be reinforcing our awareness of an essential affinity between Victor Frankenstein and Mr. Kirwin in matters of class and education. Yet, even as she evokes common bonds, she subtly reminds us of the differences that are lost in translation or that, on a larger scale, represent features by which we distinguish ourselves from others.