NOTES

that could not be

This phrase carries a significant freight. Although it might be read as one more occasion in which Victor yields up his distinctive identity, substituting an obscure destiny in the process of fulfillment for his innate responsibility for events, in fact this necessity is driven by his own remorse, which is so acute that it can never be assuaged. Although he seems unaware of what he is doing, he is actually claiming responsibility for that destiny.