In the novel "Frankenstein", Victor changes from an optimistic young man to one who is anxious and which of the following?

Introduction / Context:

This question examines your understanding of character development in Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein". The story follows Victor Frankenstein and the consequences of his attempt to create life. Knowing how Victor's personality changes over the course of the novel demonstrates not just memory of the plot but also an understanding of its moral and psychological themes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The protagonist is Victor Frankenstein.

• At the beginning, he is described as optimistic and eager to achieve scientific success.

• The question states that he later becomes anxious and asks which trait best completes this change.

• Four options are given: remorseful, confident, honest, and cowardly.

Concept / Approach:

The core concept is to recall Victor's emotional state after he realises the consequences of creating the creature. He becomes overwhelmed with guilt and regret as his creation causes harm to others. The trait that best captures this guilt and sorrow is remorse. Confidence and honesty do not summarise his dominant emotional shift, and cowardice, while present at times, does not define the moral tone as strongly as remorse does.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Reading key passages from the novel, especially after each tragedy caused by the creature, shows Victor reflecting on his responsibility and expressing deep regret. He often laments his ambition and the destructive chain of events he set in motion. Literary analyses of "Frankenstein" also describe Victor as a figure consumed by remorse. These sources confirm that remorse, rather than confidence or simple honesty, characterises his later personality.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

"Confident" is opposite to his emotional state; his certainty is shattered as the results of his experiment unfold.

"Honest" is not the key character trait being tested here; while he does reveal some truths, his primary emotion is not mere honesty.

"Cowardly" might seem tempting because Victor sometimes avoids directly confronting his creation, but the question highlights a moral and emotional change, for which remorseful is more accurate and central.

Common Pitfalls:

Some students might confuse Victor with the creature or focus on single incidents rather than the overall character arc. Another pitfall is to choose cowardly because Victor flees from difficult situations, overlooking that the novel repeatedly emphasises his guilt and sorrow. A careful reading of his reflections after each tragic event makes the choice of remorseful clear.

Final Answer:

Victor in "Frankenstein" changes from an optimistic young man to someone who is anxious and deeply remorseful.