Waldman vs. Krempe

Frankenstein
Mary Shelly

As I read Frankenstein, I notice the plethora of characters that Shelly introduces the reader to quite early on in the novel. Two of these characters include Victor's professors. Shelly presents them as foil characters to each other. Professor Krempe is Victor's professor who thinks that philosophical readings are a waste of time. All of Victor's readings on studying Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Magnus are seen as inconsequential and essentially a waste of time in Krempe's eyes. Professor Krempe tells Victor that he "little expected in this enlightened and scientific age, to find a disciple of Albertus Magnus and Paracelsus. My dear sir, you must begin your studies entirely anew"(Shelly, 29). This quote shows that Professor Krempe clearly does not view the Victor's previous studies as useful. Professor Waldman is a foil character to Professor Krempe becuase Professor Waldman sees value in the philosophical studies in which Victor has been pursuing. Professor Waldman teaches chemistry. Consequently, Victor seems to prefer Professor Waldman to Professor Krempe. These two characters foil each other because they present Victor with their oppsoing views and opinions. However, each of these men play an important role in Victor's inspiration behind his creation.