She was thinner
Characteristically, Victor construes Elizabeth's state of health in
reference to himself. At the age of twenty-two she should not be so
beyond her prime. Clearly, worry over the last two years has taken its
toll. Although Mary Shelley
maintains her undeviating focus on Victor, this momentary description
illuminates the cost of his obsession and detachment from Elizabeth on her
state of mind and body. This is as close to an inner life as Elizabeth
ever manifests.
