Final answer:
Victor Frankenstein's childhood is portrayed as idyllic and loving, which contrasts with his later life and offers insights into his character.
Step-by-step explanation:
The childhood of Victor Frankenstein, as described in Mary Shelley's novel, is depicted as idyllic and happy before his parents adopt Elizabeth and have other children. Victor's description tells us that he grew up in a nurturing environment with attention and care from his parents, which may have contributed to his ambitious, yet naive, personality. This portrayal of his early life sets a contrasting backdrop to the darker events that follow in the novel, emphasizing the drastic shift from his protected childhood to the complications of his adult life. The themes of innocence and the loss of it, play a crucial role in understanding Victor's character development.