Final answer:
Victor Frankenstein's extended stay at the University of Ingolstadt is due to his deep absorption in creating life, which isolates him and fosters his tragic ambition. His educational environment and isolated pursuits are crucial factors in the novel, reflecting societal issues of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Victor Frankenstein's stay at the University of Ingolstadt was extended due to his engrossment in scientific research and discoveries. In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Victor becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life, which leads him to isolate himself in his studies and experiments. This intense focus and the isolation that came with it are symbolically reflected in the settings. Victor's education at the university represents a learning environment that is contrasted with other forms in the novel, such as independent study or familial reading. The novel suggests that Victor's education, being isolated from natural, healthy human relationships and immersed in the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, contributes significantly to his tragic ambition.
It is worth noting that the environment plays a critical role in shaping the character of Frankenstein's monster, with the intersection of environment and race revealing much about societal norms and prejudices of the time. Themes of isolation and education echo throughout the novel, providing rich material for analysis on how these factors influence the characters and the unfolding of the story.