What does Victor's father say about grief?

Victor is overcome with grief following the deaths of William and Justine. He is unable to sleep and he isolates himself, avoiding everyone else. This has a negative impact on his health, and he sinks into a deep depression. Victor's father notices this decline and attempts to console his son. In chapter nine, Alphonse says:

"Do you think, Victor," said he, "that I do not suffer also? No one could love a child more than I loved your brother"—tears came into his eyes as he spoke—"but is it not a duty to the survivors that we should refrain from augmenting their unhappiness by an appearance of immoderate grief? It is also a duty owed to yourself, for excessive sorrow prevents improvement or enjoyment, or even the discharge of daily usefulness, without which no man is fit for society."

Alphonse thinks that his son is suffering too much and that he should seek happiness. He wants to inspire courage in his son to overcome the despair. However, Alphonse does not realize Victor is plagued by more than just grief. Victor feels guilty, for his creation is responsible for the lost lives and grief of the survivors. Victor feels he cannot follow his father's advice, although he recognizes the kindness of his words.