Frame Narrative in Frankenstein

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Garrett Cilli Block 2 9/30/12 Frame Narrative in Frankenstein Like a great web, Frankenstein is made up of three crucial portions that connect the whole novel together into a single, gripping tale. Shelly develops Frankenstein through the frame structure for multiple crucial reasons: To allow the reader to get several characters' point of views, to show the startling similarities between Victor and Walton, and to build suspense within the tale. By the end of the tale, the three main characters have had a key role in the novel. The reader is connected to Walton, who is connected to Victor, who in turn is connected to the Monster, a great chain of sorts. The outer most frame narrative is told by Walton. From the first letters of the novel Walton comes off as strong willed and steadfast in his mission to ‘tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man’ (1). With harsh descriptions of his journey like the words ‘danger’ and ‘evil forebodings’ the reader of the book realizes how perilous Walton’s expedition truly is. Thus, once Frankenstein is introduced in the story, the reader can see how similar the two characters are, as Frankenstein also wants to ‘pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers’ (53). Victor Frankenstein and Walton are “mirrors” of each other. Walton longs so badly for knowledge and recognition for his scientific experiments, but Victor knows the danger of an obsession with science and knowledge. The parallels or “mirrors” between the two characters show to the reader that Frankenstein’s story is actually a harsh warning to not only Walton, but to society also. This forces the reader to take note of the serious tone in his story. Frankenstein also realizes this and feels he has to tell his story to stop Walton making the same errors in judgment that he has; hoping that he will ‘deduce an apt moral from my tale’(31). Therefore, Walton is
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