Narrative Structure Of Frankenstein Essay

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The Gothic novel Frankenstein, is the result of Mary Shelley’s travels to Geneva. Where she had conceived the famous work that has captured the interest of many throughout the years. The author has used various impressive techniques that are the foundation of the success of this novel. However, the most fundamental technique used is the framed narrative structure and the different points of view that have influenced the outcome of Frankenstein.

Frankenstein is a novel with a framed narrative structure, which is a technique used to contain a story within a story. The novel consists of three narrators who are Walton, Victor, and the creature. The novel is commenced from Walton’s point of view, which was written in an epistolary form. Walton’s …show more content…
As the novel continues, each narrator adds missing pieces to the story that only he knows about. This is exhibited in the beginning of the story, when Victor’s unexplained distress, was justified in his narrative. The importance of perspective can be seen in the narratives of Victor Frankenstein and the creature. Victor perceives the creature as a “Devil” and the murderer of an innocent soul, this is shown when he meets the monster in the summit of Montanvert, “Abhorred monster! Fiend that thou art! The tortures of hell are too mild a vengeance for thy crimes.”. However, the creature’s tale illustrates his sentimental side which is disclosed when observing the family, “I felt sensations...never before experienced”. Also when William was murdered, Victor could only focus on the wickedness of such an act. However, when we listen to the creature’s narrative we undergo the same feelings that he does, and therefore we can understand why committed the crime.

The novel Frankenstein is recognized as one of the most distinguished gothic novels. It is primarily known for its complex narrative structure that has accomplished combining three different perspectives to create a perfect story. The framed structure has helped provide the reader with more information about the plot as well as the narrators.
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