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  • Essay / Narrative Frame in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

    One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its use of a narrative frame, a literary technique in which one story is nested within another story. This essay will explore the importance of narrative framework in Frankenstein and how it contributes to the themes and overall impact of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get an original essay The framework narrative of Frankenstein is presented through a series of letters written by Captain Robert Walton to his sister. In these letters, Walton recounts his expedition to the North Pole and his meeting with Victor Frankenstein, who then tells Walton his own story. This interlocking structure allows Shelley to create a sense of distance and estrangement between the reader and the events of the novel, as well as explore the theme of isolation and the consequences of unchecked ambition. One of the key functions of the frame story in Frankenstein is to establish a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. The novel opens with Walton's letters, in which he expresses his loneliness and his desire for companionship. This sets the tone for the rest of the novel, as the theme of isolation runs throughout the story. By using a narrative framework, Shelley creates a sense of distance and withdrawal that reflects the emotional and psychological distance between the characters in the novel. This technique serves to heighten the sense of unease and mystery that permeates the narrative, as the reader is kept away from the events of the story. Additionally, the narrative framework of Frankenstein allows Shelley to explore the theme of ambition and its consequences. The story of Victor Frankenstein is told within the larger framework of Walton's letters, and it becomes clear that the two characters share a similar thirst for exploration and discovery. However, while Walton's ambition is tempered by a sense of responsibility and morality, Frankenstein's unchecked ambition leads to disastrous consequences. By juxtaposing these two characters and their respective stories, Shelley manages to highlight the dangers of unbridled ambition and the need for ethical considerations in scientific pursuits. The narrative framework also serves to emphasize the novel's themes of power and control. Throughout Frankenstein, characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the power they wield. By framing the story within Walton's letters, Shelley is able to create a sense of authority and control, as it is Walton who ultimately decides whether or not to share Frankenstein's story with the world. This allows Shelley to explore the theme of power dynamics and how individuals seek to assert control over their own narratives. In addition to its thematic significance, Frankenstein's narrative framework also contributes to the novel's overall impact and emotional resonance. The use of multiple narrators and perspectives allows Shelley to create a rich and complex portrait of the characters and their experiences. By presenting the story through a series of letters and stories, Shelley is able to capture the subjective nature of truth and memory, as well as the ways in which individuals construct and shape their own narratives. This adds depth and complexity to the novel, as the reader is forced to grapple with the different perspectives and interpretations of the events that unfold. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Paper EssayIn conclusion, the narrative framework of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a crucial element of the,.