4.2 Frankenstein: themes, structure, and narrative technique
4 min read•august 6, 2024
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a Gothic masterpiece that explores , ambition, and . The novel's complex narrative structure, featuring and perspectives, adds depth to its exploration of scientific ethics and human nature.
Themes of , , and the debate are woven throughout the story. Shelley employs Romantic elements, , and the to create a rich, thought-provoking tale that continues to captivate readers.
Narrative Structure
Frame Narrative and Epistolary Format
Top images from around the web for Frame Narrative and Epistolary Format
Publication: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Portfolio View original
Is this image relevant?
British Literature II Anthology | OpenALG View original
Publication: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Portfolio View original
Is this image relevant?
British Literature II Anthology | OpenALG View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Frankenstein employs a structure where the story is told through a series of letters written by Robert Walton to his sister Margaret Saville
The allows for multiple perspectives and adds authenticity to the tale, as it is presented as a collection of documents rather than a straightforward narrative
Walton's letters bookend the main story, providing context and commentary on the events that unfold
Within the frame narrative, 's story is relayed to Walton, adding another layer to the narrative structure
Multiple Narrators and Perspectives
The novel features three main narrators: Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and
Each narrator provides a unique perspective on the events of the story, allowing readers to form their own judgments about the characters and their actions
Walton's perspective is that of an outsider, eager for knowledge and adventure, who becomes a witness to Frankenstein's tale
Victor Frankenstein's narrative forms the core of the novel, detailing his creation of the Creature and the consequences of his actions
The Creature's narrative, related to Frankenstein and then to Walton, offers insight into his experiences, thoughts, and motivations, humanizing him and eliciting sympathy from the reader
Themes
Creation, Destruction, and the Consequences of Unchecked Ambition
The central theme of Frankenstein revolves around the act of creation and its potential for when pursued without ethical considerations
Victor Frankenstein's ambition and hubris drive him to create life, but his failure to take responsibility for his creation leads to tragic consequences
The Creature, abandoned and shunned by his creator and society, turns to violence and revenge as a result of his mistreatment
The novel explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the of without proper consideration for the consequences
Isolation, Alienation, and the Need for Human Connection
Both Victor Frankenstein and his Creature experience profound isolation and alienation throughout the novel
Frankenstein isolates himself from family and friends in his pursuit of knowledge and his guilt over creating the Creature
The Creature, shunned by society due to his appearance, yearns for and companionship (the De Lacey family, his request for a mate)
The novel emphasizes the importance of social bonds and the devastating effects of isolation on the human psyche
Nature vs. Nurture and the Shaping of Identity
Frankenstein explores the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture in shaping an individual's identity and behavior
The Creature, though born innocent, is driven to violence and despair due to the mistreatment he experiences from society
The novel suggests that nurture, or the environment and experiences one is exposed to, plays a significant role in shaping identity and
Victor Frankenstein's upbringing and education also influence his choices and actions throughout the story
Literary Techniques
Romanticism and the Sublime
Frankenstein is a prime example of Romantic literature, which emphasized emotion, , and the beauty of nature
The novel features vivid descriptions of natural landscapes, particularly the beauty of the Swiss Alps and the Arctic, reflecting the Romantic fascination with nature
The characters' emotional states are often mirrored in the natural world, with turbulent landscapes reflecting inner turmoil and tranquil scenes representing moments of peace
Symbolism and Metaphor
Shelley employs symbolism and throughout the novel to convey deeper meanings and themes
The Creature can be seen as a symbol of the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the consequences of playing God
Light and fire are used as symbols of knowledge and enlightenment, but also of destruction and the dangers of unbridled ambition (Prometheus, the spark of life)
The Arctic landscape serves as a metaphor for the isolation and emotional coldness experienced by both Frankenstein and his Creature
The Doppelgänger Motif
The doppelgänger, or double, is a common motif in , representing the dark side of the self or the split between good and evil
In Frankenstein, the Creature can be interpreted as Victor's doppelgänger, a reflection of his own hubris and the darker aspects of his personality
The relationship between Frankenstein and his Creature highlights the interconnectedness of creator and creation, and the blurring of boundaries between self and other