4.2 Frankenstein: themes, structure, and narrative technique

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a Gothic masterpiece that explores creation, ambition, and isolation. The novel's complex narrative structure, featuring multiple narrators and perspectives, adds depth to its exploration of scientific ethics and human nature.

Themes of unchecked ambition, alienation, and the nature vs. nurture debate are woven throughout the story. Shelley employs Romantic elements, symbolism, and the doppelgänger motif to create a rich, thought-provoking tale that continues to captivate readers.

Narrative Structure

Frame Narrative and Epistolary Format

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• Frankenstein employs a frame narrative structure where the story is told through a series of letters written by Robert Walton to his sister Margaret Saville
• The epistolary format 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, Victor Frankenstein'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 the Creature
• 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 destruction 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 ethical implications of scientific advancement 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 human connection 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 moral character
• 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, individualism, and the beauty of nature
• The novel features vivid descriptions of natural landscapes, particularly the sublime 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 metaphor 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 Gothic literature, 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