Topic > Narrative Plot in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the use of narrative plot, a literary technique in which one story is nested within another story. This essay will explore the significance of the narrative frame in Frankenstein and how it contributes to the novel's themes and overall impact. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The narrative plot 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 proceeds to tell his story to Walton. This nested 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 uncontrolled ambition. One of the key functions of the narrative frame 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 desire for companionship. This sets the tone for the rest of the novel, as the theme of isolation echoes throughout the story. By using a narrative plot, Shelley creates a sense of distance and estrangement that mirrors the emotional and psychological distance between the novel's characters. This technique serves to increase the sense of unease and mystery that permeates the narrative, as the reader is kept at a safe distance from the events of the story. Furthermore, the narrative framework in 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 both characters share a similar drive for exploration and discovery. However, while Walton's ambition is tempered by a sense of responsibility and morality, Frankenstein's uncontrolled ambition leads to disastrous consequences. By juxtaposing these two characters and their respective narratives, Shelley is able to highlight the dangers of unbridled ambition and the need for ethical considerations in scientific pursuits. The narrative frame also serves to underline the novel's themes of power and control. In 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 Walton is the one who ultimately decides whether or not to share the story of Frankenstein with the world. This allows Shelley to explore the theme of power dynamics and the ways in which individuals seek to assert control over their own narratives. In addition to its thematic significance, the narrative frame in Frankenstein 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 history through a series of letters and narratives, 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 different perspectives and interpretations of the events that unfold. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Customize EssayIn conclusion, the narrative frame in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a crucial element of the novel's structure and thematic meaning. Through the use of nested narratives, Shelley,.