Frame Story

"Frankenstein discovered that I made notes concerning his history: he asked to see them, and then himself corrected and augmented them in many places; but principally in giving the life and spirit to the conversations he held with his enemy. 'Since you have preserved my narration,' said he,'I would not that a mutilated one should go down to posterity.'" Pg. 156

   One of the main features of this novel, and certainly one that makes it somewhat unique among classic literary pieces, is the use of frame stories by Shelley to progress through the stories. I personally found the frame stories useful and refreshing, because a character would narrate for forty to fifty pages, and then another one of the primary characters would take over. This element broke up the work and made it not so monotonous. Also, the reader comes to know the feelings of each creature quite well during this book, and at times the emotions of the people dominated the content and action of the novel. However, Shelley employs another tactic which also forms a more coherent work, which is the repitition of phrases or themes in each frame story. Interestingly, Walton, Victor, and the creature all at one point during their narration express the desire for knowledge and understanding. Walton seeks it in his travels, Victor seeks enlightenment to create a living being, and the creature seeks understanding of language to lessen his odious appearance. Shelley also repeats phrases such as the "gigantic stature" of the creature and its inhuman form when humans behold it in the shadows. These elements tie the frame stories together and create a more memorable work.