Old paper on Frankenstein. Apologies on single spacing

Frankenstein. The woman behind the man behind the creation. This is no E! True Hollywood Story, but Mary Shelley’s novel is remarkable much-like the celebrities we see on television. Thankfully, not for the same (often tragic) reasons. There are good explanations why Mary Shelley’s novel is more than noteworthy. For example, Shelly’s use of frame narrative exposes the reader to three separate narrators in her story. By staging the novel this particular way, she is able to shape the reactions of and aid the formation of reader’s conclusions. When an author can control their reader like Shelley, it indicates outstanding literature. On the surface Frankenstein can be enjoyed simply as a novel, but it can also be taken into a school-type setting and taken apart. The dichotomy of the novel offers more than a pleasure read. Not only does Mary Shelley harness her reader’s emotions regarding her three narrators, but she also subtly pulls the strings leaving all but analytical readers unaware of the puppeteer. The three narrators in Mary Shelley’s story each have an effect on the reader.

First, Mary Shelley uses the narration of Robert Walton to highlight his self-centered ambition. The reader is first introduced to Robert Walton as a one-dimensional man. His only want in life is eternal glory, and he seeks to achieve his goal by making an expedition to the North Pole. Walton confides to his sister in letters, and the reader begins to form opinions about the man on the limited scope of information he/she is provided with. Exploring the dialogue of his letters reveals the egocentric man behind the writer. For instance, on page 21 Walton says, “Success shall crown my endeavors,” His use of the word “my” is a telltale sign of his selfishness. Walton continues to boast on page 21 saying, “Thus far I have gone, tracing a secure way over the pathless seas, the very stars themselves bearing witness and testimonies of my triumph.” Shelley characterizes Walton with brazen effrontery to form the reader’s impression of his/her first narrator, and it has the desired effect. Clearly, Robert Walton has something about him reminiscent of Ahab and the White Whale. The reader assesses the information before him/her and Walton is certainly not kept in the highest regard. In the same passage, Walton mentions the “untamed yet obedient element” of the sea, which raises the question: does he think that the ocean will bend to his will (21)? Once the reader has a distinct view of Robert, Shelley introduces the second narrator.

Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein share the same ardent ambition, but Frankenstein has had time to put his past into the proper perspective. Shelley immediately establishes a parallel between the two men, evidence in Victor’s words to Robert: “Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating draught? Hear me; let me reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips (26)!” Intrigued by Frankenstein’s cryptic words, the reader acknowledges the rapport between Shelley’s narrators. As Victor Frankenstein dictates his grim and harrowing past, it becomes obvious that his self-centered ambition served as the catalyst in his downfall. As Mary Shelley’s second narrator, Frankenstein delves into the frame narrative and constructs a parallel to Robert Walton.

In contrast to Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein, the creation’s suffering provokes the reader’s sympathy. Pity for the creation’s suffering is elicited by Shelley’s writing. Walton and Frankenstein are consumed by their desire to succeed, whereas the creation just wants to be loved and treated with some form of respect. Therein lies the chief discrepancy between the three narrators. The creation does not succeed in his quest for love, and the man responsible for bringing him to life has shunned and deserted him. The sad reality of the creation’s existence causes the reader to empathize his plight. Coming from an entirely different direction than Walton and Frankenstein gives the creation’s motive and longing real meaning. Instead of putting work first, the creation wants family and love. Mary Shelley enters the creation’s tale lastly because the contrast of her three narrators is more defined. If she had not led up to this point with Frankenstein and Walton, the effectiveness of the creation’s story is diminished. The creation contrasts the Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton while completing the innermost section of Shelley’s frame narrative.

When an analytical reader steps back and operates with the inquisitive mind, he/she sees the woman behind the curtain. Shelley’s novel is not only enjoyable for a pleasure read but also contains the prerequisite elements of writing conducive to a classroom environment. Her novel manages not only to entertain but also to foster learning. The reader can only wonder what painstaking effort went into assembling this novel. Most importantly, readers gain an appreciation for things like the frame narrative in the process of analyzing the book. The three separate narrators in Frankenstein each have their own effect on the reader. The beauty is the author has the capacity to make her reader react a certain way to each character. Somewhere, Mary Shelley is smiling.