Reasons, Frankenstein Written in an Epistolary Style

Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley is written in an epistolary style, meaning it is presented as a series of letters or documents. There are several reasons why Shelley might have chosen this narrative technique:

Atmosphere and authenticity

The epistolary format can create a sense of authenticity and realism. By presenting the story through letters and documents. Moreover, Shelley gives the impression that the events are being recounted by the characters themselves, adding depth to the narrative.

1. Character Voice and Perspective: Through the letters exchanged between the characters. Readers gain insight into their individual voices, perspectives, and personalities. For example, Captain Walton’s letters to his sister convey his sense of ambition and longing for companionship. At the same time, he describes his journey to the North Pole. Victor Frankenstein’s letters to Walton reveal his obsession with scientific discovery and the consequences of his actions.
2. Emotional Impact: The epistolary format allows Shelley to convey the characters’ emotions and experiences in a direct and intimate manner. For instance, in the letters between Victor Frankenstein and his friend Henry Clerval, readers witness Victor’s anguish and guilt as he grapples with the aftermath of creating the monster. These emotional revelations add depth to the characters and engage readers on a personal level.
3. Temporal Realism: Through the exchange of letters over time. Shelley creates a sense of temporal realism, with the narrative unfolding gradually as events transpire. In addition, this lends credibility to the story, as readers witness the progression of events in a manner consistent with real-life communication. For example, as Captain Walton’s expedition progresses, his letters to his sister reflect the passage of time and the evolving circumstances of his journey.
4. Interconnected Narratives: The epistolary format allows for the interweaving of multiple narratives and perspectives, enriching the storytelling experience. For instance, the letters between Captain Walton and his sister provide a framing device for Victor Frankenstein’s narrative, allowing readers to see the story from both an outsider’s perspective and an insider’s viewpoint.

Multiple perspectives

Mary Shelley employs multiple narrators to provide a multifaceted portrayal of the story’s events and characters. Each narrator offers their own perspective and biases. It allows readers to see the story from different angles and gain a deeper understanding of its complexities. Here are some examples:

1. Robert Walton: The novel begins with Captain Robert Walton, who is on an expedition to the North Pole. Through his letters to his sister, Margaret Saville. Walton recounts his encounters with Victor Frankenstein and later with the creature. Furthermore, Walton’s perspective as an outsider provides a frame narrative for the story. It offers readers an objective viewpoint from which to observe the events unfolding.
2. Victor Frankenstein: Victor Frankenstein serves as a central narrator. It recounts his life story and the events that lead to the creation of the creature. Through Victor’s perspective, readers gain insight into his ambition, guilt, and moral dilemmas. Victor’s narrative reveals his single-minded pursuit of scientific discovery and the tragic consequences that result from his actions.
3. The Creature: In addition to Walton and Victor, the creature also serves as a narrator. In this way, readers create their perspective on the events of the story. Through the creature’s narrative, readers witness his journey from a lonely. Furthermore, the creature goes from lonely to angry, and it’s really sad. In addition, his perspective challenges readers’ preconceptions and elicits sympathy for his plight.  Despite his monstrous appearance.
4. Secondary Characters: Throughout the novel, secondary characters such as Elizabeth Lavenza, Henry Clerval, and Alphonse Frankenstein. Readers become familiar to their perspectives as well. For example, Elizabeth’s letters to Victor reveal her love and concern for him, while Henry’s correspondence highlights his friendship and loyalty. Furthermore, these secondary narratives add depth to the story and offer additional insights into the characters’ motivations and relationships.

Suspense and mystery

The fragmented nature of the narrative, with different characters recounting their experiences and perspectives. These element build suspense and intrigue. As readers piece together the various accounts, they are drawn into the mystery surrounding the central events of the story.

1. Captain Walton’s Letters: The novel opens with a series of letters from Captain Robert Walton to his sister Margaret Saville. Walton describes his ambitious expedition to the North Pole and his encounter with Victor Frankenstein. However, he saves Victor from the freezing cold. As Walton’s letters progress, readers become intrigued by the enigmatic figure of Victor. At the same time, the circumstances that led to his precarious situation.
2. Victor Frankenstein’s Narrative: Victor Frankenstein’s own narrative is filled with suspense as he recounts his scientific experiments and the creation of the creature. Through Victor’s fragmented accounts, readers are kept in suspense regarding the nature of his creation and the consequences of his actions. Shelley gradually reveals the extent of Victor’s obsession. And the horrors he has unleashed upon the world. It heightens the tension and mystery surrounding the creature’s origins.
3. The Creature’s Perspective: As the creature begins to narrate his own story, readers are presented with a new perspective that adds layers of complexity to the narrative. The creature’s fragmented recollections of his early experiences. Furthermore, his quest for understanding and acceptance, and his eventual descent into vengeance create a sense of mystery surrounding his motivations and intentions. Readers are compelled to piece together the creature’s narrative alongside Victor’s, uncovering the truth behind his tragic existence.
4. Interconnected Accounts: Throughout the novel, Shelley weaves together the various accounts of the characters. It creates a tapestry of interconnected narratives that contribute to the overall suspense and mystery. However, readers encounter different perspectives and conflicting accounts of the same events. They are challenged to discern the truth amid the ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding the central events of the story.

Reflection on themes

Mary Shelley utilizes the epistolary format to delve deeply into several thematic elements. In addition, it includes the consequences of scientific ambition, the nature of humanity, and the pursuit of knowledge. By presenting the story through letters and documents from multiple characters. Shelley provides readers with diverse perspectives on these themes. Such elements encourage contemplation and reflection. Here’s a detailed exploration with examples:

1. Consequences of Scientific Ambition: Through the epistolary format, Shelley examines the repercussions of Victor Frankenstein’s relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge and ambition. Victor’s letters reveal his initial fascination with natural philosophy and his desire to unlock the secrets of life. However, as the narrative progresses, readers witness the devastating consequences of Victor’s ambition. It culminates in the creation of the creature and the tragic events that follow. For example, in a letter to Walton, Victor reflects on the consequences of his actions. These elements acknowledge the destruction wrought by his scientific endeavors: “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge.”
2. Nature of Humanity: Through the letters exchanged between characters, Shelley explores the complex nature of humanity and the moral implications of creation. Victor’s letters reveal his struggle to reconcile the humanity of his creation with its monstrous appearance. It leads to questions about the essence of humanity and the responsibility of creators toward their creations. Similarly, the creature’s narrative provides insight into its own longing for acceptance and belonging. It challenges readers to consider the humanity inherent in all beings, regardless of their outward appearance. For instance, in a letter to Victor, the creature reflects on his desire for companionship and understanding: “I am thy creature, and I will be even mild and docile to my natural lord and king, if thou wilt also perform thy part, the which thou owest me.”
3. Pursuit of Knowledge: Shelley also uses the epistolary format to examine the theme of the pursuit of knowledge and its consequences. Through the letters exchanged between characters, readers witness the characters’ relentless pursuit of knowledge and the sacrifices they make in its pursuit. Victor’s letters reveal his single-minded obsession with scientific discovery, which ultimately leads to tragedy. Similarly, Walton’s letters to his sister reflect his own ambition and desire for knowledge. It mirrors Victor’s pursuit of scientific enlightenment. Through these narratives. Shelley prompts readers to consider the ethical implications of the pursuit of knowledge and the importance of balance and responsibility in scientific endeavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s use of the epistolary format in “Frankenstein” serves multiple purposes. It contributes to the richness and depth of the narrative. However, through this narrative technique, Shelley achieves authenticity and realism. These allow readers to immerse themselves in the story as if they were experiencing it firsthand. The diverse perspectives offered by the various narrators provide insight into the characters’ motivations, emotions, and experiences, enriching the reader’s understanding of the complexities inherent in the themes explored.

Moreover, the fragmented nature of the narrative builds suspense and mystery, drawing readers into the unfolding drama and encouraging them to piece together the puzzle of the story’s central events. The interconnected narratives and conflicting accounts add layers of complexity, challenging readers to critically engage with the text and contemplate the deeper philosophical and moral questions raised.

Ultimately, “Frankenstein” invites readers to reflect on themes such as the consequences of scientific ambition, the nature of humanity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Through the letters and documents exchanged between characters, Shelley prompts readers to consider the ethical implications of these themes and to explore their own understanding of the human condition.

In this way, the epistolary format of “Frankenstein” serves as a powerful literary device, allowing Shelley to explore complex themes and ideas from multiple perspectives, while also engaging readers on an emotional and intellectual level. As a result, “Frankenstein” continues to captivate and resonate with readers, inviting them to ponder the timeless questions it raises about the nature of life, the pursuit of knowledge, and the boundaries of human ambition.