Question

9. Explain your views of Mary Shelley’s decision to frame the story as she does: with Robert Walton’s narrative bookending the story told by Victor Frankenstein. Does this framing device improve the story or detract from it? How? In what ways does Walton’s character serve as a stand-in or surrogate for readers? In what ways are his views and reactions colored by his personal background and circumstances?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

The frame to which the question refers, are the letters of Robert Walton, presented in the book "Frankenstein." In these letters Walton tells his sister about witnessing the creation of Victor Frankenstein. This enhances and improves the story, as it shows that the entire Victor Frankenstein narrative is real. That's because Victor Frankenstein's story of creating a man through pieces of dead people is very surreal and fanciful, but when Walton confirms that this actually happened, we can trust that Victor Frankenstein is telling the truth and not fantasizing in a crazy way. This is mainly due to the fact that Walton is also a science lover like Victor Frankenstein, but he is more rational and less eccentric, which allows the reader to trust that the story is true, even if he is suspicious of Victor Frankenstein.