Frankenstein

Explain how Mary Shelley’s use of framing develops the various narrative elements in the story. Provide examples and evidence from the entire text to support your analysis.

Frankenstein chapter 24

In Chapter 24 of Frankenstein, Victor finishes his story to Henry Walton, and Henry continues his letters to his sister, thus bringing back the structure that began the novel. This return to the letters brings the frame structure of Frankenstein full circle. How does the frame structure help develop the plot and characters in the entire novel?

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Shelly uses the frame narrative structure to provide different perspectives on characters and events. We are given three points of views with a shared narrative. Victor, the monster, and Walton all build meaning and theme. Framing of the story allows Shelly to build suspense and plot within a defined context. The story begins with Walton as the narrator and ends with him as well . We get his reflections at the beginning as well as the end. Although Walton has much in common with Victor, Walton's perspective can be seen as the more reliable of the three characters.