How does Mary Shelleys narrative encourage the reader to make links between the personalities, experiences and

moral conduct of Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein and the Creature? Mary Shelleys Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus was a groundbreaking novel and a corner stone within Gothic literature. The novel and characters featured are more famously known through the many film adaptations. People commonly mistake the creature for Frankenstein, which is easily accomplished, as Shelley has created many links between the main characters. I shall be using this essay to compare and contrast the narratives of Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. The novel opens with a series of letters from Walton to his Sister and confidant Margaret Saville. Walton uses these letters to detail the events that transpire, whilst on his expedition to the North Pole. The letters act as a way of explaining his situation to himself as well as his sister. Although Walton appearance within the novel is brief; and is only mentioned at the opening and the final chapters of the book, he still remains to play an important role within the novel, responsible for recording of Victors story. As the story progresses, Shelley provides the reader with the tools to enable them to automatically make links between Walton and Victor. The comparisons between the two appear to be greater than any contrasts that may appear; led by the idea scientific recognition and its everlasting effect on mankind, both Walton and Victor recklessly endanger the lives of people around them. Walton risks the life of his crew and causes distress to his loved ones, by trying to continue on his journey. This also runs true with Victor, blinded by his passion for Science, his friends and family are left to suffer the consequences. Victor recognises the similarities between himself and Walton, and tells his

story in the hope that he can prevent Walton making the same destructive mistakes as himself. Shelley intelligently doesnt seem to have made many links between Walton and the Creature. This prevents Victor and Walton appearing to be the same person. After Waltons opening letters to his sister, the narrative then shifts to Victor. He tells the story of his childhood and we are introduced to his family members. Victors father Alphonse Frankenstein, was also a dedicated and passionate about his work, deciding to settle down and have a family after his retirement following a career as a syndic. Victors privileged upbringing and close family circle, doesnt seem to hold any clues, to his lack of moral consciousness. Although he didnt have many friends those he kept close where held dear to him. Victors mother died of Scarlett fever, this great loss sparked his interest in the preservation of life. Victor eventually attended the University of Ingolstadt, to study chemistry; it is there that he developed an interest in the physical sciences. His ambition and scientific curiosity, lead to the idea of combining old and new sciences to create, human life. Victors passion blinds him, from the moral consequences of his actions. Victor came across complications whilst creating the creature, mainly the difficulty in replicating the smaller body parts; this led to him making an oversized reproduction of the human form. Shelleys narrative style, not only allows the reader to hear the creatures narrative, but also encourages the reader to also make links between Victor and the creature. After the outcome and realisation of what he has done Victor flees and suffers with exhaustion. After being nursed to health by his friend Henry Clerval, Victor discovers that the hideous creature that he created has fled. Victor and the Creature show many similarities to Robert Louis Stevensons Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Frankenstein is to Dr Jekyll, what

the creature is to Mr Hyde. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde are the same person, which may also appear to be the case for Victor and the creature. The Creatures story is one of emotional conflict, which is concentrated between himself and Victor. The creature with no knowledge of the outside world enters into a process of destruction and loss of innocence. The creature shows an amazing amount of strength, after the rejection he receives from not only his creator but also from society. Victor remains respected, yet holds an ugly truth, that would surely see him rejected by his peers and society, whereas the creature is only ugly in appearance, yet he is continually rejected by his creator and society. The creature as with Victor has a passion for education. The creature gains solace in learning, whilst residing with the De Laceys. Victors passion for the Sciences, dont seem to have educated him on the subject of morals. Andrew McCullochs essay Revolting Monsters mentions how the creature gains a moral understanding: The creatures lessons, on the other hand, help shape his whole moral outlook. For example, when Felix reads to Safie from Volneys Ruins of Empire, the creature is quick to use what it tells him about good and evil to enlarge his own understanding of the human condition. The dreams and ideas of both Victor and the creature appear to not only be the making of them, but also aid in their downfall; knowledge and recognition come at a cost. The creature despises Victor for creating and abandoning him. Shelleys use of a framed narrative, allows the reader to create links between Walton, Victor and the Creature. This technique allows the creatures narrative to be told, with in the

Victors narrative. This narrative technique does appear to have created a major flaw within the novel. Shelley appears to have used the same voice for all three narratives, although this allows the reader to make links between the characters, it removes many traits of individuality, that may have been present within the novel had a framed narrative not been used.