Literary Structure in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a classic work of literature that has captivated readers for centuries. One of the reasons for its enduring appeal is the novel's complex and innovative literary structure. In this essay, we will explore the various elements of literary structure in Frankenstein, including narrative style, framing devices, and the use of multiple perspectives. We will also examine how these structural elements contribute to the overall themes and meanings of the novel.

Framed Narrative

One of the most striking aspects of Frankenstein's literary structure is its use of a framed narrative. The novel opens with a series of letters written by Captain Walton to his sister, which serve as a framing device for the main narrative. This framing device not only provides a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the story but also allows Shelley to explore multiple perspectives and voices within the novel. By using a framed narrative, Shelley creates a sense of complexity and depth that enriches the reader's understanding of the characters and their motivations.

Multiple Perspectives

The use of multiple perspectives is another key aspect of Frankenstein's literary structure. The novel is told from the point of view of multiple characters, including Victor Frankenstein, the creature, and Captain Walton. By presenting the story from these various perspectives, Shelley is able to create a sense of ambiguity and moral complexity. The reader is forced to consider the motivations and actions of each character from different angles, leading to a deeper understanding of the novel's themes and ideas.

Narrative Style

In addition to its use of framing devices and multiple perspectives, Frankenstein also employs a unique narrative style. The novel is written in an epistolary format, with the story being told through a series of letters, journal entries, and first-person narratives. This narrative style allows Shelley to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the reader into the world of the novel. It also allows for a more subjective and emotional exploration of the characters' inner lives, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Non-Linear Timeline

Furthermore, the novel's structure is characterized by a non-linear timeline, with the narrative jumping back and forth in time. This non-linear structure serves to create a sense of suspense and mystery, as the reader is gradually piecing together the events that have led to the novel's central conflict. It also allows Shelley to explore the psychological and emotional development of the characters in a more nuanced and layered way, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Enhancing Themes and Meanings

The use of literary structure in Frankenstein serves to enhance the novel's themes and meanings in a variety of ways. By employing a framed narrative, Shelley is able to create a sense of complexity and depth, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of the novel's themes of ambition, responsibility, and the nature of humanity. The use of multiple perspectives adds richness and ambiguity to the story, forcing the reader to consider the motivations and actions of the characters from different angles. The novel's narrative style and non-linear timeline further contribute to the sense of suspense and psychological depth, adding to the reader's overall experience of the novel.

Conclusion

The literary structure of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a key element of the novel's enduring appeal. The use of framing devices, multiple perspectives, narrative style, and non-linear timeline all serve to enrich the reader's experience of the story and deepen their understanding of its themes and meanings. By carefully crafting the novel's structure, Shelley has created a work of literature that continues to captivate and challenge readers to this day.