Three Branches of Narrative in Shelley’s Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a complex narrative composed of three interconnected yet distinct stories. These narratives are woven together through the letters of Robert Walton to his sister, Margaret, which serve as the outer frame for the inner tales of Victor Frankenstein and his creature. Each narrative segment is imbued with significant themes, including isolation, the pursuit of knowledge, and the desire for communication, all of which contribute to the overarching message of the novel.

Isolation and Loneliness

Isolation emerges as a central theme that permeates all three narratives. Robert Walton, the initial narrator, experiences profound physical and emotional isolation. His expedition to the Arctic leaves him stranded in a desolate, frozen landscape, which George Levine describes as the "landscape of isolation from community." Walton’s surroundings reflect his inner loneliness, yet he finds a strange comfort in this solitude. He states, “I try in vain to be persuaded that the pole is the seat of frost and desolation; it ever presents itself to my imagination as the region of beauty and delight.” This suggests that Walton identifies with the desolation around him, emphasizing his emotional detachment from others.

Despite having a crew, Walton feels disconnected, as Jennifer Richards notes, he "feels isolated even though he is surrounded by his crew." This emotional distance drives him to write letters to his sister, highlighting his lack of genuine human contact. His choice to communicate through letters rather than verbally reflects a self-imposed isolation, driven by his relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Victor Frankenstein’s Isolation

Victor Frankenstein's narrative also delves into the theme of isolation, though his experience is largely self-imposed. Unlike Walton, who is isolated by circumstance, Victor isolates himself in his laboratory in pursuit of scientific knowledge. He admits, "It is my temper to avoid a crowd," indicating his preference for solitude over companionship. As he becomes engrossed in his work, he neglects his friends, stating that the creation of the monster caused him to “forget those friends who were so many miles absent.” This reveals a tragic irony: Victor’s quest for knowledge leads him to forsake the very human connections that could have provided him solace.

The Creature’s Isolation

The monster, in contrast, embodies a different form of isolation. While Walton and Victor choose solitude, the creature is a victim of societal rejection. Graham Allen notes the stark difference between the “willed isolation” of Walton and Victor and the “enforced isolation” of the creature. The monster’s grotesque appearance leads to his alienation from society, driving him to yearn for acceptance and companionship. He laments, “I am solitary and abhorred,” highlighting the depth of his despair. Unlike Victor, who actively pushes away those he loves, the creature desperately seeks connection, noting that “no Eve soothed his sorrows nor shared his thoughts.”

Social Alienation and the Desire for Friendship

While the isolation of Walton and Victor is self-imposed, their narratives also reflect a degree of social alienation. Both characters feel detached from humanity due to their singular obsessions with knowledge. Walton expresses this sentiment when he confesses to Margaret that he “bitterly feels the want of a friend.” His ambition propels him away from societal norms, much like Victor, who sacrifices friendships in pursuit of his goals. In this way, the desire for companionship is a recurring theme, as both Walton and the monster seek connections that remain just out of reach.

The Pursuit of Knowledge

Another significant theme that connects all three narratives is the pursuit of knowledge. For both Walton and Victor, this quest is driven by a desire for achievement and recognition. Jen Hill asserts that "Walton and Victor share the radical, disinterested individuality Shelley associates with Victor’s quest for scientific knowledge." Their ambitions often overshadow their relationships, revealing a dangerous obsession with uncovering the secrets of nature. Victor’s fervent longing to "penetrate the secrets of nature" mirrors Walton’s enthusiasm for the “dangerous mysteries of ocean.”

In contrast, the creature’s pursuit of knowledge is deeply personal, centered around understanding his own existence. He questions Victor, “Why did you form a monster so hideous that even YOU turned from me in disgust?” This inquiry highlights his struggle for self-identity in a world that shuns him. The monster's desire for knowledge extends beyond mere curiosity; it reflects a fundamental need for belonging and understanding.

The Consequences of Forbidden Knowledge

Both Victor and Walton grapple with the theme of forbidden knowledge, which carries significant consequences. Victor’s ambition leads him to “the raising of ghosts or devils,” ultimately resulting in tragedy and destruction. Anne Kostelanetz Mellor argues that “Victor denies the unique power of God to create organic life,” suggesting that his transgressions against natural order provoke dire outcomes. The monster, upon learning of Victor's selfish motivations, is driven to vengeance, illustrating the destructive potential of knowledge pursued without ethical considerations.

The consequences of such pursuits resonate through Walton’s narrative as well. He expresses a desire to explore nature, echoing Victor’s earlier ambitions. However, Victor's recounting serves as a cautionary tale, warning Walton against the perils of unchecked ambition. Harold Bloom highlights this dynamic, noting that Victor admits to suffering grave consequences and hopes Walton will avoid a similar fate.

The Theme of Communication

Communication serves as a crucial thread that connects the narratives. Each character seeks to convey their thoughts and emotions, albeit for different reasons. Walton’s letters to Margaret allow him to articulate his experiences and feelings of isolation. Victor’s narrative, retold to Walton, serves as a warning against the dangers of ambition, urging Walton to reconsider his own desires. The creature’s narrative is a desperate plea for understanding and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of empathy in the face of suffering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the three narratives within Frankenstein share a multitude of themes that intertwine to create a powerful commentary on human experience. The exploration of isolation, the pursuit of knowledge, and the necessity of communication are central to the characters’ journeys. Through their distinct yet interconnected stories, Shelley warns against the dangers of ambition and the profound need for connection in a world that often fosters alienation.

Bibliography

1. ALLEN, Graham (2008) Shelley’s Frankenstein, Bodmin, Bloomsbury Publishing
2. BLOOM, Harold (2007) Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, New York, InfoBase Publishing
3. HILL, Jen (2009) White Horizon: The Arctic in the Nineteenth-Century British Imagination, New York, SUNY Press
4. JOSHUA, Essaka (2007) Mary Shelley: ‘Frankenstein’, London, Humanities EBooks, Kindle Edition
5. LEVINE, George (1983) The Realistic Imagination: English Fiction from Frankenstein to Lady Chatterley, Chicago, University of Chicago Press
6. MELLOR, Anne Kostelanetz (1998) Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters, New York, Psychology Press
7. RICHARDS, Jennifer (2007) Rhetoric, Oxon, Routledge
8. SHELLEY, Mary (1818 2007) Frankenstein, Delhi, Pearson Education