Main Story: Victor's Tale

Victor Frankenstein's narrative forms the core of the novel, recounting his life story and the creation of the Creature to Robert Walton. This section employs a first-person perspective, allowing readers to delve deep into Victor's thoughts, motivations, and emotions.

Vocabulary: Narrative perspective refers to the point of view from which a story is told, influencing how readers perceive events and characters.

Victor's tale encompasses:

1. His childhood in Geneva
2. His university studies and the creation of the Creature
3. The tragic consequences of his actions, including the deaths of his loved ones
4. His pursuit of the Creature across Europe and into the Arctic

Quote: "I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on." This quote from Victor reflects his deep anguish and self-loathing following the Creature's actions.

The narrative style of Frankenstein in this section is introspective and emotionally charged, reflecting Victor's tormented state of mind. It allows readers to witness his descent from ambitious scientist to broken man, haunted by his creation.

Highlight: Victor's narrative perspective is crucial in understanding the moral implications of his actions and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.

First Frame Story: Robert Walton's Letters

Robert Walton's letters to his sister serve as the epistolary frame story that introduces and concludes the main narrative of "Frankenstein". This framing device provides context for Victor Frankenstein's tale and offers an outside perspective on the events.

Definition: An epistolary frame story is a narrative technique where a story is told through a series of letters or documents, which frame the main story within them.

The letters chronicle Walton's Arctic expedition, during which he encounters Victor Frankenstein. Walton's narrative sets the stage for Victor's story and provides a parallel to Victor's own ambitions and isolation.

Highlight: The use of letters as a framing device creates a sense of authenticity and immediacy, drawing readers into the story's world.

Key events in Walton's narrative include:

1. Setting out on a sea voyage to the North Pole
2. His ship getting stuck in ice
3. Rescuing Victor Frankenstein
4. Witnessing Victor's death and final encounter with the Creature

Example: The opening line of the novel, "You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings," immediately establishes the epistolary format and introduces Walton's voice.