StructureOfTheText

Textual Structure
**A Connection Between the Textual Structure of __Frankenstein__ and the creature (Christie Huchro)** The textual structure of __Frankenstein__ acts as a symbol for the creature while simultaneously emphasizing the monstrous reality of humanity’s moral compass. The novel begins with four letters sent by Robert Walton to his sister Margret Saville. These letters provide an aspect of realism to the plot, preceding the respective narratives of Victor and the creature. Finally, the novel closes with the continuation of Robert’s last letter, which conveys the tragedy of Victor’s death and the ambiguous disappearance of the creature. The different voices and perspectives of these characters are sewn together in the same way that the creature is formed. The creature, who is a collection of dead body parts, is stitched together by a passionate scientist and brought to life by the power of electricity. Similarly, the text of __Frankenstein__ is a compilation of narratives that are brought to life by Mary Shelley, whose powerful message of acceptance continues to resonate with modern culture. Mary Shelley suggests that, in this text, society is monstrous. By rejecting those who are different, society corrupts humanity and forces them to make bad choices. As a result, an unending cycle of revenge is formed and can only be broken by repentance and forgiveness.

**Frankenstein's** ** frame-like structure (Jane Mikus) **
Frankenstein's organization is an interesting one described as a frame narrative. It begins and ends with the letters of Walton, then moves on to the narrative of Victor and the narrative of the creature. The frame of Walton's letters encompasses the rest of the events that happen within. Shelley crafts her story in such a way, in order to connect the beginning and the end of the story. Many novels have a linear shape consisting of a beginning, middle, and end. But Frankenstein consists of transitions between narrators, and the end merging together with the beginning. Originality is so important in a novel in order to keep readers engaged, and Shelley surely masters this concept through her unique textual structure.

**Comments on the media used in Frankenstein (Christina Paolicelli)**
====Throughout volume one of //Frankenstein//, Mary Shelly uses multiple writing mediums. The story starts out with a series of letters, and then progresses with Victor’s narrative intermingled with a smattering of other letters and poetry. These varied writing mediums give depth to the story. ====

====One medium that Mary Shelly employs in //Frankenstein// is letters. These letters, which are found in abundance in volume one, give us windows into others thoughts as we are stuck in Victor’s world. The letters allow us to see the events that are happening outside Victor’s world of obsession over the creature. They provide us with insight into Elizabeth’s feelings and Victor’s family situation as well as gossip from Geneva. These letters add another dimension to the Story and help give it depth. ====

====Another writing medium that is employed in volume one, although not as frequently as letters, is poetry. One example of this poetry can be found in page 35. These poems allow us to see the event in a more detached way as they are not directly linked to what Victor is thinking. They help add texture and depth to the story. ====

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Through the letters that Elizabeth sends to Victor we can discover more about her relationship with Victor. In the letter at the beginning of chapter five the author gives us several insights into our relationship. Elizabeth treats Victor as her confidant telling him about her view on event in the hometowns and her feelings about these events. It is also evident that Elizabeth cares deeply for victor and can tell when he is concealing something. The author shows us the depth of Victor and Elizabeth’s relationship through the letters they send. =====

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Victor is Elizabeth’s confidant. Elizabeth feels comfortable confiding in Victor and she tells him about all the events of what is going on at home, even those you would not necessarily be inclined to share with others. Elizabeth tells him about her thoughts on Ernest’s further education and the fact that she disagrees with Victor’s father. She also confides in him the sad story of Justine which has obviously been weighing heavily in her mind. It is these stories that she confides to Victor that shows the bond of trust and understanding between the two cousins. =====

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Elizabeth cares for Victor and can see through his lies. The letter starts off with an expression of Elizabeth’s and the entire family’s care for Victor and their hope that he should feel better. The way she writes this leaves it clear that she actually cares for her cousin and is concerned for his well being. But furthermore, it is clear that she can see that victor is much more ill than he makes himself out to be. She can tell by the fact that she has not seen his handwriting for many months. Elizabeth’s relationship with Victor is such that she can see through his disguises and tell that something is really wrong with her cousin. =====

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The letters show us the deep ties that exist between the cousins and childhood playmates. Elizabeth considers Victor to be her confidant and deeply cares about him. She can tell that something is wrong with her cousin no matter if he tries to hide it. The letter at the beginning of chapter five gives us a window into this relationship, and we wonder if victor will find the strength to confide in Elizabeth in turn. =====


 * Format of //Frankenstein//** (Stephanie)