Walton’s Letters in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Essay -- Mary Shelley

Walton’s Letters in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein ‘Frankenstein’ is a gothic, science fiction novel written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. It was written in Switzerland in 1816 and London in 1816-1817. The novel begins with a series of letters from the explorer Robert Walton to his sister, Margaret Saville. The entirety of ‘Frankenstein’ is contained within Robert Walton’s letters, which record the narratives of both Frankenstein and the monster. Walton’s letters act like a framing device for Victor’s narrative. Shelley’s use of letters enables the shift of narrative from one character to another, while still remaining like a standard novel. Walton’s is only the first of many voices in ‘Frankenstein’. His letters set up a frame which encloses the main narrative (Frankenstein’s), and provides the context in which it’s told. The letters from Walton, a well-to-do Englishman with a passion for exploring, start when he’s in St.Petersburg. He is writing to his sister Margaret in England. He assures her that he is safe and is looking forward to his voyage which has been his dream for many years. He tells his sister of his preparations leading up to his departure, and of the desire burning in him to accomplish â€Å"some great purpose†- exploring and discovering uncharted territory in the North Pole. There are also many roles which Walton’s letters undertake in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’. Each letter has a different role and introduces new ideas. One of the main functions of the letters is to set the scene for the telling of the stranger’s narrative. In addition to this, Walton’s letters introduce an important character, Walton himself, whose story parallels Frankenstein’s. Walton parallels Victor in ... ...ledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently wish that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been.† The theme of destructive knowledge is developed and predominates throughout the novel as the tragic consequences of Frankenstein’s search for knowledge are revealed. Walton, like Frankenstein also in the pursuit of knowledge attempts to surpass previous human explorations in order to discover the secrets of the unknown. Overall the role of Walton’s letters in ‘Frankenstein’ are very important. Not only do they introduce important characters such as Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein and the monster. But they also establish the period and place in which the novel is set, introduce important ideas and themes which prevail throughout the novel, and introduce and frame the novel in a creative and interesting way.