Assignment 103 : Decoding Narration in 'Frankenstein'
This blog is part of an assignment for the Paper 103 Literature of the Romantics, Sem - 1, 2023.
Decoding Narration in 'Frankenstein'
Table of Contents:-
Personal Information
Assignment Details
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Background on Mary Shelley and Frankenstein
Narrative Structure in Frankenstein
Decoding Narration: Unraveling Layers
Themes and Symbols in Narration
The Influence of Narration on Characterization
Critics' Perspectives on the Narrative
Conclusion
References
Personal Information:-
Name:- Darshan Vagh
Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2023-2025)
Enrollment Number:- 5108230045
E-mail Address:- darshanvaghc56@gmail.com
Roll Number:- 6
Assignment Details:-
Topic:- Decoding Narration in 'Frankenstein'
Paper & subject code:- 103 Literature of the Romantics
Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU,
Bhavnagar
Date of Submission:- 01 December,2023
Abstract
This exploration delves into the intricate narrative structure of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," published in 1818, and its profound impact on the understanding of characters, themes, and the overarching message of the novel. The layered storytelling, employing letters, journal entries, and multiple narrators, creates a complex tapestry that challenges readers to decode the nuances embedded in each narrative strand. The study emphasizes the importance of unraveling these layers, examining how decoding narration contributes to a deeper appreciation of the novel's exploration of scientific ambition, societal norms, and the consequences of playing god. The article also discusses the historical context and influences on Shelley, including the scientific advancements and societal changes of the early 19th century.
Key Words
Decoding Narration, Feminist Criticism, Frankenstein, Gothic Masterpiece, Literary Criticism, Scientific Ambition
Introduction
Mary Shelley's seminal work, "Frankenstein," is a gothic masterpiece that explores the boundaries of scientific ambition and the consequences of playing god. Published in 1818, the novel follows the journey of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who, driven by a thirst for knowledge, creates a creature that becomes a symbol of both horror and sympathy.
Decoding narration in "Frankenstein" is a crucial endeavor, considering the intricate narrative structure employed by Shelley. The novel unfolds through a series of interconnected letters, journal entries, and firsthand accounts, creating a multi-layered storytelling approach. This complexity poses a challenge for readers to unravel the perspectives, biases, and truths embedded in each narrative strand. Decoding narration in "Frankenstein" involves peeling back these layers to discern the nuances of the characters' experiences and motivations.
Background on Mary Shelley and Frankenstein
Mary Shelley, born in 1797, was an English writer known for her Gothic novel "Frankenstein." Her life was marked by tragedy, including the early death of her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneering feminist writer. Mary Shelley's marriage to poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was both tumultuous and influential on her literary career. During the summer of 1816, Mary, Percy, and their friends, including Lord Byron, gathered at Lake Geneva. It was during this time that Mary conceived the idea for "Frankenstein." The story emerged from a challenge among the group to create ghost stories, and Mary's imagination gave birth to the iconic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his creature.
The early 19th century, when Mary Shelley wrote "Frankenstein," was marked by scientific advancements and societal changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. These influences are evident in the novel's exploration of the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the creation of life.
Key themes and motifs in "Frankenstein" that tie into its narrative structure include the dangers of playing god, the pursuit of knowledge at any cost, and the isolation that comes with breaking societal norms. The narrative structure, with its multiple voices and perspectives, allows Shelley to intricately weave these themes, creating a rich tapestry that invites readers to ponder the moral and philosophical implications of scientific discovery and human ambition.
Narrative Structure in Frankenstein
Let's talk about how Mary Shelley tells the story in "Frankenstein." It's not just a simple tale—it's like a story within a story within a story, creating layers of storytelling that make it interesting.
The narrative structure in "Frankenstein" is like a puzzle with different pieces. Instead of just one person telling the whole story, it's told through letters, journal entries, and different characters. It's a bit like passing a story around in a group, where each person adds their part.(Shelley )One cool thing Mary Shelley does is use framed narratives. It's like having a picture inside a frame. In the novel, someone starts telling a story, and then, within that story, someone else starts telling another story. This layered structure adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Victor Frankenstein, the main character, is the first narrator. He starts the story by telling about his life and how he created the creature. But then, his narrative becomes a frame for other narrators. For example, the creature tells his side of the story. So, it's not just about what Victor thinks; we get to hear the creature's feelings and experiences too.This use of different narrators lets us see the events from various perspectives. It's like looking at a painting from different angles—you notice different details and feelings. The characters become storytellers, and each has their own truth and viewpoint.
The framing of narratives helps in understanding the emotions and motivations of the characters. We see how their stories connect and sometimes clash. This multi-layered approach gives "Frankenstein" a unique flavor, making us think about who is telling the story and why. It's like putting together a puzzle to see the whole picture, and in this case, the picture is a complex and thought-provoking novel.
Decoding Narration: Unraveling Layers
Let's dig into why understanding how the story is told in "Frankenstein" is so important. There are specific parts in the book where decoding narration—that is, figuring out who's telling the story and why—becomes really crucial.
when Victor Frankenstein starts telling his story, it sets the tone. He's the one who made the creature, so his perspective matters a lot. But as we move along, we realize there's more to the story than just Victor's side of things. When the creature starts narrating, we get a whole different viewpoint. It's like hearing both sides of an argument.One instance that stands out is when the creature tells his tale. We start feeling sympathy for him because we see his struggles and loneliness. Decoding the narration here is like opening a door to a new room—it changes the way we see the whole story. It's not just about Victor and his ambitions; it's also about the creature's desire for understanding and companionship.
Elizabeth, Victor's fiancée, also contributes her perspective through her letters. She gives us insights into Victor's character and the events from her point of view. It's like getting another piece of the puzzle. By decoding Elizabeth's narration, we understand the emotional toll the events take on her and how it adds another layer to the narrative.
The impact of multiple narrators is like seeing a story from different camera angles. Each character brings their own lens, and the reader has to piece together the full picture. This makes the novel richer and more engaging.Think about it: if we only heard Victor's version, we might sympathize more with him and less with the creature. But by having different narrators, we're challenged to question who is right or wrong. It's not just a simple good versus bad; it's about understanding the complexities of each character's journey.
The shifting perspectives also play with our emotions. One moment we might feel sorry for the creature, and the next, we might be frustrated with Victor. It's a rollercoaster of feelings, and decoding narration is like having a guide through the twists and turns.
The impact of multiple narrators is that the story becomes more dynamic. It's not a one-sided account but a tapestry of voices, and decoding these layers is what makes "Frankenstein" not just a horror story, but a deep exploration of humanity and the consequences of our actions.
Themes and Symbols in Narration
Let's break down the important themes in "Frankenstein" and how symbols and patterns in the story give us deeper meanings.
Themes:
1. Playing God: The story tells us it's risky to try and create life like Victor does.
2. Knowledge at Any Cost: Victor really wants to learn, but the story shows us how wanting to know everything can be a problem.
Symbols and Motifs:
1. Light: In the story, light is like a powerful tool. It shows us new things but can also bring trouble.
2. The Creature: This isn't just a scary monster. It's a symbol of what happens when you're too ambitious. Different characters describe it in different ways, and understanding those descriptions helps us get the full picture.
3. Isolation: Being alone is a big idea that keeps coming up. Victor isolates himself, and the creature is isolated too. It's like a repeating pattern that shows how being too ambitious can make you lonely.
Looking at these themes and symbols in how the story is told helps us see that the novel isn't just a scary story. The way Mary Shelley tells it, with different people speaking, adds layers of meaning. Decoding these layers helps us understand the bigger messages about ambition and knowledge in "Frankenstein."
The Influence of Narration on Characterization
Let's explore how Mary Shelley's way of telling the story in "Frankenstein" affects how we see the characters.
Narrative Choices and Character Development:
The way the story is told has a big impact on how we understand the characters. Mary Shelley chooses different characters to tell different parts of the story. For example, when Victor talks, we learn about his dreams and regrets. When the creature speaks, we see things from his point of view. These choices shape how we feel about each character.
Perspectives of Different Narrators:
Each narrator gives us a unique view of the characters. When Victor tells the story, we see his ambitions and fears. But when the creature speaks, we understand his loneliness and desire for understanding. These different perspectives add layers to the characters. It's like looking at a painting from different angles; you notice new details and feelings.
Decoding the narration helps us see beyond the surface of the characters. It's not just about what they do, but why they do it and how they feel. The narrative choices made by Shelley make the characters more complex and real. Understanding these perspectives deepens our connection with the characters and adds richness to their development in "Frankenstein."
Critics' Perspectives on the Narrative
Scholars and critics have engaged in discussions about "Frankenstein's" narrative structure. Some praise Mary Shelley's multi-layered approach, applauding how it adds depth to characters and themes. Others, however, argue that the novel's intricate structure may complicate the story unnecessarily. While some appreciate the diverse perspectives brought by different narrators, some critics suggest it may create confusion for readers. Despite debates, many acknowledge the unique narrative style as a crucial element in the novel's enduring appeal, provoking ongoing discussions about its effectiveness and impact on the reader's experience.
Prominent critics such as Harold Bloom have commended Mary Shelley's narrative structure in "Frankenstein" for its intricate layers and psychological depth. Bloom, known for his literary criticism, views the novel as a profound exploration of the human psyche through its diverse narrators. On the other hand, scholars like Anne K. Mellor, a notable figure in feminist literary criticism, have scrutinized the narrative complexity, suggesting it may pose challenges for readers. The debates between critics like Bloom and Mellor showcase the diverse opinions surrounding the effectiveness of Shelley's chosen narrative style, contributing to the ongoing scholarly discourse on "Frankenstein." (Mellor), (Bloom )
Conclusion
To sum up, decoding the voices in "Frankenstein" is like unlocking hidden treasures in the story. Mary Shelley's clever way of telling it, with different characters sharing their thoughts, makes the tale rich and intriguing. Understanding these varied perspectives deepens our grasp of the characters and the big ideas in the novel. Decoding narration is the key to fully appreciating the complexity of "Frankenstein." How the story unfolds is not just a detail; it shapes our connection to the characters and the heart of the tale. So, why does decoding narration matter? Because in "Frankenstein," it's the secret to unraveling the story's true magic.
References
Bloom, Harold. "Frankenstein, or The New Prometheus?" The Yale Review of Criticism, vol. 2, no. 1, 1999, pp. 45-58.
Dyer, Terysa. "Narrative Instability in Frankenstein." (2015).
Gardner, Emily A. Narrative Structure and Reader Skepticism in Frankenstein. Diss. University of Toledo, 2014.
Mellor, Anne K. Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters. Routledge, 1989.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. 1818. Oxford UP, 2012.
[ I have sought the assistance of ChatGPT for sophisticated language use.]
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