Analysis of the structure & form of Frankenstein

in Frankenstein

This tutorial discusses the epistolary form, the two unreliable (uninformed) narrators and the framing of the narrative. We define epistolary form and how it’s used in Gothic fiction and address the concept of ‘truth’ through Walton’s letters. We look at good vs bad science: Frankenstein learns blasphemous science from transcendental texts and ‘hack’ scholarship. The monster learns ‘truth’ through literature and observation. We discuss embedded narrative. Walton’s narrative includes Frankenstein’s narrative, which includes the monster’s narrative, which in turn is all edited together by Walton’s sister. Throughout the podcast we relate to questions of trauma and secrecy, birth.