Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Toward the end of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Victor's story begins to catch up with the present. Since there are at least three different stories told, this novel is structured to be a frame story. The story follows a pyramid by beginning with Walton's story, continuing with Victor's story, including the creatures' story, and then heading back through Victor and Walton's stories. When Victor question's whether Walton will help him, Walton writes a letter stating, "You have read this strange and terrific story" (Shelley, 155). This use of a frame story allows the writer to convey that the story is being told by actual witnesses. The frame allows to show the complexities of how each character is involved because each of their stories intertwine. This structure also allows the reader to better observe how the personalities and characteristics of the characters are similar in respects to their dreams and ambition. Victor and the creature share similar emotions during the exact same time frame. The reader would have no knowledge of this aspect of the story if their stories were not told within each other's story. This framework helps to cover each topic and unanswered question, and then tie it all together from each perspective.