Frankenstein can be described as a story, within a story, within a story! We are initially introduced to the character of Robert Walton, the captain of a ship, who is attempting to reach the North Pole – a feat never before achieved by man. It is evident from the outset that Walton is a truly pioneering and ambitious individual. He narrates the text through a series of letters to his sister Margaret Saville. It is during this pursuit that Walton becomes aware of his own isolation, admitting to his sister his desire for a companion. Not long after, members of Walton’s crew spot and invite aboard a man who had been floating in the icy water below them. It is at this point that readers are introduced to Victor Frankenstein. Walton perceives Victor as a friend he had wanted for so long and immediately seeks to care for and restore Victor back to health. However, as he becomes the trusted carer of Victor, Walton is led to realise that his guest will never be able to recover. Victor stresses to Walton that he has committed actions in his past that will prevent him from ever being able to live happily within society again. After a time, Victor becomes strong and comfortable enough to recount his story to Walton. Importantly, Shelley suggests Victor is most inclined to share his journey in order to ensure Walton does not follow the same destructive path in search of personal glories that Victor did. Victor then assumes narration (though technically, Walton is still narrating, as he is writing down Victor’s words into his letters to Margaret!) as he imparts his story. Whilst we generally say that Victor assumes narration, note that the narrative is retrospective. It starts when Victor is near death and we need to understand what has led to the downfall of a seemingly “noble man.”
