Frankenstein: structure

Understanding the Structure

Non-linear narrative: “Frankenstein” uses a fragmented, non-linear narrative style. The story is primarily relayed retrospectively through Victor Frankenstein and the Creature’s narrations to explorer Robert Walton.
Epistolary framing: The novel begins and ends with a series of letters written by the character Robert Walton, an explorer attempting to reach the North Pole. This framing technique allows the tragic story to be related indirectly, adding an extra layer of suspense and unreliability.
Nested narratives: Within Walton’s letters, Victor recounts his tale, and within Victor’s account, the Creature tells his own story. This layering of narratives accentuates the themes of perspective and subjectivity, and offers diverse points of view.

Effective flashbacks and monologues: The structure’s retrospective style dictates abundant usage of flashbacks and monologues in a stage adaptation. This requires skilled actors capable of holding an audience’s attention through extended solo passages.
Staging transitions: Effective staging techniques are needed to clearly communicate shifts between narratives and time periods. This could be achieved through lighting changes, set movements, or audio cues.
Symbolising perspective shifts: The shifts from Walton’s narrative to Victor’s and the Creature’s could be symbolised through distinct staging or costume changes, helping to visually differentiate narratives, perspectives, and tones.

Suspense and foreshadowing: The non-linear structure creates anticipation as the audience knows from the outset that Victor’s pursuits end tragically, but the specifics are unveiled gradually.
Contrasting viewpoints: The nested narratives allow for multiple perspectives on the same events, making it a complex, multifaceted story. This opens avenues for discussing subjectivity, bias and misunderstanding, crucial to understanding the story’s themes.
Focus on storytelling: The epistolary and recounted narratives often emphasise not just the story’s events, but how they are told. This theme of storytelling is key in examining how our narratives shape our understandings and biases.