Epistolary writing & Frankenstein
By: Cameron Lockwood and Ashlynn Jones
what is an epistolary novel?
An epistolary novel is a novel written in series of documents. The common form is letters, although diary entries, newspaper clippings and other documents are occasionally used. Recently, electronic documents such as recordings and radio, blogs, and e-mails have also come into use
Narrators
There are three main narrators in the novel Frankenstein. Robert Walton being the primary narrator speaking in the form of letters. Walton's letters include:
Victor's story, which includes
the monster's story, which includes
Felix's story. Walton both begins and ends the novel by corresponding with his sister through the form of letters. Walton introduces Frankenstein and his creature through his letters to his sister, creating a feeling of suspense by using Victor's word "demon" to describe the creature. Victor frankenstein then picks up narrating the story and begins to talk about his childhood and life until he attended a university. at which point the creature starts speaking for himself which allows the reader to understand his thoughts and feelings
Victor's story, which includes
the monster's story, which includes
Felix's story. Walton both begins and ends the novel by corresponding with his sister through the form of letters. Walton introduces Frankenstein and his creature through his letters to his sister, creating a feeling of suspense by using Victor's word "demon" to describe the creature. Victor frankenstein then picks up narrating the story and begins to talk about his childhood and life until he attended a university. at which point the creature starts speaking for himself which allows the reader to understand his thoughts and feelings