Ambition and Pursuit of Knowledge

[Showtime]

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein uses a literary technique known as a 'frame story,' where the main narrative exists within another story or stories. In Frankenstein, Robert Walton's letters to his sister form the frame around the main narrative and Walton becomes the conduit for how we hear the story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster.

Robert Walton's story also parallels Frankenstein in many ways as ambition and pursuit of knowledge are key themes represented through both characters. The similarities between the two exist in their mutual pursuit of trying to conquer something. Walton is pushing the boundaries of exploration as he captains a ship bound for the North Pole and Frankenstein is pushing the boundaries of science in his pursuit of creating life from death.

Why do you think Mary Shelley told the story this way? What other similarities do you see between both characters in their pursuits?