Better Book Clubs discussion
Frankenstein, winter 2019
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Week 1: Preface, Letters, and Chapter I
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I’m already in awe of her writing. It is so eloquently written. It is so inventive to introduce the narrator through a series of letters.
Just watched the 2018 film Mary Shelley. Not great but good and some interesting perspectives on Frankenstein
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The Preface to the novel was written by Mary Shelley's husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, in her voice. It gives a little bit of background on how the story came to be and also addresses what Percy Shelley, at least, must have considered to be potential scientific objections to the novel.
The beginning of the tale itself may take you by surprise because our narrator, unlike Dr. Frankenstein and the monster, has not survived the test of time to become a household name. "Robert Walton" is unlikely to ring a bell, but this character plays an important role. He's our credible narrator, a common literary device used particularly when the story to be told is incredible. In order for us to believe it, we need our storyteller to be a character we can trust. We meet Walton via a series of letters written to his sister. You may be eager to get to the familiar story, but give Walton your time. He's setting up some ideas and circumstances for later. At the end of this week's reading, in Chapter I, we'll hear the beginning of Victor Frankenstein's story.
Of course, you should feel free to read ahead! But please limit any comments, questions and observations in this week's thread to these sections in order to prevent spoilers for those who are sticking to the schedule.
Let us know what you're thinking as you read. I'll keep an eye on comments during the week, and I'll be back next weekend with a preview for Week 2. In the meantime, I've also posted a video telling the story behind the story and offering several tips for reading the novel as a whole.
Enjoy!