Question

there are three different narrators at various points in frankenstein: victor, the monster, and robert walton. how does hearing parts of the story from different perspectives impact the development of these characters? think about what you learn from each narrator and how it affects the reader’s perception of the characters. use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Explanation:

1. Robert Walton (Frame Narrator): His letters to his sister introduce the story, creating a sense of mystery and setting the stage for Victor’s tale. His admiration for Victor and desire for glory mirrors Victor’s ambition, making readers initially see Victor as a tragic, driven figure. For example, Walton’s excitement about Victor’s story (“What may not be expected in a country of eternal light?”) frames Victor as a romantic, heroic explorer of science.
2. Victor Frankenstein (Primary Narrator): His first - person account of creating the monster reveals his guilt, hubris, and torment. When he describes the monster’s creation (“I beheld the wretch—the miserable monster whom I had created”), his horror and self - loathing make readers view him as a flawed, remorseful genius. However, his bias (he portrays the monster as purely evil initially) also makes readers question his reliability, prompting them to look for the monster’s side.
3. The Monster (Narrator): His narrative (e.g., the “cottagers” scene) humanizes him. When he says, “I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend,” readers learn of his rejection, loneliness, and desire for connection. This shifts perception: the monster is no longer just a monster but a victim of society and Victor’s neglect, making Victor’s responsibility for his suffering clearer.

Answer:

• Robert Walton: Frames the story, making Victor initially seem heroic/ambitious.
• Victor Frankenstein: Reveals his guilt/hubris, but his bias makes readers question him and seek the monster’s perspective.
• The Monster: Humanizes him, showing he’s a victim of rejection/neglect, shifting blame to Victor.

(Evidence: Walton’s letters (e.g., “My affection for my guest increases every day”), Victor’s creation scene, the monster’s “cottagers” and “fire” anecdotes, and his plea to Victor: “Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”)