This blog is for the “Monsters and Marvels through the Ages” course, taught by Dr. Leslie Donovan in the University Honors Program at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM, USA. It provides an easily accessible, electronic space for 100-level Honors students to discuss texts and ideas, develop critical thinking skills, and practice college level writing. While anyone may read our work, only class members may post.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Viewpoints in Frankenstein
Explore the shifts in the narrative perspective of Frankenstein. What is the effect of presenting different characters’ viewpoints, such as Walton’s or Victor’s or the Creature's? Or even those of minor characters such as Victor's father or Elizabeth or Clerval?
The fact that the reader is allowed to read the text from the character's point of view makes the story more intriguing for me. Instead of a constant, almost monotonous third person point of view the entire story, the reader is allowed to actually delve into the mind of the character speaking, creating a more complex and intimate emotional response. I love how Shelley can change the point of view of each character and "shift" between stories, and still keep everything together!
I agree with Pegasus. Shelley uses slightly different writing styles with each character's letter which allows the reader to easily differentiate between the characters. The letters are also used to express the different characters' reactions to various incidents and events such as the death of William.
2 comments:
The fact that the reader is allowed to read the text from the character's point of view makes the story more intriguing for me. Instead of a constant, almost monotonous third person point of view the entire story, the reader is allowed to actually delve into the mind of the character speaking, creating a more complex and intimate emotional response. I love how Shelley can change the point of view of each character and "shift" between stories, and still keep everything together!
I agree with Pegasus. Shelley uses slightly different writing styles with each character's letter which allows the reader to easily differentiate between the characters. The letters are also used to express the different characters' reactions to various incidents and events such as the death of William.
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