So Many Stories!

"Strange and harrowing must be his story, frightful the strom which embraced the gallant vessel on its course and wrecked it -- thus! (pg 14) This is the last line of the letter IV where Robert Walton introduces the Frankenstein's story. Now sure, this novel could have done without the frame story. However, the impact of the several themes would not be as strong. Because of this, the frame stories are what improve how the themes of the novel are delivered. For instance, in the letters, we find that Robert Walton is an explorer who is determined to go into the unknown and discover great things. He is determined to do this and it affects his life in negative ways. Then when we hear about Frankenstein's obsession, we relate that to the obsession of Robert Walton's. Through this comparison, we think twice about the theme being made about how obsessing over a passion is bad for us. This may not be the only function of a frame story, but it certainly amplifies our attention to the themes of the novel.