Frame narrative

Definition

A frame narrative is a storytelling technique where a main story surrounds or encompasses one or more smaller stories within it. This structure not only provides context for the inner narratives but also allows for varied perspectives and themes to be explored, creating a layered storytelling experience that enhances the reader's understanding of the characters and situations involved.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Frankenstein', Mary Shelley employs a frame narrative through the letters of Robert Walton, who narrates the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creature, creating a sense of distance and perspective.
2. The use of a frame narrative allows readers to engage with multiple viewpoints, highlighting themes of isolation and ambition as seen through Walton's quest and Frankenstein's tragic tale.
3. The outer frame helps build suspense and foreshadows the tragic events that unfold in Victor's life, setting a tone that resonates with the inner stories.
4. This technique is not just limited to 'Frankenstein'; it is also prevalent in works by the Brontë sisters, who utilize it to explore complex emotional landscapes and social issues.
5. Frame narratives can serve to question the nature of storytelling itself, prompting readers to consider how perspectives shape their understanding of truth and morality.

Review Questions

• How does the frame narrative in 'Frankenstein' enhance our understanding of themes such as ambition and isolation?
  • The frame narrative in 'Frankenstein' enhances themes like ambition and isolation by providing multiple perspectives. Robert Walton’s letters set the stage for Victor Frankenstein’s story, showcasing his relentless pursuit of knowledge while simultaneously illustrating his isolation from humanity. This layering emphasizes how ambition can lead to personal tragedy, as both Walton and Frankenstein grapple with their aspirations while facing profound loneliness.
• Discuss the role of the unreliable narrator in 'Frankenstein' as it relates to the frame narrative structure.
  • In 'Frankenstein', Victor serves as an unreliable narrator within the frame narrative provided by Walton. His subjective account of events reveals his motivations and justifications for creating the creature, which may skew the reader's perception of right and wrong. This unreliability is critical, as it forces readers to navigate through contrasting narratives and question the truth behind Victor's actions, ultimately deepening the moral complexity of the story.
• Evaluate how frame narratives in both 'Frankenstein' and the Brontës' novels reflect cultural critiques related to human condition and identity.
  • Frame narratives in both 'Frankenstein' and Brontë novels serve as powerful tools for cultural critique by showcasing diverse perspectives on human identity and societal expectations. In 'Frankenstein', the outer frame highlights themes of ambition, ethics in science, and alienation, prompting readers to reflect on humanity’s responsibility towards creation. Similarly, Brontë narratives often include characters whose voices are amplified through layered storytelling, allowing for explorations of gender roles and class struggles. This structural technique encourages deeper engagement with complex social issues across both authors' works.

Related terms

Metafiction: A type of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often blurring the boundary between fiction and reality.

Unreliable narrator: A narrator whose credibility is compromised, leading to a skewed or biased interpretation of events in the narrative.

Embedded narrative: A story that is nested within another story, similar to a frame narrative but focuses specifically on the narrative structure rather than the overarching context.