Student Question

What are the key elements of the plot structure in Frankenstein?

Quick answer:

The plot structure of Frankenstein begins with an exposition where polar explorer Captain Robert Walton meets Victor Frankenstein, who shares his life story. The rising action starts with Victor's creation and abandonment of the creature, leading to the creature's self-education and eventual demand for a companion. The climax occurs when the creature kills Victor's wife Elizabeth, leading to the falling action where Victor swears vengeance and chases the creature to the Arctic. The resolution sees the creature say goodbye to Victor, hinting at his own death, while Walton abandons his expedition.

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In the exposition of the novel, Captain Robert Walton, a polar explorer, meets Victor Frankenstein, who shares his entire life story with him. Walton writes letters to his sister, telling her about Victor's peculiar life, which is how the readers are introduced to Victor's character, his family, and his great interest in science.

The rising action of the novel begins with Victor's creation of the creature and, then, his decision to abandon him. The creature is left on his own for two years, which is how he learns to take care of himself, how to read and write, and how to keep himself alive. The creature develops a conscience and intelligence and decides to search for his creator, and once he finds Victor, he asks for a female companion. However, his request is ultimately denied.

Victor's false promises and failure to meet the creature's demands infuriate the creature, who swears to seek vengeance on Victor by telling him that he shall be with him on Victor's wedding night. Thus, the climax of the story occurs when the creature murders Victor's wife, Elizabeth.

In the falling action, it is Victor who swears vengeance against the creature for the murders of his loved ones, as he is now completely alone and has suffered greatly. He chases the creature all the way to the Arctic, which is where he meets Captain Walton and tells him his story right before he dies.

In the resolution of the story, the creature comes back to Victor's side to say one final goodbye to his creator. He cries and tells Walton his own story, implying that he intends to kill himself. The novel ends with the creature leaving the ship and disappearing into the distance, never to be seen again, while Walton, touched by both stories, decides that he no longer wants to continue his scientific expedition.

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