Same Old Story

In addition to setting up Frankenstein in a frame structure, Mary Shelley also uses parallelism. Two main characters, Walton and Victor Frankenstein, undergo similar experiences and feelings throughout the novel. In his second letter, Walton talks about how he is lonely on his voyage and has no one to discuss his feelings or share his accomplishments with. He turns to the rescued man, Victor Frankenstein, as a companion that he can relate to. Later in the novel, the reader begins to learn about the Monster's feelings of loneliness and lack of companionship. In the way they both seek friends, the Monster's and Walton's stories are paralleled. This suggests that the monster is misunderstood and may not be as different from everyone else as people believe.