(1st half of novel)
Characterization
In
the beginning of the novel, Mary Shelley uses characterization to convey the
workings of the two central characters within this frame story. Because
characterization is often employed in the first part of the novel, knowing the interworking’s
of the characters mind and their personality is essential in understanding the
novel. The characterization of Victor Frankenstein starts before his background
is revealed while he is on the ship with Walton. “ ‘Unhappy man! Do you share
my madness? Have you drunk also the intoxicating draught? Hear me, —let me
reveal my tale, and you will dash the cup from your lips!’ ”(Shelley, 12).
Although this quote does not explicitly define any characteristics of either
Walton or Victor, this quote reveals that they have a similarity. Before this
excerpt, Walton talks to Victor about his thirst for knowledge. “How gladly I
would sacrifice my fortune, my existence, my every hope, to the furtherance of
my enterprise,” (Shelley, 11). Walton has a desire to discover something no man
has come upon and to gain glory through his discovery. In the previous excerpt,
Victor expresses relation to Walton’s desire for discovery. Through this early
characterization, we see that Victor and Walton have key characteristics that
are similar to each other. The tale that Victor will tell Walton will serve as
a warning to prevent Walton from becoming too drunk with the desire to
discover, gain knowledge, and attain glory.
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