Why the Story Within a Story Technique Adds to the Theme of Frankenstein

The story of Victor Frankenstein and his Monster is told to Walton by Frankenstein himself as a warning against ambition. By having the story of Frankenstein and his Monster told to Walton in letters, Mary Shelley creates a story within a story technique, heightening the suspense and drama of the novel. This technique also highlights the depth of the themes of the novel, such as relationships, loneliness, and ambition. By having the story of Frankenstein and his Monster revealed in a letter, Shelley is connecting the main character, Walton, to the story of Frankenstein and his Monster and making a direct comparison. She also draws attention to the dangers of ambition, as Walton is shown to have the same ambitions as Frankenstein, and thus risks suffering a similar fate. By presenting the story of Frankenstein and his Monster through letters, Shelley is drawing attention to the power of stories and how they can shape and influence our decisions.