An epistolary novel is a novel written entirely in the form of letters, diary entries, or other documents. While *Frankenstein* does contain some elements of the epistolary style, it is not primarily told through letters.
Here's how *Frankenstein* uses epistolary elements:
* The Frame Story: The novel begins with Robert Walton writing letters to his sister, which frame the main narrative of Victor Frankenstein's creation of the monster.
* Victor's Narrative: The bulk of the story is told through Victor's first-person account, and he often writes down his experiences and thoughts in journal entries.
* The Monster's Narrative: The monster, in a section towards the end of the novel, narrates his experiences in a letter to Victor.
However, *Frankenstein* also contains extensive narrative sections that are not epistolary. The novel moves beyond the confines of the epistolary format to explore the philosophical and psychological themes of creation, responsibility, and the nature of humanity.
Therefore, while *Frankenstein* incorporates elements of the epistolary style, it ultimately transcends it. The novel is best categorized as a Gothic novel with elements of frame story, first-person narrative, and epistolary.