Here's how it works:
* The Outer Story: The novel begins with Robert Walton, an explorer in the Arctic, writing letters to his sister, Margaret Saville. He describes his journey and his encounter with Victor Frankenstein, who tells him his story.
* The Inner Story: Victor Frankenstein's story unfolds as he narrates his experiences creating the monster, its subsequent escape, and the tragedy that follows. This is the main narrative of the novel.
Therefore, the novel is framed by the outer story of Walton's letters, within which Victor's story is nested. This structure serves several purposes:
* Adds layers of perspective: We hear the story not only from Victor's point of view but also from Walton's, allowing for different interpretations and insights.
* Heightens suspense: The mystery surrounding Frankenstein's creation and his encounter with Walton builds anticipation for the inner story.
* Emphasizes the power of storytelling: Walton's letters suggest that sharing stories can help us understand ourselves and the world around us.
So, while "Frankenstein" is primarily about Victor's creation and the ensuing chaos, the story within story structure adds depth and complexity to the narrative.