Frame Story Is the Telling

¶ … frame story is the telling of a story through another story. Many frame stories also connect other stories that might not be otherwise connected. Frankenstein is an example of a frame story. While this story is about Dr. Frankenstein and the monster he created, it is also a story about Robert and his journey. The novel begins with Robert writing his sister a letter about his voyage to Alaska and that story is interrupted. Robert's letters illustrate a man possessed with his travels and sacrificing anything to accomplish his goal. The ailing man he pulls on board his vessel becomes the focus of his letters as he passes the story along the Catherine. The story about the ailing man, victor, becomes the more prominent story as Victor begins to tell Robert the story of the monster. Through careful narrative, Shelley manages to tell the monster's story through an ailing Victor on the ship. Readers almost forget they are reading Robert's letters to his sister as the story of the monster becomes more engrossing. The tale is not one about a crazy man and a monster -- it is a tale in which the reader becomes attached to the monster. His voice overtakes the novel and the chapters devoted to his adventure become the most compelling in the novel. However, it is Victor's story that becomes the important in the story as Robert begins to see the error of his ways in Victor's nature. Through Victor's mistakes and advice, Robert is able to return to Britain in one piece. Frankenstein tells many stories within one tale, connecting characters with interest and meaning.

An archetype uses something like the idea of a hero to tell a story. The story of the hero is one that is told in many ways. Generations have passed down the hero story because it revolves around a battle of good and evil. Beowulf is an example of an archetypal story because Beowulf possesses heroic characteristics. The basis of the story is one of good vs. evil and we examples of this through Beowulf fighting and helping those around him, the good knight archetype, the dragon-slayer archetype and defeating evil. Another story that illustrates the archetype of a hero is "The Odyssey." Odysseus is a proud and confident fighter and ruler. He is persistent, resourceful and his people love him. He is very aware of what he needs to do to win battles and he does his best to make that happen. He is the classic voyager and the original Greek hero. Odysseus survives incredible adventures and he is learns from his experiences and, as a result, becomes wise. He turned his journey to the underworld into a positive experience. Over the years, Odysseus earns the goodwill of the gods and even works alongside with them toward peace. Beowulf and Odysseus are archetypal heroes because they illustrate what it takes to be a good man in a cruel world. They fight for what is right and earn respect because of it. We remember them because of their strength and glory.