In addition to
frequent sybolism, as stated in the previous response, Shelley makes particular use of narration
to divulge elements of the plot. Wheneveris particularly positive about a friend or family
member, disaster is just around the corner. In Chapter 18, for instance when Clerval joins
Victor, Victor describes him as "alive to every new scene, joyful when he saw the beauties
of the setting sun, and more happy when he beheld it rise and recommence a new day." No one
this happy lives long in this novel. Another good example is Elizabeth's letter in Chapter six
regarding "little darling " and his adorable "little dimples." I her very
next letter, just a few pages later we learn that "William is dead!"
Shelley reminds us that Victor is narrating his story to Walden
aboard the ship. Often, Victor uses apostrophe ("Oh, Henry!") and lets us know how
terrible he feels about some laterin the story. Victor has a wonderful memory and is precise
about his account of events. It seems that he cannot help but give us some spoilers along the
way, though.
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