''mistakes in frankenstein''

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‘How and what causes characters to learn from their mistakes’

In Frankenstein, listening is an important theme in the characters learning from their past mistakes. The novel is written in a narrative form, which allows the story to be relayed through other characters several times. The reader and Mrs. Saville are the first people who listen to Frankenstein's story through Walton's letters home. Walton listens to Frankenstein’s story from Victor, and Frankenstein listens to the monster's story. Each person’s story has a message or warning that they need to relay to the other and upon hearing their story they each learn of their past mistakes and how to correct them. Mary Shelly emphasizes the importance of listening through a series of key characters.


Mrs. Saville and the rest of society read Walton's letters which tell Victor Frankenstein's story. This is the outermost layer of the narrative format of the novel. Mrs. Saville is Walton's sister; he begins writing her letters on his mission to the Artic to let her know that he is in good health. When he comes across Victor Frankenstein he records Frankenstein's story in his letters home to Margret. Victor's story is supposed to communicate a warning to society. The warning is to not become so wrapped up in the pursuit of knowledge that contact with other people becomes unimportant. Isolating oneself from society due to science is a common theme in Frankenstein, Victor and Walton both do this and Victor learns the consequences of this the hard way.

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Victor has been through a lot in his quest to create life. He was so wrapped up in his scientific studies that he isolated himself from his family and friends and society in general. He let his ambition guide him rather than his common sense and morality, the result of this is his frustrated monster. When Victor comes across Walton in the artic, he sees a reflection of himself. Walton shows characteristics much like those that Victor himself possesses. He notices that Walton is isolating himself by going far away from his family and friends to make new discoveries in ...

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