Analyzing Frankenstein - Formalist Perspective.

The formalist method of literary criticism is primarily focused on the text itself, rather than external topics such as history and background, the authors biographical information, or the social contexts which surround a piece of work. In the formalist perspective, we ask ourselves, why did the author choose to write his or her work in this specific style? Why did he or she choose to include certain literary elements? What matters most to the formalist critic is how the work comes to mean what it does--how its resources of language are deployed by the writer to convey meaning (DiYanni 2076). A reader can employ the formalist method to decipher many meanings in Mary Shelleys classic text Frankenstein. Shelley uses setting,†¦show more content†¦Waltons second letter introduces the idea of loss and loneliness, as Walton complains that he has no friends with whom to share his triumphs and failures, no sensitive ear to listen to his dreams and ambitions. Walton turns to Victor a s the friend he has always wanted. His search for companionship parallels the monsters desire for a mate later in the novel. But I have one want which I have never been yet to satisfy...I have no friend, Margaret: when I am glowing with the enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy; if I am assailed by disappointment, no one will endeavour to sustain me in dejection...I desire the company of a man who could sympathize with me, whose eyes would reply to mine.-- (page 18). This similarity between man and monster becomes clearer as the novel progresses. It suggests that the two may not be as different as they seem. Framing helps the reader find the interrelation among the characters and come up with observations that would be concealed in other circumstances. The framing technique also makes the story more compelling because Walton will eventually see the monster at the end of the novel. The story about the creature would just be a story, if not for Waltons person al encounter with Frankenstein and his creation. Shelley uses Walton and the framing perspective to add validity to the novel. Another