The Attraction of Frankenstein I am already far north of London, and as I walk in the streets of Petersburgh, I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks, which braces my nerves and fills me with delight. In Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, they masterfully hook readers and keep them engaged utilizing two principles of storytelling techniques: beginning the story in media stores and establishing an immersive setting. These techniques construct a connection. Enthralling readers into Victor Frankenstein’s world, reflecting Shelley’s unique take on Gothic literature. Strategic storytelling techniques augment the mystery and depth of the reader. Shelley’s skillful use of these techniques warrants that the unfolding of events is not only …show more content…
Victor strives for justice and pursues the creature. Now, Shelley starts off with letters from Captain Walton, an arctic explorer who discovers Victor instead of writing in chronological order. This technique is in medias res (in the middle of an action), immediately attracts. Without knowing how Victor arrived in the arctic, it engages curiosity. In media res, “Can generate in the reader an oddly satisfying sensation of not quite keeping up” (WRAC 352). The full explanation of Victor’s mysterious appearance is delayed, retaining interest and causing unanswered questions. By using media resources, Shelley takes hold of the attention but creates a framework of suspense to linger in the novel’s entirety. The building of tension continues as Victor tells his life story to Captain Walton. This technique allows Shelley to further the tension throughout the entirety of the novel. Another technique Shelley uses is quickly establishing the setting to retain interest and enhance the environment of the novel. “I am already far north of London, and as I walk in the streets of Petersburgh, I feel a cold northern breeze play upon my cheeks, which braces my nerves and fills me with delight”