Narrative Distancing
English Lit: Edexcel A Level Frankenstein, topic 1.1.2
Narrative Distancing
Even though the narratives are embedded into one another, there is also a sense of narrative distancing between each voice.
Narrative distancing
- Even though the narratives are embedded into one another, there is also a sense of narrative distancing between each voice.
- This is especially true of our first extradiegetic narrator of Walton as we delve into the world of Victor.
Contextual distancing
- Shelley uses narrative distancing to distance her own voice from the text (with the patriarchal Georgian society disenfranchising female voices).
Victor's distancing
- Shelley uses narrative distancing to reflect the literal geographic distances that the reader travels in this journey.
- It also reflects the moral and ethical distancing Victor places between himself and his family and wider society, including the world of science.
The creature's distancing
- The narrative distancing also helps to signal the alterity of the creature and his alienation from the De Lacey family, from Victor and from society in general.
Test yourself on Narrative Distancing
What society is Mary Shelley from?
Why does Shelley create narrative distancing between herself and the novel?