"Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus", Mary Shelley (1818) - letter IV

Résumé du document

This last letter before the first chapter of the book is written at sea. It is composed of three letters (5th August, 13th August and 19th August). The story takes place in the three weeks between 31st July and 19th August; we can know it because the chronology is very detailed. This story initiates the plot of Frankenstein. Walton starts the narration by describing a situation which could have caused the shipwreck of the vessel, when ice blocks surround the ship and shipwreck her in addition to a thick-fog.

Extraits

[...] The story starts the day before, when the stranger warns Walton not to reproduce the same errors as he (moral purpose). Indeed, he compares Walton and himself when he was younger once I did"). He accepts at least to reveal his tale to Walton, but he warns him that he fears he won't believe him so horrible his story is. He adds that the place where they are permits to believe strange things whereas with other persons or places, it would be impossible. [...]

[...] However, it's a great moment in the relation between this two men : the stranger calls Walton "my friend". The captain concludes his last letter by showing to his sister how much he waits for this story. He decides to write the unknown man's tale by taking notes during the meeting. He imagines this tale as "strange, harrowing" and compares it already with a storm which would sink a ship, so much it shall be "frightful". This last letter introduces the first chapter of the book, which is the beginning of the story of the stranger. [...]

[...] Letter IV Frankenstein de Mary Shelley This last letter before the first chapter of the book is written at sea. It is composed of three letters (5th August, 13th August and 19th August). The story takes place on nearly three weeks (from 31st July to 19th August) ; we can know it because the chronology is very detailed ("Last Monday", "about two o'clock, "Two days passed" This story initiates the plot of Frankenstein. The first letter, dated from the 5th August, takes place between the 31st July and the 3rd August. [...]

[...] Even so, he's torn between affection and pity : "He excites [ ] unparalleled eloquence". We learn that the unknown man is getting better and that he's very interested in Walton's projects, keen on all the details of the expedition. The young captain realizes that the stranger is able to express his thoughts, his feelings as if he was reading in his brain. But the convalescent is so invaded by emotion that he starts to cry and then beseeches Walton to let him reveal his story. [...]

[...] : he even wants to go upon the deck, but he's still to ill to be faced with the polar cold. Then, Walton describes the relations between the stranger, the crew and himself : the man is very gentle with everybody, but he speaks only to the captain. Proud of having this privilege, Walton finishes this first letter by telling his sister that he thinks he has at least found a friend like he dreamed, even if he doesn't know anything of him, even not his name. [...]