Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a classic novel that explores themes of ambition, creation, and the consequences of God's role. The story is framed through a series of narratives, with Captain Robert Walton as the primary narrator. However, the question of Walton's reliability as a narrator comes up a few times in the text. This essay will examine Walton's reliability as a narrator and its implications on the interpretation of the story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body One of the factors that cast doubt on Walton's reliability as a narrator is his subjectivity and biases. Throughout the novel, Walton expresses a strong desire for companionship and recognition for his accomplishments. This desire influences his perception of events and characters, potentially distorting the truth. For example, in describing Victor Frankenstein, Walton portrays him as a hero and genius, completely overlooking the destructive consequences of his actions. According to literary scholar Susan J. Wolfson, Walton's prejudices are evident in his letters to his sister. Wolfson argues that Walton's admiration for Frankenstein leads him to sympathize with him and see his creation, the monster, in a more positive light. This bias can be seen in Walton's descriptions of the monster's appearance and actions, which are often downplayed or excused. Therefore, Walton's subjectivity and biases call into question his reliability as a narrator. Your personal opinions and desires may cloud your judgment and lead to an incomplete or inaccurate representation of events. In addition to his subjectivity, Walton's limited perspective also raises questions about his reliability as a narrator. Being an outsider to the main events of the story, Walton relies on second-hand accounts provided by Frankenstein. He is not present for most of the narrative and must rely on Frankenstein's retelling, which may be partial or incomplete. Literary critic Harold Bloom argues that Walton's limited perspective prevents him from fully understanding the complexities of the story. Bloom suggests that Walton's desire for a companion and his isolation during the Arctic expedition may lead him to idealize and romanticize the story of Frankenstein. This fictionalized view can result in a distorted retelling of events, further calling into question Walton's reliability as a narrator. Therefore, Walton's limited perspective calls into question the accuracy and completeness of his narrative. Its reliance on second-hand information and potential idealization of events can lead to a biased and unreliable account. Another aspect that tests Walton's reliability as a narrator is his emotional investment in the story. Over the course of the novel, Walton becomes emotionally intertwined with Frankenstein and his tragic fate. This emotional involvement can cloud his judgment and influence his narrative. Professor John K. Smith argues that Walton's emotional investment in the story is evident in his correspondence with his sister. Smith suggests that Walton's emotional reactions to the tale of Frankenstein, such as his empathy for the monster, may influence his ability to provide an objective and impartial account of the events. Thus, Walton's emotional investment raises concerns about his reliability as a narrator. His personal connection to the characters and events can lead to a distorted and subjective retelling of the story. Conclusion In conclusion,.