Frankenstein - Significance of the Letters

The letters form a cycle within the novel, they round up the ending by allowing us a glimpse into the future of Frankenstein and what became of him and his monster. The letters are important because we immediately dive into a parallel character suffering from loneliness and a thirst for knowledge. This foreshadowing prepares us for Frankenstein's life and what is to become of him and why. Questions of creation arise within the letters as elements of poetry and the human drive are explored. The sailor has a strong determination to reach his goal and there is no limit to what he will do to get there. This recurring theme of self sacrifice is fascinating as we see how consumed Frankenstein and the sailor become with their work and the power it exudes over their lives. The sadness and dismal setting of the letter creates emotion in the readers as we sympathise with the sailor's longing for companionship. "There will be no one to participate in my joy," the desperation for a friend could potentially lead to the sailors downfall, as it did to Frankenstein.