Frankenstein: Characters/Frame Stories

       In Frankenstein Mary Shelley uses the characterization of some characters to tell the story of others.  The use of Safie's background helps explain why the creature has so much hope in the possibility of the cottagers accepting him and how he became so literate and articulate.  Safie's background frame story also explains why she is at the cottage.  Because Felix saves Safie's father, her father promises Safie to Felix.  This is why Safie eventually comes to the cottage.  Because she cannot speak the language, Felix and his sister and father teach Safie how to speak French and write.  This is why the creature learned to talk.  Also since the family was accepting someone different from themselves, the creature felt hope that they might accept him too, since he is so different.  " 'My days were spent in close attention, that I might more speedily master the language; and I may boast that I improved more rapidly than the Arabian...' " (Shelley, 84).  The monster was describing his learning experiences to Victor in this scene.  He was able to learn because of Safie coming.  Shelley gives the reader this information through Safie and the DeLacey's frame story.