A THREEFOLD RELENTLESS RIVALRY: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MASCULINITY AND NARRATIVE RELIABILITY IN MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENSTEIN OR THE MODERN PROMETHEUS

Abstract

This paper delves into the intricacies of the multilayered narrative aspects of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus to draw connections between reliability and the assertive power of masculinity. The narrative unfolds in accordance with the appearance of Rebert Walton, Victor Frankenstein and the monster in the novel respectively. Through a three-leveled narrative, Shelley represents an interconnected story that provokes readers’ sense of curiosity to untangle it by following its main male characters’ plot lines. She painstakingly makes the readers engrossed in a close observation of how these characters compete to demonstrate the trustworthiness of their stories as an attempt to construct their status as men of integrity. While the three male characters take turns in narrating the story, their efforts of being able to make their narratee(s) believe their stories remains a key task for them. The three narrators are portrayed in a fierce rivalry; each trying to add credibility to their narrative and outdo the others. That is, they strive to defy masculine subordination by presenting the most reliable version of events. This paper posits that for these characters to assert their masculine power, they rely on being believed, understood, and most importantly, accepted by other characters. Accordingly, the paper adopts narrative theory to explore certain concepts of masculinity studies. It argues that the masculinity of these characters is constructed vis-à-vis the reliability of their narrative in the novel. The consequences of the relentless competition between these men are often dire and their pursuit of male hierarchy leads to calamities.