Literary Connection #2

A second novel that is connected to Heart of Darkness is Frankenstein. Both novels are examples of framing narratives. In Frankenstein there are three frames; the first being the letters that Walton writes to his sister, the letters are include a detailed explanation of Victor Frankenstein's story. The second frame is Victor telling his story and the third is when the creature tells his story to Victor. Heart of Darkness begins with five men on a ship, with the narrator being unnamed. The novel transitions to Marlow telling his story to the four other men.

However this is not the only similarity between the two works. Both novels also have similar themes. The relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creature is comparative to the relationship between Marlow and Kurtz. Victor creates a creature who is a representation of the darker side of himself. Throughout the novel more and more of the darker side of Victor is revealed. Similarly as Marlow travels deeper into Africa on his journey to meet Kurtz more of the darkness within himself is revealed.