Role of Multiple Story Layers

In class, we began to discuss why Frankenstein's story and that of the monster was revealed through so many levels of characters (at times, the monster spoke to Victor, who then was speaking to Robert Walton who was writing to his sister). I agree with what one student said about the role of this multiple layering of stories--that it parallels the idea that Frankenstein was etched from various different pieces just as the stories are. I also believe that there are other more important roles the layering of the story plays.

The most important role is that these various layers allow us to see the characters through differing perspectives. For example, we can see the development of Frankenstein through Victor's eyes. Victor first regards the monster as a hideous creation. However, as time passes, listening to the eloquence of the monster, Victor begins to understand that the monster has similar feelings of solitude, etc. From another stance, we can see the admiration of Victor that Robert Walton shows, who says that Victor's downfall was due to external circumstances, while Frankenstein directly blames Victor.

Another role the layers of stories may play is to mirror the original purpose of the story as a ghost story. This may be a stretch, but from remembering my childhood ghost stories were best told through people's voices, and the layering of sources kind of draws this element in.

Anyone have any other ideas on what roles are played by revealing the story through various characters?