"Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus", Mary Shelley (1818) - letter IV

Abstract

This last letter before the first chapter of the book is written at sea. It is composed of three letters (5th August, 13th August and 19th August). The story takes place in the three weeks between 31st July and 19th August; we can know it because the chronology is very detailed. This story initiates the plot of Frankenstein. Walton starts the narration by describing a situation which could have caused the shipwreck of the vessel, when ice blocks surround the ship and shipwreck her in addition to a thick-fog.