Storytime for Grownups
Host: Faith Moore
Episode: Frankenstein: Chapters 1–2
Date: September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Storytime for Grownups, Faith Moore continues her immersive reading of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, guiding listeners through Chapters 1 and 2. With her signature approach—blending audiobook-style narration and accessible literary commentary—Faith unravels the early chapters’ intricate family histories, thematic elements, and character motivations, setting the stage for the tragedy and philosophical exploration to come. The episode also features thoughtful listener correspondence reflecting on narrative structure and emotional tone, inviting listeners to deepen their connection to the work.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Announcements and Community Engagement ([02:00–06:00])

• Faith shares updates about the podcast’s merch store, highlighting new designs inspired by classic literature and the show’s inside jokes:
  • The “Well Said Forehead” hat (referencing Jane Eyre)
  • The “My butter Toast waits, Flour for nobody” merchandise (from The Woman in White)
• She introduces “Tea Time,” a monthly voice chat in the online community “The Drawing Room.” The next session is scheduled for September 23rd at 8pm Eastern.

“So buy some merch and make a friend... somebody might say, hey, what's Storytime for Grownups? And then you can make a friend, you can tell them what it is, they can start listening and then you'll have somebody to talk about literature with, which is fantastic." – Faith Moore, [03:50]

2. Recap of Previous Episode: The Frame Narrative ([07:44–09:26])

• Recaps the four introductory letters from Walton, highlighting his dreams of exploration and the mysterious, ill man brought aboard the ship after sighting a “giant” on the ice.
• Points out this nested “frame narrative” structure—Walton's letters introducing the stranger’s (Victor Frankenstein’s) narrative.

"So what we're now going to read will be this man's story in his own words." – Faith Moore, [09:18]

3. Listener Correspondence: Tone and Themes ([09:26–10:13])

• Nathan Black draws comparisons between Frankenstein and The Woman in White, noting parallels in the use of narrative framing and journeys of self-discovery.
• Corinthia reflects on re-reading Frankenstein as an adult, appreciating the emotional depth and poetic language.

"Now I find myself deeply connected to the poor, mysterious man recovered in the snowy ice caps. And I'm struck by the beautiful poetic language Shelley uses to bring her characters to life." – Corinthia, [10:03]

4. Literary Analysis: Walton as Protagonist ([11:13–17:28])

• Faith analyzes Walton’s character, focusing on his desire for glory, ambition, and underlying loneliness.
• Considers the theme of hubris: Walton’s belief he is deserving of greatness because he actively seeks it out.
• Quotes Walton’s self-confident and somewhat vain outlook:

  "[He] wants to mark his name down in the history books as an explorer and a discoverer. It’s not so much about what he explores ... but rather it’s about the fact that it was him that did it." – Faith Moore, [12:28]

• Faith questions Walton’s attitude, suggesting that his self-importance is both off-putting and a form of youthful insecurity.

5. Gothic Elements and the Giant on the Ice ([19:47–21:15])

• Highlights the “potentially supernatural” element when Walton’s crew spots a gigantic figure passing across the ice—a moment that primes the story’s Gothic atmosphere.
• Faith discusses the stranger's obsession with pursuing this “demon,” who is, in fact, the Creature, setting up the tension and mystery at the heart of the novel.

“It’s a being, it has the shape of a man, but it’s not a man because he has gigantic stature... It seems like a giant goes whizzing by on a dog sled and then is gone. Like, what? A giant? What the heck?” – Faith Moore, [20:03]

6. Contrasts Between Walton and the Stranger (Victor Frankenstein) ([21:12–25:23])

• Faith draws parallels between Walton and the stranger (Frankenstein), noting that the stranger’s past ambition mirrors Walton’s present optimism, but has led to ruin.
• Reads Victor’s warnings:

  "You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did, and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you as mine has been.” – Faith Moore quoting Victor, [21:42]

• Discusses Walton’s inability to fully absorb the stranger’s (Victor’s) cautionary tale, preferring instead to romanticize his new companion.

7. Literary Structure: Frame Narrative ([25:18–26:03])

• Faith explains the multi-layered narrative technique, pointing out that as in The Woman in White, Frankenstein employs multiple narrators, starting with Walton, soon to be replaced by Frankenstein’s account.

8. Reading and Annotation: Chapters 1 & 2 ([26:03–54:02])

• Faith provides direct readings from Chapters 1 and 2, pausing to explain historical context, clarify vocabulary, and draw attention to narrative tone.
• Key points:
  • Victor’s privileged, loving childhood in Geneva, grounded by devoted parents.
  • Adoption of Elizabeth Lavenza, who becomes “mine to protect, love, and cherish” ([Chapter 1]).
  • Introduction of Henry Clerval, Victor’s childhood friend, with contrasting talents and aspirations.
  • Victor’s youthful fascination with ancient and occult science (Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, Albertus Magnus).
  • The formative thunderstorm and destruction of the oak tree ([~46:00–54:02]), which shifts Victor’s scientific interests toward real, physical science and foreshadows his destiny.

“No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence.” – Victor Frankenstein, [Chapter 2]

• Faith contextualizes Victor’s drive to “penetrate the secrets of nature” as both a blessing and a curse, linking early scientific curiosity to the seeds of tragedy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On hubris and ambition:

  “He’s willing to die to become great. Essentially...So shouldn’t he, he be rewarded with glory? So I don’t know about you, but that sentiment is kind of annoying to me.” – Faith Moore, [14:16]

• Frame Narrative:

  “So a frame narrative is a story that’s not the actual story, but it’s sort of the setup for the actual story.” – Faith Moore, [11:31]

• First hint of the Gothic:

  “This idea of the man with a past, a man haunted by something that happened in his past...This is a very gothic idea.” – Faith Moore, [11:03]

• Victor’s fatal curiosity:

  “Natural philosophy is the genius that has regulated my fate.” – Victor Frankenstein, [Chapter 2, ~52:00] “Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible destruction.” – Victor Frankenstein, [54:02]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [00:42–05:33] — Cozy fall chat, community/merch updates, and Tea Time announcement
• [07:44–09:26] — Recap of introductory letters and frame narrative setup
• [09:26–10:13] — Listener letters and reflections
• [11:13–17:28] — Analysis of Walton’s character and the dangers of ambition
• [19:47–21:15] — The apparition of the giant: introduction of the Gothic/supernatural
• [21:12–25:23] — Parallels between Walton and Victor Frankenstein; warning as a narrative device
• [25:18–26:03] — The structure of narration: handoff to Victor’s story
• [26:03–54:02] — Faith’s annotated reading of Chapters 1 & 2
• [54:02–end] — Episode wrap-up and call for listener feedback

Tone and Language

Faith’s narration is warm, conversational, and inviting—peppered with gentle humor, reflective questioning, and a passion for literary discoveries. She breaks down complex ideas with care, making Shelley’s 19th-century prose accessible, while modeling attentive and thoughtful reading for her audience.

For Further Engagement

• Contact Faith with questions or comments via her website: faithkmoore.com (see “Contact”)
• Explore the merch store and community links in the episode’s show notes
• Join “Tea Time” on September 23rd, 8pm Eastern, for vibrant literary discussion

Perfect for first-time readers and seasoned fans, this episode offers a cozy, insightful journey into both the world of Frankenstein and the art of thoughtful reading.