Genre conventions in the treatment of Origins in Great Expectations and Frankenstein

The definition of Realism in Approaching Prose fiction is 'a style of writing that seeks to convey the impression of accurate recording of an actual way of life in a recognisable time and place' (Approaching Prose Fiction p31).
Watt maintains that 'characterization and presentation of background' (The realist novel p219) to be of special importance in this genre.
In both Great Expectations and Frankenstein the reader is led to identify with the characters' struggles and their faults. These are not represented as perfect 'types'. We see Walton's similarity to Frankenstein and his over eager…