The Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s background (August 30, 1797-February 1, 1851) Born on August 30th 1797. Mother: Mary Wollstonecraft a famous feminist author who died 11 days after giving birth to Mary Father: William Godwin A famous 19th century philosopher who believed in the rights of the individual.
Shelley’s marriage At 15 years of age Mary met her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley, a disciple of William Godwin and a famous poet. Despite being previously married to another woman, Percy Bysshe Shelley convinces Mary to elope with him in France when she was 17.
The Making of Frankenstein On 19 March 1815 Shelley recorded in her journal, after the death of her first child: "Dream that my little baby came to life again--that it had only been cold & that we rubbed it before the fire & it lived."
Byron’s Challenge In the summer of 1816, Percy and Mary visit Lord Byron’s estate in France. The summer of 1816 had fall like weather because a massive volcano in Indonesia spewed ash around the world. Because of the gloomy weather, Byron issued a challenge to his guests to create the best horror story.
The Publishing of Frankenstein At Byron’s estate, Mary has a dream about a man who plans to bring life to the dead. She turns her idea into a story and is encouraged by her husband to turn the story into a novel. In 1818, Shelley publishes the novel at the age of 19.
The Title of the Novel The name “Frankenstein” originates not from the Creature, but the Creator, Victor Frankenstein. Victor, like Shelley, suffers the loss of many loved ones at an early age. He creates his creature as a way to bring back the dead.
The Doppelganger The story is a Doppelganger, or German word for “double image.” Both the Creature and Victor mirror each other in their effort to destroy the other. The Doppelganger represents a divided self, or two alter egos who are more alike than different.
Famous Doppelgangers Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Batman and the Joker Bruce Banner and The Incredible Hulk James Bond and Blofeld Mario and Donkey Kong Optimus Prime and Megatron
The Modern Prometheus Mary Shelley’s subtitle for Frankenstein is “The Modern Prometheus” In Greek Mythology, the titan Prometheus stole fire from the sun and gave it to humanity. This angered the Greek god Zeus who did not want humans to control fire. He was punished by being chained to a lake while an eagle would feast on his liver. The Prometheus Myth has become a metaphor of what happens when humans get a hold of something they cannot control and reach beyond their ability. 5 10
The Creature Unlike the Hollywood stereotype, the Creature is an intelligent being whose rage stems from his neglect from Victor.
Themes in the Novel Personal Responsibility: Are we responsible for our own actions? Responsibility to Others: Are we responsible for the actions of others? Recreate the Past: Can we reshape the past?
The Hollywood Stereotype James Whale directed the 1931 film Frankenstein where our image of the Creature comes from. In the film, a mad scientists creates a creature with little intelligence who rages against humanity.
The Cultural Myth There are over 100 films about Frankenstein. Frankenstein has been used to sell merchandise such as Twix candy bars, Levi’s Jeans, Coca-Cola, Frankenberry Cereal, M&Ms, Penzoil, and Pez.
Favorite Titles of Frankenstein Movies “Frankenstein’s Musical Christmas” “Alvin and the Chipmunks meet Frankenstein” “Frankenstein vs. Dracula” “Frankenstein: the College Years” “Blackenstein”
Films, Films, Films Oh My! Because the myth of Frankenstein has become such a part of our pop culture we will by watching clips from various versions of “Frankenstein.”