Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

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This blog is based on thinking activity of "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley.

About Mary Shelley: 

Mary Shelley (Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin Shelley) was a British novelist and writer, born on August 30, 1797, in London, England, and she died on February 1, 1851. She is best known for her iconic work, "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," published in 1818 and is considered one of the earliest and most influential works of science fiction.

Mary Shelley wrote "Frankenstein" at the age of 18, making her one of the earliest female authors of science fiction. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient but monstrous creature.

About Novel:

"Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" is a novel written by Mary Shelley, first published in 1818. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life from dead body parts. He succeeds in bringing a creature to life but is horrified by its appearance and abandons it. The creature, often referred to as "Frankenstein's monster," goes on a quest for revenge against Victor.

The novel explores themes of scientific ambition, the consequences of playing god, and the isolation and loneliness experienced by the creature. It is considered one of the earliest works of science fiction and has had a significant influence on the genre. "Frankenstein" is also a commentary on the ethical and moral implications of scientific discovery and creation. It remains a classic and enduring work of literature.

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1) What are some major differences between the movie and the novel Frankenstein?

The 1994 film adaptation of "Frankenstein" directed by Kenneth Branagh, titled "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein," shares many similarities with the original novel by Mary Shelley, but there are also some notable differences:

Romantic Focus: 

The film places a stronger emphasis on the romantic relationship between Victor Frankenstein and Elizabeth, his adopted sister and love interest. This romantic subplot is more pronounced in the movie compared to the novel.

Victor's Motivation:

In the novel, Victor Frankenstein's motivation for creating the monster is primarily driven by scientific curiosity and the desire for glory. In the film, his motivation is more emotionally driven, as he seeks to conquer death after the death of his mother and later his brother.

The Creature's Appearance: 

The film's depiction of the creature is more in line with the traditional portrayal of Frankenstein's monster, with a greenish hue and bolts in its neck, whereas the novel describes the creature as having yellow eyes, translucent skin, and a more humanoid appearance.

Character Changes: 

The film introduces additional characters and alters some character dynamics. For example, Henry Clerval, Victor's friend, has a more prominent role in the film compared to the novel.

The Arctic Setting: 

The novel's conclusion takes place in the Arctic, where Victor chases the creature. In the film, this Arctic setting is portrayed more dramatically, with a ship trapped in ice.

Narrative Framing: 

The film uses a framing device with Captain Walton, who is exploring the Arctic, encountering Victor Frankenstein and hearing his story. While this framing device exists in the novel, it is more pronounced in the film.

Themes of Redemption: 

The film explores themes of redemption and forgiveness more prominently, particularly in the relationship between Victor and the creature.

Scientific Details: 

The film simplifies some of the scientific aspects of Victor's experiments and the creature's creation, making it more visually dramatic and accessible for the audience.

Thus, while "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" remains faithful to the core themes and narrative of the novel, it takes some creative liberties to emphasize certain elements, add emotional depth, and make the story more visually captivating for the cinematic medium.

2) Who do you think is a real monster?

The question of who is considered a "real monster" can be subjective and context-dependent. In literature and popular culture, characters like Frankenstein's monster are often portrayed as "monsters" due to their physical appearance or actions, but they can also elicit sympathy and raise questions about the nature of humanity and society's treatment of outsiders.

In Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," the term "monster" is used to refer to Victor Frankenstein's creation, often called "Frankenstein's monster." However, it's important to note that the novel itself explores the question of who the real "monster" is.

While the creature is physically grotesque and commits acts of violence and revenge, the novel also portrays him as a lonely and abandoned being who longs for acceptance and companionship. Victor Frankenstein, the scientist who created the creature, can also be seen as a "monster" in his own right for his reckless pursuit of knowledge and his abandonment of his creation.

Ultimately, the novel raises questions about the nature of monstrosity and who bears responsibility for the creature's actions. It suggests that the true "monsters" may be those who fail to take responsibility for their creations and actions, rather than the creature himself. The novel challenges readers to consider the complexities of morality and the consequences of human actions.

In real life, the term "monster" is rarely applied to individuals, as it is highly stigmatizing and dehumanizing. People may label others as "monstrous" based on their heinous actions, such as serial killers or war criminals. However, it's important to remember that individuals are complex, and their actions often result from a combination of personal experiences, societal factors, and psychological influences.

3) Do you think the search for knowledge is dangerous and destructive?

The search for knowledge itself is not inherently dangerous or destructive. In fact, the pursuit of knowledge has led to many positive advancements in science, technology, medicine, and various fields that have improved the quality of human life and understanding of the world.

However, the way knowledge is acquired, used, and its consequences can determine whether it becomes dangerous or destructive. 

In Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," the narrative does suggest that the unchecked and irresponsible pursuit of knowledge can be dangerous and destructive. Victor Frankenstein's relentless quest for scientific knowledge and his creation of the creature without consideration for the consequences illustrate this theme.

Victor's ambition and his refusal to take responsibility for his creation lead to tragic outcomes. The creature, abandoned and rejected by its creator, becomes a symbol of the destructive potential of knowledge when wielded without ethical and moral restraint.

Shelley's novel serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and the potential consequences of scientific discovery when pursued without ethical boundaries. It suggests that knowledge itself is not inherently dangerous, but the manner in which it is acquired and applied can have profound and destructive repercussions.

4) Do you think Victor Frankenstein's creature was inherently evil, or did society's rejection and mistreatment turn him into a monster?

In Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," the portrayal of Victor Frankenstein's creature is complex and raises questions about the nature of evil and the impact of society's rejection and mistreatment.

The creature is not inherently evil from the moment of his creation. Initially, he is depicted as a curious and benevolent being, eager to learn about the world and to connect with humans. However, his transformation into what some might call a "monster" is largely a result of the rejection and mistreatment he experiences from society.

Society's prejudice, fear, and violent reactions to his appearance lead the creature to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and eventually, resentment. He becomes vengeful and commits acts of violence as a response to the cruelty and rejection he faces.

This portrayal suggests that the creature's actions are more a reflection of the way he is treated by society rather than any inherent evil within him. It raises questions about the role of nurture versus nature and the moral responsibility of both Victor Frankenstein, his creator, and society at large for the creature's descent into what is perceived as a "monster."

Ultimately, the novel invites readers to consider the complexity of human nature and the consequences of how individuals and society treat those who are perceived as different or monstrous. It challenges the notion of inherent evil and emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion in shaping one's character.

5) Should there be limits on scientific exploration? If so, what should those limits be?

The question of whether there should be limits on scientific exploration is a complex and ethically charged one. While the pursuit of knowledge and scientific discovery is essential for human progress, there are valid reasons to establish limits to ensure the responsible and ethical use of scientific research.

In Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," the narrative explores the consequences of unchecked and irresponsible scientific exploration, which can serve as a cautionary tale about the need for limits on certain types of research. While the novel doesn't provide a specific set of limits, it highlights the following themes and considerations:

Ethical Responsibility: 

"Frankenstein" underscores the importance of ethical responsibility in scientific endeavors. Victor Frankenstein's reckless pursuit of knowledge without regard for the consequences or ethical considerations leads to disastrous outcomes. This suggests that there should be limits on scientific exploration to ensure ethical conduct and respect for moral boundaries.

Respect for Life: 

The novel raises questions about the boundaries of life and the creation of sentient beings. Victor's act of creating a living creature from dead body parts challenges societal and ethical norms. It suggests that there should be limits on research that involves the creation or manipulation of life forms without careful ethical consideration.

Environmental and Societal Impact: 

Although not a central theme in the novel, the story's focus on the consequences of Victor's actions could be seen as a metaphor for the potential harm that unchecked scientific exploration can have on the environment and society. This implies that limits should be in place to prevent harm to both.

Responsibility: 

"Frankenstein" serves as a cautionary tale about scientific hubris and the need for scientists to take responsibility for their creations. It suggests that there should be limits on scientific exploration when it involves risks that scientists are unwilling or unable to mitigate.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog.

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