Monster Introduction: Frankenstein

I absolutely LOVE the story of Frankenstein. I find it very fascinating and it is a book I have to watch every spooky season. In case you are not familiar with the story or with Frankenstein in general, here is a quick introduction to one of my favorite Monsters.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

• If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!
  
  Young scientist Victor Frankenstein, grief-stricken over the death of his mother, sets out in a series of laboratory experiments testing the ability to create life from non-living matter. Soon, his experiments progress further until he creates a humanoid creature eight feet tall. But as Frankenstein soon discovers, a successful experiment does not always equal a positive outcome.

The idea of a reanimated corpse was famously conceived by an 18 year old Mary Shelley on holiday with her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron near Lake Geneva, Switzerland. The three were tasked with writing a ghost story, which resulted in one of the most famous novels to come from the 19th century. Published anonymously in a three volume series, Frankenstein instantly set the standard for a true literary horror and its themes led many to believe it was the first true science fiction novel. In 1831 and after much pressure, Mary Shelley revised the text to be more fitting to contemporary standards. Presented here by Reader’s Library Classics is the original 1818 text of Frankenstein.

There are so many movie adaptations for Frankenstein some include, Bride of Frankenstein (1935), The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) and Frankenstein: The True Story (1973). My favorite is of course the classic film of Frankenstein. Frankenstein was released as a short film in 1910 directed by J. Searle Dawley and produced by Thomas Edison. My second favorite of course is the 1931 Universal film Frankenstein which is arguably the most iconic version. The 1931 film was directed by James Whale and I think gave the viewers a better understanding about the character.

Who is Frankenstein?

• Victor Frankenstein is a young Swiss boy who grew up in Geneva. He attendas th euniversity of Ingolstadt. This is where he learns about modern science and becomes fascinated with the “secret of life” where in just a few short years masters everything the professor s have to teach him and leading him to a mad scientist obsessed with reawakening the dead.
• Frankensteins Monsters is the creature brought to life by Dr. Frankenstein. Mary Shelley never gave him a name, but e is often referred to as Frankenstein’s Monster or Frankenstein.

If you have never read the book or at least watch the film, I think it is worth watching at least once. You don’t have to be like me and watch it every spooky season but I do find the story fascinating and the ambition Frankenstein had to discover the secrets of life and death. Which always leads me to the question who is the real monster in the story? Victor Frankenstein or his creation?

-Dezi