The Gothic: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

The Gothic: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

            Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has been the basis of numerous adaptations and spin offs featuring both titular scientist and his creation. The formula/backstory for the works are consistent; mad scientist reanimates a brutish and malevolent monster, which then goes on a path of destruction. So the first time I read the original Frankenstein in high school, I was shocked to discover significantly less “scientific abomination wrecking all in its path” and more moral pondering. As a 14-15 year old, the messages and morals of the story were utterly lost on me. However, after my second read through my understanding has been significantly improved by my increased vocabulary, patience and (most importantly) my enjoyment of the material.  What I initially perceived as the first monster story is actually a tragic tale of an abused and unwanted child searching for its purpose.  The story itself is told as an 1800’s found footage film. What you, as the reader, are reading is a series of letters from a ships captain to his sister in which the captain records the ramblings of a man found dying in the arctic. The Man is Victor Frankenstein, and he had created a monster that would go on to ruin his life. This unwanted creation, dubbed “the Monster,” was horrible in every way. After throwing it out and abusing it, it unintentionally terrifies people living in the area accidentally kills a child. Knowing it will be ostracized from society it demands that Victor takes responsibility for his creation and make it a companion with which to live with in seclusion. Dr. Frankenstein initially agrees before destroying the work, fearing that they would bred and create a dynasty of monsters. In acts of revenge, “the monster” kills Dr. Frankenstein’s friend and Newly wed wife. Having lost everything, Victor Frankenstein would die trying to pursue and destroy his creation. While a unique and great story in its own right with an outstandingly sympathetic “villain,” the thing that elevated this tale of the Modern Prometheus above simply a classic horror story is the fact that it’s a tale of an unwanted child and his abusive father. Frankenstein, a college aged man, tries to create life without thinking through the consequences. He reviles what he has made and casts it out. The creation has to learn how to act and live for itself in a society that is disgusted by it. When the monster kills its always by accident or out of rage or revenge. That view on the story makes it fantastic and I want to delve through the book again looking for more references to this theme.

This book is a classic and shows its age a bit in the setting details and pacing, but its atmosphere, plot and deeper meaning make it a must read for horror fans.