Thoughts on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelly / Frankenstein

Discuss a specific example of the gothic as it appears in contemporary culture.

Gothic Literature (Gothic Horror) by definition is a genre that combines fiction, horror, and romanticism. "Gothic Fiction feeds on a pleasing sort of terror, an extension of Romantic literary pleasures." Gothic Literature and its themes are plentiful in contemporary culture, as people will alway enjoy the thrill of being scared as well as being in love.

Some of the classic tropes of Gothic Horror, as discussed in class are as follows:

• Dark and stormy weather, rain, or fog
• Old european castles, chambers, and ruins 
• A romantic interest or attractive/desirable companion 
• Ominous characters and animals 
• Supernatural wonders 
• Mortality, graves, and death in general 
• Loud alarming noises, screams, suspense, buildup, maniacal laughter
• Isolation and madness 
• "Sublime" is a good word to describe the kind of beauty in this genre 

One of my favorite and prominent modern examples of the genre, is Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. This 1989 film, has many parallels to Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, in themes, tropes, and character interactions.

Tim Burton / Edward Scissorhands

Both Frankenstein's Creation and Edward are given life by a science driven creator, and are abandoned without completion. But Frankenstein is horrified, loathes his Creation on principal, while Edward's creator loves him dearly, but dies suddenly. (good parent/bad parent)



Frankenstein's Creature and Edward are both cursed with alarming exteriors that don't reflect their good hearts. Their treatment by humanity confuses them, as they have strong moral centers and have not done anything that would warrant rejection and cruelty. Morality and corruption are common themes between the two.

 

Both Characters try and fail to appeal to the people and culture they love, and desire the closeness of a female affection. Edward is convinced he is dangerous, and holds back from Kim's affections, but shows his care through protecting her and others he loves. Frankenstein's Creation observes the love of families by watching the family in the cottage from afar, leaning of language and the human condition. He also knows he can't show his love in person, so he gathers firewood and helps with household tasks as a guardian angel from afar.

My favorite gothic parallel between the two stories, is the abortion of hope. Frankenstein's Creation feels that the creation of another like him, a relating soulmate will assuage his misery for all time. Edward will be complete, and able to integrate into society safely with a pair of human hands. These two things, wether they would have brought about lasting happiness, are nonetheless hope. Victor Frankenstein destroys the progress he has begun on the female companion, going back on his word, and as Edward's creator dies, the hands he is about to bestow to his creation are sliced to pieces. Symbols of hope hacked and sliced ... how gothic!





The genre is horror, so no happy endings here. Seeking seclusion/isolation until the end of days, both creations stand as a reminder of how severely we judge harsh exteriors, that fear and passion overpower good intention, and how the world is no place place for gentle hearted monsters.

 


Themes

Who's is the"Monster":

Both Victor and his creation begin their lives innocent and with good intentions. However Victor was raised in love, with friends, family and support, where as the creation was rejected upon birth. The creation teaches himself of love, morals, and kindness, but is baffled as to how cruel humankind can be purely because of his fiendish exterior.  He snaps over time when all hopes of coexisting fail, and his endeavors to connect with humankind are fruitless. The only comfort he finds is in revenge towards his creator, and in that he becomes the "Monster".  I hold Victor to a higher standard because he was raised in a loving environment. He "snaps" to monstrosity only by his own doing. Maybe because love and support were always given to him, as a child, he took it for granted, never having to understand what it truly means to not have that.  Victor's biggest mistake was his lack of responsibility and failing to think through that task he set out to do. An irresponsible parent. Victor becomes a "Monster" when he selfishly creates life for the thrill,  and then rejects his child. I feel for Victor throughout the story, his losses are many, his regret is sincere, and his anxiety is torment. We all get carried away by passion from time to time, but he fails to address the consequences of his passion aptly, and thus begins the reckless chain of death and heartbreak.


Dangerous Knowledge: 

For both the creator and the creation, pain comes with increases knowledge and awareness.

Additional Media:

Upon reading Frankenstein, I also noted parallels to a variety of  other books, films, television shows, music, and fashion. Not all align completely with the conventions/tropes of the Gothic Literature, but there was something about each work that was reminiscent.

Of Mice and Men



"Maybe ever'body in the whole damn world is scared of each other."


Phantom of the Opera

"Stranger than you dreamt it
Can you even dare to look, or bear to think of me
This loathesome gargoyle
Who burns in hell, But secretly yearns for heaven
Secretly, secretly...

Fear can turn to love
You'll learn to see, to find the man behind the monster
This repulsive carcass
Who seems a beast but secretly dreams of beauty,
Secretly, secretly..."

Rocky Horror Picture Show



"And crawling on the planet's face,
Some insects called the human race,
Lost in time,
Lost in space,
And in meaning."


Penny Dreadful






King Kong



The Hunchback of Notre Dame