Discussion - Frankenstein the novel is a much

Discussion 

Online version of book: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm

Discussion Topic: Frankenstein, beginning through Book 2, Chapter 4

As an orientation to Shelley, her world, and the composition of the novel, I recommend reading the introduction to our edition, pgs. ix-xviii.

Frankenstein the novel is a much richer, more complex story than the one known through the old Boris Karloff film and in popular culture. For one thing, it is much slower to get started: the creature isn't brought to life until Book 1, Chapter 5—well into the novel. It is also striking how enmeshed the story of the monster is in Victor's family situation and love life. Once the monster is brought into existence, it seems to shadow Victor, almost as if it is punishing him for something or enacting vengeance on him through his family, a realization that Victor comes to after the death of William:

A flash of lightning illuminated the object, and discovered its shape plainly to me; its gigantic stature, and the deformity of its aspect, more hideous than belongs to humanity, instantly informed me that it was the wretch, the filthy daemon to whom I had given life. What did he there? Could he be (I shuddered at the conception) the murderer of my brother? No sooner did that idea cross my imagination, than I became convinced of its truth; my teeth chattered, and I was forced to lean against a tree for support. The figure passed me quickly, and I lost it in the gloom. Nothing in human shape could have destroyed that fair child. He was the murderer! The mere presence of the idea was an irresistible proof of the fact. (pgs. 77-78)

Although the monster is created through scientific means, notice how much it seems like an emanation from Victor's psyche, a kind of negative extension of himself, a "daemon" in the language of the novel. Victor is convinced that he, through the monster, is the murderer of his brother and cites as proof no forensic evidence but the existence of the thought itself ("The mere presence of the idea was an irresistible proof of the fact.")

DISCUSSION TOPIC

For this discussion, consider the role of gender and science in this story. What is Victor's investment in science? That is, what does he seem to think it can do for him and for society at large? What motivates him to create the monster? What are the actual effects of those efforts? Does gender seem to play a role in this? In other words, does Shelley seem to frame Victor's story as a story that could only be about a man? If so, how? If you think not, why not?

A final note: if you want a movie version that hews relatively closely to the novel, you might try Kenneth Branagh's 1994, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Branagh plays Victor, and Robert de Niro is the monster.