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Frankenstein

Frankenstein. Introduction. Publication. - published in 1818 - although a perfect example of the Gothic tradition, it is also considered to be the first science fiction novel - it was originated during a contest between friends. The inner circle in Switzerland.

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Frankenstein

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  1. Frankenstein Introduction

  2. Publication • - published in 1818 • - although a perfect example of the Gothic tradition, it is also considered to be the first science fiction novel • - it was originated during a contest between friends

  3. The inner circle in Switzerland • - among the four friends in attendance during a cold summer, it was decided to write a horror story • - the four friends were the famous poets Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, Mary Shelley (Percy’s wife), and Dr. Polidori • - Dr. Polidori’s idea was taken by Bram Stoker who developed it into Dracula

  4. Inspirations • Science: -1. Erasmus Darwin’s experiments to create life from inanimate matter -2. Luigi Galvani’s experiments with using electric stimuli to cause muscle contractions

  5. Inspirations (cont.) • Literature: • -1. Milton’s Paradise Lost – an epic poem about Adam and Even and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden • -2. Percy Shelley’s Prometheus Unbound – A Titan who stole fire from heaven for Man. The original title for Mary’s novel was Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus

  6. The Gothic tradition • - a gothic novel is characterized by an emphasis on the grotesque elements, the mysterious; desolate environments, horrible events, and ghostly and eerie situations

  7. Differences between a typical Gothic novel and Shelley’s novel • 1) Gothic 2) Frankenstein • - Middle Ages - 1700’s • - castles - laboratories • - high-born - scientist

  8. Philosophical contrasts • Rationalism vs. Romanticism • - emotional - emotional • detachment expression • - nature’s usefulness - nature’s beauty • - importance of the - individual spirit • community • - logic - imagination/ creativity

  9. Theme Subjects • - Dangerous knowledge • - Nature’s influence and expression of emotional states • - The danger of secrecy

  10. Symbols • - light & fire

  11. Structure • - first person narrator – gives an air of verisimilitude (the appearance of truth) so that the reader can suspend disbelief • - frame story – a story is told within a narrative setting, or “frame” (a story within a story); begins with the letters from Captain Walton to his sister, Margaret (the original book began at Chapter 5)

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