A Cultural Analysis of Frankenstein
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This blog is the part of thinking activity, which is designed for an in-depth exploration of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein through the lens of cultural studies. The discussion is divided into two main parts:
1. Revolutionary Births
2. The Frankenpheme in Popular Culture: Fiction, Drama, Film, Television.
Each part invites us to critically analyze and reflect on how the themes and elements of Frankenstein intersect with cultural, philosophical, and political ideas, both in the context of the novel’s time and in contemporary society.
For background of Worksheet visit here :
The Creature as Proletarian :
"Frankenstein" has become a vital metaphor, peculiarly appropriate to a culture dominated by a consumer technology, neurotically obsessed with "getting in touch" with its authentic self and frightened at what it is discovering."
(Levine, “the Ambiguous Heritage of Frankenstein”)
The Creature in Frankenstein is like a real-life social movement. Just like the Dalit Panther movement fought for the rights of the Dalit community in India, the Creature also struggled for recognition and respect. Both faced rejection and violence from society.
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The Maoist movement in India, especially in remote areas, is similar to the Creature's anger against being neglected and exploited. Both the Maoists and the Creature are seen as violent threats, even though their actions come from a place of suffering and injustice.
The struggles of the working class, especially highly educated people who can't find good jobs, mirror the Creature's frustration at being cast aside despite his potential. This systemic failure drives people to actions and movements that call for change.
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The Black Panther movement's focus on self-defense and community empowerment is similar to the Dalit Panther movement and the Creature's journey from silent suffering to organized resistance. Both movements show the transition from helplessness to empowered assertion of rights.
A Race of Devils :
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is more than a tale of horror; it's a powerful allegory for the complex dynamics of race, empire, and privilege. The relationship between Victor and the Creature mirrors historical and modern struggles for power, identity, and acceptance.
The Creature, a marginalized "Other," faces societal rejection and isolation, much like African slaves and other oppressed groups throughout history. His transformation from innocent to vengeful reflects the psychological impact of systemic oppression. This parallels the experiences of women, especially marginalized women, who face intersectional discrimination.
Victor's act of creating life without the natural process of childbirth symbolizes patriarchal dominance and a desire to control both life and the feminine realm of reproduction. Particularly it is known as "Wombenvy". This parallels the colonial mindset of exerting control without nurturing or accountability, leading to exploitation and subjugation.
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Victor's behavior toward the Creature echoes that of a colonial master who creates a subject but fails to educate or integrate them. This mirrors the historical practice of leaving colonies in a state of dependency and disorder, a pattern evident in the aftermath of colonialism and in recent events like the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Shelley's novel resonates with contemporary critiques of privilege and systemic racism. The Creature's experience highlights how privilege operates, marginalizing those who don't conform to dominant cultural standards. This reflects the ongoing struggle for inclusion and justice faced by marginalized communities worldwide.
Frankenstein is a timeless exploration of power, identity, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of creating without responsibility and the importance of empathy and understanding in a world marked by inequality and injustice.
From Natural Philosophy to Cyborg :
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein warns us about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition. Victor Frankenstein's creation of life highlights the ethical and societal risks of overreaching science.
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Genetic engineering and cloning raise concerns similar to those in Frankenstein. Techniques like CRISPR can be used to create "designer babies," raising ethical issues around eugenics and inequality. Consequently leads to "Biological Elitism" This could lead to a genetically enhanced elite, exacerbating existing social divides.
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Eugenics is an immoral and pseudoscientific theory that claims it is possible to perfect people and groups through genetics and the scientific laws of inheritance. Eugenicists used an incorrect and prejudiced understanding of the work of Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel to support the idea of “racial improvement.”(“Eugenics: Its Origin and Development (1883 - Present)”)
Frankenstein also warns us about the dangers of AI. Creating highly advanced AI raises questions of accountability, autonomy, and the potential for AI to surpass human control. We must ensure that AI development aligns with human well-being.
Shelley's novel teaches us that scientific innovation must be accompanied by ethical consideration. We must establish guidelines to ensure that technologies are used for good and not to deepen social divides.
In the context of genetic engineering, this means establishing ethical guidelines that ensure technologies are used to uplift rather than deepen social divides. In AI, it means creating fail-safes and ethical programming that align AI development with human well-being rather than mere profit or power.
The Frankenpheme in Popular Culture :
First Film Adaptation and Popular Retellings :
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Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is still relevant today because it keeps getting adapted into different forms like movies, plays, and books. The story's themes of ambition, isolation, and the dangers of science continue to resonate with people.
Early film adaptations of Frankenstein introduced themes of psychological duality and self-alienation. These films helped make the story popular and relevant. Iconic films like James Whale's Frankenstein (1931) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935) shaped how people see the Creature and the story.
Frankenstein has also influenced experimental cinema. Films like Bill Morrison's Spark of Being use old film footage to create new stories, similar to how Victor Frankenstein creates the Creature from parts. This reflects the themes of creation, decay, and resurrection in Shelley's novel. Contemporary adaptations, such as Mary Shelley's own sequel The Last Man and films like Splice and Ex Machina, continue to explore the ethical implications of scientific pursuit. These retellings often delve into themes like genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and the blurred lines between creation and destruction.
Frankenstein continues to be relevant because its themes resonate with modern anxieties about technology and humanity. The Creature's struggle for acceptance reflects our concerns about otherness and technological isolation. The story also warns us about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, which is relevant to current advancements in fields like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence.
Frankenstein is also relevant to young people. Adaptations for children and young adults focus on themes of belonging and self-discovery, making the story accessible to a new generation. Especially on the bases of the ability young generation face the struggle of comparison with others similar to creture.
Even in digital culture, Frankenstein is still relevant. Memes and online discussions show how the story continues to be shared and interpreted by people. The Creature's desire for acceptance is a theme that still resonates with people today.
Frankenstein is a timeless story that continues to inspire and challenge us. Its themes of ambition, isolation, and the dangers of science are as relevant today as they were when the novel was first published.
Reading and Analysis :
The Creature's literary education is a complex and paradoxical experience. While it expands his mind and offers him a glimpse of human potential, it also deepens his isolation and fuels his resentment. Books like Paradise Lost, Plutarch's Lives, and The Sorrows of Werter expand the Creature's knowledge and understanding of the world. He learns about human history, culture, and emotions.
" Fortunately the books were written in the language, the elements of which I had acquired at the cottage; they consisted of Paradise Lost, a volume of Plutarch’s Lives, and the Sorrows of Werter. The possession of these treasures gave me extreme delight; I now continually studied and exercised my mind upon these histories, whilst my friends were employed in their ordinary occupations."
(Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus)
The Creature's reading of Paradise Lost highlights his complex relationship with both God and Satan. He identifies with Adam's isolation, but he also feels a kinship with Satan's rebellious spirit. This dual identification further complicates his sense of self and his place in the world.
“I can hardly describe to you the effect of these books. They produced in me an infinity of new images and feelings, that sometimes raised me to ecstasy, but more frequently sunk me into the lowest dejection."
(Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus)
The Creature's reading of Plutarch's Lives introduces him to the world of politics and leadership. He admires the peaceful lawgivers like Numa, Solon, and Lycurgus, and he develops a strong sense of justice and morality. However, his own monstrous appearance and social isolation prevent him from participating in the world he so admires.
He feels a deep sense of loneliness and longing for connection. Reading about the happiness and fulfillment of others, like Adam in Paradise Lost, intensifies the Creature's feelings of envy and resentment. He questions his own existence and purpose.
‘The path of my departure was free,’ and there was none to lament my annihilation. "
(Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus
The Creature's literary education, while empowering him intellectually, ultimately exacerbates his feelings of alienation and despair. As he becomes more aware of the world around him, he also becomes more acutely aware of his own difference and his inability to belong. This leads to a deep sense of loneliness and a growing resentment towards humanity.
Film and Media Reflection :
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Anukul :
These films, along with many others, show us that humans have a deep-rooted fear of AI and robots. We often create stories that warn us about the dangers of technology, even though it's something we humans have created.
This fear is not new. We've always been scared of monsters, whether they were wolves, mythical creatures, or powerful humans. These stories, like those in the Ramayana and Mahabharata, teach us to be cautious and avoid danger.
In the modern world, our fears have shifted to machines and AI. We worry about robots becoming too powerful or losing control. These films reflect our anxieties about the future and the potential consequences of our technological advancements.
Thank You.
I would like to acknowledge the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI, for providing insightful suggestions and facilitating the organization and expression of original thoughts and concepts in the preparation of this work.
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