Frankenstein
(Mary Shelley)
It was with the birth of Frankenstein's monster that the science fiction genre was also born. In its first incarnation, a trend was set: the theme of scientific discovery fused with the horror/gothic tradition, effectively articulating the fear lurking in the depths of modern consciousness, a fear which has a greater relevance than ever before as reproductive and genetic technology continues to progress.
Victor Frankenstein is both genius and egomaniac, seeking to make the ultimate contribution to science and to humankind. He sets out to challenge human fallibility and to cheat death. Blindly absorbed in this incredible task, he does not recognise the grotesque nature of the creature he creates by sewing and chopping various parts together, until it is imbued with life - it is only at this point that he realises the extent and ramifications of his own selfish absorption in his task.
Much has been made by feminists of the fact that Victor is obsessed with creating human life by means that bypass womankind - not to mention sex. He seems a cold and cerebral man, with little thought for the consequences of his actions. He has no sympathy for his offspring - a creature who is, ironically, more in touch with human sensibilities than his creator.
The creature begins its existence in child-like innocence, wanting only to gain the comfort and good-will of human companionship. It is heart-breaking to read of his conversion to bitterness and horrible self-awareness through his experiences with the people he encounters. Inevitably becoming an outcast and a killer, he has no place in a hostile world.
There is a dramatic difference between this original novel and the many film and theatre interpretations which have followed. Not least is the fact that Hollywood has converted an articulate, thinking being, into a grunting ghoul. An exception is Branagh's Frankenstein, which retains many of the original themes and plot of the book. Also with Helena Bonham-Carter and Robert De Niro it is probably the best film version.
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