A Cultural Studies Approach to Frankenstein
This blog is a part of thinking activity.
- Assigned by Dilip Barad sir.
Part 1: Revolutionary Births
1. The Creature as Proletarian
o Mary Shelley lived in a time of great social and political turmoil, influenced by radical thinkers like her parents and Thomas Paine. The creature in Frankenstein embodies the struggles of the oppressed, illuminating themes of class struggle and revolutionary tension.
o Reflect: How does the Creature’s paradoxical nature—simultaneously aninnocent and a vengeful force—comment on societal fears of revolution and sympathy for the suffering masses?
Ans.
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is heavily influenced by the social and political upheavals of her time, drawing on themes of oppression and class struggle. The creature, often marginalized, embodies the plight of the proletariat—the oppressed working class who suffer because of forces outside their control. Shelley's era saw rising tension among the working class, with thinkers like her parents (Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin) and Thomas Paine advocating for social equality and justice. The creature’s struggle for acceptance, only to be rejected and forced into isolation, mirrors the frustration and anger of an exploited class.
The creature’s paradoxical nature, embodying innocence yet becoming vengeful, critiques society’s fear of the oppressed rising against those in power. Shelley draws sympathy for the creature, suggesting that his rage is a product of mistreatment rather than an inherent evil. This duality captures societal fears around revolution: the creature’s transformation into a “monster” underscores the way oppression can distort innocence into vengeance. Through this, Shelley critiques not only the neglect of the marginalized but also societal fear of empowering those who have been kept down, resonating with anxieties surrounding revolutionary change.
The creature in Frankenstein reflects struggles faced by oppressed or exploited workers, which aligns with modern labor rights and anti-exploitation movements. The labor movement continues to fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and protections against exploitation, especially in sectors where marginalized communities are vulnerable. In the same way that the creature becomes vengeful after repeated rejections and abuse, many protests and movements express frustration with systemic injustice. For instance, movements like Fight for $15 or campaigns against exploitative practices by corporations highlight how people today resist being treated as expendable by larger economic powers, much like the creature’s rebellion against Victor’s negligence.
2. A Race of Devils
o The Creature's depiction draws from cultural anxieties surrounding the"Other," be it racial or otherwise. The novel explores issues of race and imperialism, with characters like Victor Frankenstein embodying a guilty, colonial mindset.
o Reflect: How does Shelley’s narrative engage with concepts of race and empire, and how might these issues be relevant today in global discourses on race and privilege?
Ans.
Shelley’s depiction of the creature engages with early 19th-century anxieties about the “Other”—whether defined by race, culture, or difference in general. Victor Frankenstein’s creation, unnatural and perceived as monstrous, reflects a racialized “Other” who is subjected to fear, prejudice, and exclusion. This evokes imperialistic and racial attitudes of the time, where European powers considered foreign cultures as “inferior” or threatening to their moral and social fabric.
Shelley’s narrative critiques colonial and racial biases by presenting Victor as the creator, an “imperial” figure who abandons his “subject” out of fear and guilt. The creature’s alienation is symbolic of the struggles faced by those marginalized in colonial contexts—judged by their appearance and denied humanity. This theme remains relevant today, as global conversations on race and privilege continue to confront and dismantle centuries-old biases. Shelley’s exploration of these themes urges readers to reconsider who society deems as “monstrous” and who is deserving of empathy and equal rights.
Shelley’s exploration of the “Other” as monstrous connects with ongoing struggles against racial profiling, prejudice, and colonial legacy. Today’s anti-racism movements, such as Black Lives Matter, address how marginalized groups are often viewed with suspicion or dehumanized based on stereotypes. Just as the creature is rejected purely for his appearance, people today face bias and discrimination because of their race, ethnicity, or immigration status. Additionally, decolonization movements seek to dismantle the remnants of colonial oppression, which attempted to "civilize" and control other cultures. Frankenstein reflects these issues through Victor’s refusal to recognize the creature’s humanity, similar to how colonial powers disregarded the humanity of colonized people.
3. From Natural Philosophy to Cyborg
o In the age of genetic engineering and biotechnology, Frankenstein becomes increasingly pertinent. The novel questions the moral and ethical boundaries of scientific discovery, a theme that resonates in contemporary debates about cloning, genetically modified births and artificial intelligence.
o Reflect: How do modern scientific advancements parallel the novel's cautionary tale of human hubris, and what lessons can we learn from it?
Ans.
In Frankenstein, Shelley warns of unchecked scientific ambition through Victor’s hubristic experimentation. This theme becomes ever more relevant in our modern context, where genetic engineering, cloning, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology test ethical boundaries. Victor’s blind pursuit of knowledge and disregard for his creation's well-being reflect a cautionary tale about scientific responsibility.
Modern advancements in fields like artificial intelligence and genetic modification parallel Victor’s overreach, showing how hubris can lead to unintended consequences. Shelley’s novel encourages reflection on moral responsibility: just as Victor’s actions led to tragic consequences, modern science must consider the ethical impact of breakthroughs on humanity and nature. Her work suggests a lesson in humility—that scientific discovery should be tempered with empathy, foresight, and respect for natural boundaries to prevent unintended harm to society and the environment.
In the realm of biotechnology and artificial intelligence, Frankenstein's themes are more relevant than ever. Movements like The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots and calls for ethical standards in AI development emphasize the importance of controlling technological advancements to prevent harm. This resonates with Victor Frankenstein’s unchecked ambition, where his refusal to consider the ethical implications of creating life leads to tragic results. Similarly, today’s debates about genetic engineering, cloning, and AI highlight concerns about “playing God” without fully considering potential consequences. Environmental and bioethics activists argue for regulations and frameworks that prioritize safety and societal welfare over technological advancement.
Part 2: The Frankenpheme in Popular Culture
1. First Film Adaptation and Popular Retellings
o Reflect on the first cinematic adaptation of Frankenstein and how the novel has been retold in countless films, parodies, and adaptations. Why do you think Frankenstein has had such a lasting impact on popular culture? Consider how the novel’s themes have been appropriated to address modern anxieties about technology and humanity.
Ans.
The first cinematic adaptation of Frankenstein was the 1910 silent film by Edison Studios, which simplified the novel’s complex themes for a visual medium. This version depicted the creature as monstrous and tragic, emphasizing society’s fear of scientific experimentation and the unknown. Over time, however, Frankenstein has been reinterpreted and retold in numerous films, series, and even parodies that adapt its themes to fit the concerns of each era. Key retellings include Frankenstein (1931), The Bride of Frankenstein (1935), and more modern interpretations like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) and the 2015 film Victor Frankenstein.
Why has Frankenstein had such a lasting impact on popular culture? Frankenstein’s impact endures because it taps into universal fears and ethical questions about technology, human limits, and societal rejection. In each adaptation, the story speaks to new anxieties: whether it’s the dangers of genetic engineering, fears of artificial intelligence, or the moral responsibilities scientists bear in creating life. Victor Frankenstein’s hubris and the creature’s suffering are timeless motifs that provoke questions about humanity’s ambition and empathy. Because these fears and ethical concerns are persistent, Frankenstein adapts easily to different cultural moments, allowing each generation to find something relevant in the tale.
o Think and Discuss: How have various retellings of Frankenstein reshaped its message for new audiences? How do these adaptations either retain or transform the novel’s original critique of scientific ambition and social exclusion?
Ans.
Retaining the Original Critique of Scientific Ambition
Many adaptations keep Shelley’s warning about unchecked scientific ambition and the dangers of "playing God." The 1931 film Frankenstein, directed by James Whale, is a classic example that retains this critique. By emphasizing Victor’s hubristic overreach and the creature’s horrifying appearance, the film reinforces the notion that science, when pursued recklessly, can lead to monstrous outcomes. Similarly, Kenneth Branagh’s Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) presents a faithful portrayal of Victor’s moral downfall, echoing the novel’s cautionary stance toward the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration.
Modern adaptations in the context of biotechnology and artificial intelligence also keep this theme alive. For instance, the 2015 film Victor Frankenstein explores the personal and ethical consequences of creating artificial life, prompting viewers to consider the moral implications of advances in genetics and AI. By doing so, these adaptations underscore the timeless caution against scientific hubris that Shelley originally presented.
Transforming the Critique of Social Exclusion
Over time, adaptations have increasingly humanized the creature, transforming Shelley’s critique of social exclusion and deepening the focus on empathy. The novel’s original creature is articulate and self-aware, representing an intelligent but misunderstood being. However, early film adaptations often portrayed him as a mute, monstrous figure, emphasizing horror over humanity.
More recent adaptations have reframed the creature as a tragic, misunderstood figure, inviting sympathy and emphasizing the trauma of social rejection. This change reflects modern understandings of “the Other” and explores the psychological toll of isolation and prejudice. In this way, Shelley’s exploration of social exclusion has been transformed to reflect contemporary discussions about identity, social marginalization, and the need for compassion toward those who are different.
Adapting to Address New Cultural Fears
As new technologies emerge, Frankenstein has been adapted to address modern anxieties about science’s impact on humanity. For example, movies like Ex Machina (2014) and series like Black Mirror reflect Frankenstein-like themes in their cautionary tales about AI, genetic modification, and surveillance technology. These adaptations do not simply restate Shelley’s original themes but explore how scientific ambition can affect human relationships, autonomy, and ethical boundaries in new ways.
Reading and Analysis :
he Creature’s experience with literature is both complex and contradictory. While it broadens his understanding and gives him insight into human potential, it also increases his sense of loneliness and resentment. Books like Paradise Lost, Plutarch’s Lives, and The Sorrows of Young Werther expand his knowledge about human history, emotions, and culture.
" 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."
The Creature’s reading of Paradise Lost shows his complex feelings towards both God and Satan. He relates to Adam's sense of being alone, but he also connects with Satan's rebellious nature. This dual connection makes it harder for him to understand who he really is and where he belongs in the world.
Film and Media Reflection :
1. Young Frankenstein (1974)
Young Frankenstein, directed by Mel Brooks, is a comedic take on the Frankenstein story. The film retains many of the central themes of the original novel, such as the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the ethical consequences of creating life. However, it transforms these ideas by using humor and parody to lighten the philosophical and moral weight.
Reflection of Societal Fears: Released in 1974, the film reflects the anxieties of the 1970s about technological advancements, particularly in the fields of medicine and genetic engineering. However, by making the story a comedy, it downplays these fears, showing them as ridiculous or exaggerated. This reflects a cultural shift toward skepticism of unchecked scientific power but with a lighter, more ironic approach.
2. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
The Bride of Frankenstein, directed by James Whale, is a direct sequel to the 1931 Frankenstein and further explores the themes of creation and rejection. While the film retains the critique of scientific ambition, it introduces a new layer with the creation of the female monster, exploring themes of gender and identity.
Reflection of Societal Fears: The Bride of Frankenstein was made in the midst of the Great Depression, during a time of social upheaval and fear about the future. The rise of fascism and the looming threat of war also heightened fears of uncontrollable technological power. The film reflects these societal concerns by exploring the dangers of creating life that cannot be controlled, and it underscores the isolation and rejection felt by those who are different or "othered."
3. Blade Runner (1982)
Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner takes Frankenstein’s themes and adapts them to the context of a futuristic, dystopian world. The film is directly influenced by Frankenstein in its portrayal of bioengineering and artificial life. The replicants, artificial beings created to serve humans, are both victims and perpetrators of violence, much like Frankenstein’s monster.
Reflection of Societal Fears: Blade Runner was released in 1982, during the early days of genetic engineering and advanced robotics. The film reflects fears about humanity’s growing ability to manipulate and control life through technology. It explores the moral and ethical questions that arise when artificial life is created—questions that mirror the anxieties of the postmodern world about biotechnology, corporate control, and the loss of individual rights. The replicants’ quest for freedom and identity challenges traditional ideas of life, death, and humanity, similar to the Creature’s struggle in Frankenstein.
1. Ra.One (2011)
Ra.One is a science fiction superhero film directed by Anubhav Sinha, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Arjun Rampal. It draws parallels to Frankenstein through its portrayal of the creation of an artificial being that turns against its creator.
2. Robot (2010)
Robot (known as Enthiran in Tamil) is a science fiction film directed by S. Shankar, starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai. While it is a Tamil film, it was widely popular in Hindi-speaking regions as well. The story revolves around a scientist who creates an advanced robot, Chitti, that becomes human-like and eventually poses a threat to humanity.
3. Ghost Machine:
5. Anukul :
A tale involving a robot in a domestic setting.
Reference :
Barad, Dilip. “Thinking Activity: A Cultural Studies Approach to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385485826_Thinking_Activity_A_Cultural_Studies_Approach_to_Mary_Shelley's_Frankenstein. Accessed 12 November 2024.
Barad,Dilip. Why Are We so Scared of Robots / AIs? blog.dilipbarad.com/2019/03/why-are-we-so-scared-of-robots-ais.html.
Wollstonecraft, Mary. “Frankenstein.” Project Gutenberg, 1818, https://www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm. Accessed 12 November 2024.
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