University of Surrey | English Literature
Understanding The Novel 20/21
WEEK THREE – FRANKENSTEIN
Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus was written by Mary Shelley in 1818.
It is a seminal and transformative novel belonging to the Gothic genre, often considered the first
science fiction novel due to its exploration of scientific themes and the creation of life.
Mary Shelley (1797-1851) was the daughter of William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. She
married Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1814 and travelled extensively in Europe.
Apart from Frankenstein, her notable works include Valperga (1823) and The Last Man (1826).
Frankenstein's origins and adaptations
Started as a ghost-writing competition at Villa Diodati in 1816 with Shelley, Byron, and
Polidori.
Mary Shelley's nightmare in June 1816:
o Saw a man come to life through a powerful engine, only to be horrified by his
creation.
o The creator attempts to escape, but the creature confronts him with a menacing
presence.
First edition: 1818; Revised edition: 1831 (significant changes and additions):
o Initially published anonymously in 1818
o In 1831, the novel was published in a revised form with Mary Shelley's Author's
Introduction.
o The inner life of Victor was expanded to make him more sympathetic, and the
characters, in general, were softened.
o Elizabeth's character was revised to be less closely related to Victor and portrayed as
more angelic.
o The revised Introduction aimed to shape the reader's perception of the novel by
framing Victor's actions as a crime against God, a perspective less present in the
earlier version.
First stage adaptation: "Presumption, or The Fate of Frankenstein" by Richard Brinsley Peake
(1823).
First film adaptation, 1910, directed by James Searle Dawley
Most famous early film adaptation, 1931, directed by James Whale, starring Boris Karloff
Overdetermined text
Frankenstein is a richly "overdetermined" text, meaning it contains multiple layers of symbolism,
themes, and interpretations.
The novel allows for various readings and meanings, inviting discussions on topics such as the
dangers of playing God, the responsibility of creators, and the isolation of individuals.
Historical context
, University of Surrey | English Literature
Understanding The Novel 20/21
WEEK THREE – FRANKENSTEIN
Continuing processes of modernization
o During the time of Frankenstein's writing, there were ongoing processes of
modernization, including expanding trade and commerce, the growth of the middle
class, urbanization, and the rise of print culture.
Scientific and technological advances
o Starting in the late 18th century, there was a wave of new scientific and
technological advancements that influenced the intellectual and cultural landscape.
o The Industrial Revolution, which began in the 1760s, brought significant changes in
manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture.
French Revolution (1789)
o The French Revolution marked a major turning point in European history, as it
overthrew the "ancient regime" of monarchy, feudalism, and the church.
o The revolution was characterized by different phases, including the radical period
known as the "Terror" in the mid-1790s and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte in the
late 1790s.
European and global war (1794-1815)
o The French Revolution and its aftermath led to a period of intense warfare in Europe
and globally.
o The French Revolutionary Wars (1793-1802) and the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815)
resulted in significant political and territorial changes.
Restoration and the Holy Alliance
o After Napoleon's final defeat in 1815, the "ancient regimes" were restored across
Europe.
o The Holy Alliance, established by the major European powers, sought to maintain
conservative principles and suppress revolutionary movements.
Frankenstein's writing period (1816-1817)
o Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein during the years 1816 and 1817, against the
backdrop of these historical events.
o The novel reflects the anxieties and tensions of the time, including concerns about
scientific progress, social upheaval, and the impact of war.
Timeline
1760s: The Industrial Revolution begins, bringing significant advancements in manufacturing,
transportation, and agriculture.
1789: The French Revolution begins, marking a period of radical political and social upheaval in
France.
1793-1794: The Reign of Terror in France, characterized by mass executions and political repression.
