A Cultural Studies Approach to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ transcends its era as a groundbreaking work of Gothic literature to serve as a powerful lens for exploring cultural, philosophical, and societal issues. Rooted in the revolutionary upheavals of its time, the novel critiques human ambition, societal exclusion, and the ethics of scientific discovery. This blog is a thinking activity, assigned by Barad Sir, where I delves into the Creature’s paradoxical nature, the narrative’s engagement with race and empire, and the parallels between the novel’s cautionary tale and modern scientific advancements. Additionally, it examines how adaptations of Frankenstein continue to reinterpret its themes, showcasing its enduring impact on cultural and intellectual thought. For more information, check out this worksheet - Cultural Studies approach to Frankenstein Worksheet.

1. How does the Creature’s paradoxical nature—simultaneously an innocent and a vengeful force—comment on societal fears of revolution and sympathy for the suffering masses?

The Creature’s paradoxical nature reflects the dual societal attitudes toward revolution during Mary Shelley’s time. As an innocent, the Creature symbolizes the oppressed masses—those marginalized and dehumanized by societal hierarchies. His initial kindness and desire for acceptance reveal a longing for societal integration, representing the potential for peaceful coexistence if the oppressed are treated justly.

Conversely, his vengeful side embodies society’s fear of revolt—a retaliation against systemic injustices. Mary Shelley uses the Creature’s transformation from victim to aggressor to critique the elite’s reluctance to address systemic inequality and their fear of revolutionary uprisings. This duality underscores the potential for violence when the marginalized are continuously alienated and pushed to the brink, offering a commentary on the cyclical nature of oppression and rebellion.

2. 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?

Shelley’s narrative critiques imperialistic and racial ideologies through the depiction of the Creature as the “Other.” The Creature’s physical differences and societal rejection mirror the xenophobic attitudes and racialized fears prevalent during the colonial era. His construction from a patchwork of parts also symbolizes the commodification of human lives in imperialistic pursuits, where individuality and humanity are subsumed under exploitative systems.

In modern times, these themes resonate in discussions about systemic racism and privilege. The Creature’s exclusion parallels contemporary struggles of marginalized groups who face discrimination based on physical appearance or cultural differences. Victor’s refusal to take responsibility for his creation aligns with today’s critiques of those in power failing to acknowledge or address historical injustices. The novel urges a reexamination of empathy and accountability in addressing systemic inequalities.

3. How do modern scientific advancements parallel the novel’s cautionary tale of human hubris, and what lessons can we learn from it?

Modern advancements in fields such as genetic engineering, cloning, and artificial intelligence echo the novel’s warnings about the dangers of unchecked ambition. Victor Frankenstein’s hubris in attempting to transcend natural limits and his failure to foresee the consequences of his actions parallel contemporary debates about the ethical boundaries of science.

The novel teaches that the pursuit of knowledge and innovation must be tempered with responsibility and ethical considerations. Neglecting these can lead to unintended consequences, including societal harm and moral dilemmas. As we push the boundaries of biotechnology and AI, Shelley’s cautionary tale reminds us of the importance of foresight, accountability, and the moral implications of playing “creator.”

4. 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?

Retellings of ‘Frankenstein’ have adapted its themes to address the prevailing anxieties of their times. Some notable examples include: 

1931 James Whale Film: Focused on the dangers of tampering with nature, reflecting early 20th-century fears of eugenics and biological determinism. The addition of the “criminal brain” simplified the critique of scientific ambition into a cautionary tale about innate evil.

Blade Runner (1982): Reinterprets the Creature as a replicant, examining corporate exploitation and existential questions in a world dominated by technology. 

Young Frankenstein (1974): Parodies the original themes, using humor to critique human follies and ambition, while maintaining the idea of social rejection. 

Blackenstein (1973): A blaxploitation film that ties the narrative to racial oppression and systemic inequalities, transforming the story into a commentary on racialized experiences.

Each adaptation reshapes the narrative to reflect contemporary issues—ranging from technological fears to cultural critiques—while retaining the core themes of ambition and exclusion. These retellings demonstrate the novel’s enduring relevance and adaptability, proving its critiques of societal structures and human ambition are timeless.

If you wish to explore more regarding movie adaptations to ‘Frankenstein’, you can check out this presentation by me - 

Conclusion

Through its complex narrative and multifaceted themes, ‘Frankenstein’ challenges readers to reflect on societal fears, the ethical boundaries of progress, and the consequences of exclusion. By exploring the Creature’s struggles, the novel critiques systemic inequalities and the repercussions of human hubris, lessons that remain relevant in contemporary discourse. Its numerous adaptations further affirm its timeless resonance, reimagining its message to address evolving anxieties and aspirations. Ultimately, ‘Frankenstein’ remains a vital metaphor for humanity’s ongoing quest to balance ambition, responsibility, and empathy.

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Images - 6

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References - 

Barad, Dilip. (2024). Thinking Activity: A Cultural Studies Approach to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. 10.13140/RG.2.2.24589.76005. 

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Penguin Classics, 2012.

Note - Use of Chat GPT is done to answer this worksheet in a coherent manner.