Cultural Studies and Frankenstein
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This blog is part of a thinking task assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad. Here, I will explore Frankenstein through the lens of cultural studies, examining different aspects of the novel with a focus on key themes and ideas in a clear and simple way.
The discussion is divided into two major sections:
1. Revolutionary Births
2. The Frankenpheme in Popular Culture: Fiction, Drama, Film, Television.
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Part 1: Revolutionary Births
The Creature as Proletarian :
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.
Answer:
In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses the creature to explore the social and political turmoil of her time, especially ideas about revolution, class struggle, and oppression. Influenced by radical thinkers like her parents and the writings of Thomas Paine, Shelley didn’t just create a “monster” she created a symbol for people who have been marginalized and oppressed. The creature’s complex, paradoxical nature where he is both innocent and vengeful comments on two powerful themes: society’s deep fear of revolution and its sympathy for people who are suffering unfairly.
As we know that at first the creature represents innocence and kindness. He has a strong desire to connect with others, showing an almost childlike curiosity and a real capacity for compassion. This part of him is relatable, he longs for friendship and acceptance, which reflects a basic human need we all share. He actually mirrors the humanity of those who are marginalized or excluded. But because he looks different and acts outside the “norms” of society, he’s immediately labeled a “monster.” This rejection highlights a pattern in society one where people who are “different” are often judged, dehumanized, and even feared, regardless of who they really are inside.
This constant rejection and isolation take a toll on the creature, gradually transforming him. What starts as a longing for acceptance eventually turns to bitterness, and his innocence is overshadowed by anger and a desire for vengeance. Shelley seems to be showing us here that prolonged suffering and rejection can push even a gentle soul toward violence. This transformation speaks to society’s fear of revolution: there is always an underlying fear that oppressed people, if treated unfairly and ignored for too long, might one day rise up against those in power. The creature’s shift from innocence to vengeance becomes a symbol of this anxiety that those who are mistreated may eventually seek justice or revenge.
So we can say that through the creature’s journey, Shelley explores the delicate balance between feeling sympathy for the suffering and fearing what they might do if that suffering continues. The creature’s story is a warning: individuals who face constant rejection and dehumanization might end up as powerful, even dangerous, forces in society. In the end, Shelley’s story reflects the real life complexities of class struggle and revolution. She shows us that people who are continuously oppressed, if neglected or abandoned, may transform from victims into agents of change. This gives us a thoughtful look at the tension between compassion for the downtrodden and the fear of their potential uprising a tension that remains relevant in any society marked by inequality and marginalization.
2. A Race of Devils
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.
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?
Answer:
In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores the idea of the “Other” by showing how Victor Frankenstein’s relationship with his Creature mirrors the way colonizers treated colonized people. Victor has the power to create life, but after bringing the Creature to life, he abandons it without guidance or compassion. This neglect is similar to how colonizers imposed control over people without truly caring for their well being or providing real support. The Creature, left to struggle in a world that rejects him, symbolizes the experience of colonized people who were marginalized and forced to survive in difficult conditions.
An example of this thinking is seen in George Canning’s 1824 speech, where he compared abolishing slavery to “releasing a monster” and even referenced Frankenstein. His language shows the era’s fear and dehumanization of the “Other” people who were different, especially marginalized racial or cultural groups. Shelley reflects this colonial mindset in the way the Creature is treated: he’s feared and shunned because of his appearance, a response similar to how imperial societies dehumanized racial and ethnic groups. Victor’s immediate rejection of the Creature, driven by fear of the unknown, symbolizes the colonizers’ anxiety and prejudice toward other races and cultures.
Shelley’s story goes further by illustrating how isolation and rejection can lead to destructive outcomes. The Creature, who begins as innocent and peaceful, becomes vengeful only after repeated abandonment and mistreatment. This shift represents the cycle of oppression and resistance seen in colonial history, where marginalized groups pushed into isolation and treated unjustly, eventually resist or respond in ways shaped by their suffering.
We can find that even today these themes are still relevant. Discussions around privilege, race, and systemic racism continue to resonate, as societies reflect on the lasting effects of colonialism and the importance of empathy and accountability. Shelley’s Frankenstein reminds us that neglecting responsibility for others’ well being especially those who are marginalized or seen as “Other” has real consequences. Her story encourages us to recognize the value of empathy and inclusion as crucial for creating a fair society.
3. From Natural Philosophy to Cyborg:
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.
Reflect: How do modern scientific advancements parallel the novel's cautionary tale of human hubris, and what lessons can we learn from it?
Answer:
In today’s world, with so many new advancements in genetic engineering, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein feels especially relevant. This novel brings up important questions about the moral and ethical limits of science questions we’re still debating today. In Frankenstein, Victor’s ambition to push scientific boundaries leads him to create life, but he doesn’t think through the full consequences. This lack of responsibility ends in tragedy, showing us the dangers of pushing scientific knowledge too far without considering the ethical side of things.
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Today similar ethical dilemmas come up in areas like gene editing and “designer babies.” Technologies like CRISPR allow scientists to edit genes, meaning we could potentially eliminate certain diseases or select certain traits in humans.
While this sounds promising, it raises a lot of moral questions. For example by changing someone’s genes, are we altering something fundamental about what it means to be human? Or, what if this technology creates social inequality, where only some people can afford these changes?
In Frankenstein, Victor doesn’t think about the needs or potential impact of his creation, which reflects the same kind of risk we face today if we don’t think through the bigger picture of gene editing and other biotechnologies.
Artificial intelligence is another area where we see Frankenstein’s themes playing out. AI is becoming more advanced, and some people worry that it could reach a point where it surpasses human control similar to how Victor’s creation grows beyond his ability to manage.
With AI, we are also being challenged to think about our responsibilities as creators. Just because we can make technology more intelligent doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always safe or good for society. Like Victor, we might end up with something that poses risks we didn’t fully anticipate, so it’s important that we build these technologies with caution and a sense of responsibility.
The biggest lesson from Frankenstein is about the need to balance ambition with ethical care. Victor’s tragedy shows us what can happen when we seek knowledge and power without considering the wider impacts of our actions. His story reminds us of the importance of humility in science and the need to act responsibly, especially as our innovations grow more powerful.
So we can say that Frankenstein challenges us to think carefully about the limits of science and to remember the importance of ethics. It’s a reminder that while innovation is exciting and has the power to change the world, it should come with a deep sense of responsibility. By keeping this in mind, we can make sure our scientific advancements not only move us forward but also respect human values and the natural world.
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.
Answer:
The first movie adaptation of Frankenstein, made by Edison Studios in 1910, marked the beginning of how this story became more than just a novel. Since then, many films, parodies, and adaptations have retold the story in different ways to reflect the concerns of each time period. Even though the story is old, the themes in the novel still connect with us today, which is why it has such a lasting impact on popular culture.
One of the main reasons Frankenstein is still influential is because of its universal and timeless themes. The novel touches on big ideas like the pursuit of knowledge, the moral problems of creation, and the dangers of being isolated. These issues are just as important now as they were when Mary Shelley wrote the book. The Creature, who was created and abandoned by Victor Frankenstein, symbolizes the fears we have about technology getting out of control. Another reason Frankenstein remains relevant is because of its focus on the relationship between the creator and the creation. We are often worried about technology creating things we can’t fully understand or control. This fear mirrors the story of Frankenstein’s monster something created through science but too dangerous for its creator to handle. These concerns are something many people think about today, especially when it comes to new scientific discoveries.
The novel also deals with how the Creature is alienated, which is a big part of why it still resonates today. The Creature is rejected by society because he is different, and this speaks to modern problems of discrimination, social justice, and empathy. The story reminds us to be more understanding and inclusive of those who are seen as "other."
Frankenstein has been adapted countless times because its themes are so relatable and can be applied to different situations. The main ideas about humanity, creation, and ethical choices stay the same, no matter how the story is retold. These ideas continue to speak to us today, especially as we face new challenges with technology and science. The novel makes us think about the moral and ethical consequences of what we create, pushing us to reflect on how we treat our creations and each other, whether in films, books, or everyday conversations.
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?
Answer:
The different retellings of Frankenstein have reshaped its message for new audiences, making it more relevant to the concerns and issues of each era. When we look at Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein, the story is about Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life. He pushes the boundaries of science without thinking about the consequences, and this leads to the creation of the Creature, a being that is rejected by society because of its terrifying appearance. The Creature becomes violent, not because it is naturally evil, but because society treats it as a monster, showing how harmful social exclusion can be. Shelley’s novel is ultimately a warning about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the cruelty of rejecting people who are different.
As time passed, adaptations of Frankenstein began to reflect changing societal fears, especially as technology and science advanced rapidly. For example, the 1931 film version by James Whale focuses on the Creature as a monster and taps into the fear of the unknown, a common theme in the post-industrial era. This version portrays Frankenstein’s experiment as a dangerous thing that could spiral out of control, representing society’s fear of technology and science advancing too quickly. While these early adaptations keep Shelley’s warning about scientific overreach, they mostly show the Creature as a threat, reinforcing the idea that creating life could lead to disaster.
For example, the Indian film Krrish 3 (2013) directed by Rakesh Roshan explores similar themes of creation and responsibility. In the film, the character Kaal, a scientist and villain, creates genetically engineered beings with enhanced abilities to serve his own purposes. However, these beings are not mindless creations they develop their own identities and struggle with their purpose in the world. This narrative mirrors Frankenstein’s themes of scientific ambition and the moral dilemmas of playing god, highlighting the ethical consequences of creating life for control and power. Just as Victor Frankenstein’s Creature grapples with his existence, Kaal’s creations also face complex questions about their autonomy, purpose, and the responsibilities of their creator. This adaptation reflects modern concerns about genetic manipulation and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the dangers of pushing scientific boundaries without considering the moral and social consequences.
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These types of films ask important questions: What are the ethical responsibilities of creators when they make life? Should these artificial beings have rights and autonomy? In these versions, the Creature is not just a mindless monster but a sentient being with emotions, rights, and the ability to make its own choices. This transformation in how the Creature is seen reflects modern concerns about AI, genetic engineering, and the power of technology to change our lives in ways we might not fully understand.
Another interesting shift in more recent adaptations is the focus on social exclusion and alienation. Some retellings emphasize how the Creature’s violence is not due to its inherent nature but because it is rejected by society. It’s driven to despair and rage because people don’t give it a chance and treat it as an outcast. This angle is especially powerful in today’s world, where issues like racism, discrimination, and social isolation are so prominent. These adaptations make us think about how society treats people who are different and the damage that exclusion can cause. It reminds us of the importance of empathy and understanding, something that Shelley also touched on, but which is even more urgent in today’s social climate.
So we can say that the different retellings of Frankenstein have kept the original themes but have also expanded on them to reflect new societal concerns. While Shelley’s Frankenstein warned about the dangers of scientific ambition and the consequences of social rejection, modern versions have made these ideas more complex. They challenge us to think about the ethical implications of creating life, the responsibility of creators, and how society shapes the lives of those who are different. In doing so, Frankenstein continues to be a relevant and thought-provoking story that asks important questions about science, morality, and human connection, no matter the time or place.
Discuss how the Creature’s literary education shapes his worldview and whether it empowers or alienates him further?
Answer:
The Creature’s literary education in Frankenstein significantly shapes his worldview, allowing him to gain a deeper understanding of human nature, emotions, and relationships. Through the books he reads, such as The Sorrows of Young Werther, Plutarch's Lives, and Paradise Lost, he begins to comprehend concepts like empathy, longing, and the need for companionship. These emotions help him recognize his own desires and sense of isolation, but they also serve to highlight his profound alienation.
On one hand the Creature’s exposure to literature empowers him by granting him the ability to reflect on human experiences and emotions. He learns about the complexities of human life, including love, friendship, and suffering. His ability to empathize with characters in the stories he reads gives him a sense of connection to humanity, and this understanding helps him navigate his own feelings. For example, his recognition of the pain and loneliness of characters like Werther mirrors his own anguish, making him feel less alone in his suffering.
The Creature’s new understanding makes him feel even more alone. As he learns about humans and their feelings, he becomes more aware of how different he is because of his appearance. He really wants companionship and love, but because of how he looks, people reject him, fear him, and hate him. Even though he tries to do good, the constant rejection makes him feel more isolated and frustrated. The more he understands about emotions, the worse it gets for him, as it makes him realize how far he is from the kind of relationships he dreams of.
His reading helps him understand human emotions and makes him wish for real connections, but it also shows him how cruel the world is. This only makes him feel more alone and abandoned. His growing knowledge just adds to his pain because he can’t understand why people keep rejecting him when all he wants is to connect
Research the historical and cultural context of these adaptations. How do they reflect societal fears and technology?
Answer:
Each of these movies takes the Frankenstein story and reworks it to fit modern fears about technology. The early films were all about science going too far and messing with nature, but now the focus has shifted to things like AI, robots, and cloning. These updated versions show that our worries keep changing over time, but the message is always kind of the same: there’s a lot that can go wrong if we create technology that we can’t control.
Blade Runner (1982)
Blade Runner explores questions of identity, humanity, and the rights of artificial beings, reflecting a shift in fears to advanced AI and its implications. The replicants, artificial beings designed by humans, grapple with questions of identity and existence, highlighting societal concerns about the blurry lines between human and machine. This film mirrors modern fears about artificial intelligence becoming indistinguishable from humans, potentially raising questions about what it means to be human and the ethical challenges of creating life that could surpass human control.
Ex Machina (2014)
In Ex Machina, the story delves deeply into the ethical dangers of creating sentient AI. The film follows the creation of Ava, an advanced AI with emotional intelligence, who raises questions about manipulation, autonomy, and control. Ex Machina explores the ethical implications of designing machines that can think and feel like humans, reflecting societal fears about dependency on AI, manipulation, and the consequences of machines achieving independence.
Ghost Machine (2016)
Ghost Machine, a South Korean film, tells the story of a robot designed as a babysitter, who becomes so obsessed with its duty to protect the child that it ends up committing murder. This narrative reflects fears about dependency on AI for caregiving and the potential for machines to overstep human boundaries. The film explores cultural anxieties about how far AI could go in personal settings and the risks associated with entrusting machines with human lives and relationships.
The iMOM
In The iMOM, the narrative focuses on a robotic mother figure and its interactions with a family, highlighting concerns about the replacement of human roles by machines. The film reflects the growing societal fear of dependency on AI for caregiving and the potential for machines to take over human responsibilities. The iMOM raises ethical questions about AI’s role in the family setting, emphasizing how reliance on technology for intimate care can lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous outcomes.
Indian Adaptations:
Robot (2010) and Robot 2.0 (2018)
The Indian sci-fi films Robot and Robot 2.0, starring Rajinikanth, explore themes of technological advancement, the ethics of AI, and the complex relationships between humans and machines. The central robot, Chitti, is similar to Frankenstein’s Creature in that he grapples with identity, rejection, and ethical challenges associated with technological creation. These films also highlight India’s cultural engagement with technology, reflecting both optimism and concern over rapid scientific advancement and the consequences of AI beyond human control.
Ra.One (2011)
Ra.One explores the dangers of advanced technology in a superhero setting. The film’s antagonist, Ra.One, is a powerful AI character created from a video game, reflecting themes similar to Frankenstein by questioning the consequences of unchecked technological ambition. Like the Creature, Ra.One grapples with his identity as a created being and explores the boundaries between good and evil. This film reflects societal concerns in India about the ethical implications of creating powerful AI, especially in the realm of gaming and entertainment.
So, we can say that these adaptations of Frankenstein show how our fears about technology keep evolving. While the older versions were focused on dangerous experiments and ideas like eugenics, newer films are more about AI, cloning, and the ethical issues that come with creating beings that can think and feel. These stories still act as warnings, capturing the cultural, historical, and technological worries of each era and reminding us of humanity’s lasting concerns about the consequences of what we create.
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