Friday 29 September 2023

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Hello everyone! Here, in this blog I'm going to discuss some of the questions from the Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein".

About the novelist:-

                             Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an British novelist, short story writer, dramatist,  essayist, biographer and a travel writer best know for her Gothic novel "Frankenstein" or "the Modern Prometheus"(1818). Her father was the political philosopher William Godwin and her mother was the philosopher and women's rights advocate Mary wollstonecraft. She also edited and promoted the works of her husband, the Romantic poet Nd philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley.

                  Mary Shelley ( 1797-1851)

let's begin with our discussion of the novel "Frankenstein".

Q.1. what are some major differences between the movie and the novel Frankenstein?

                                  The 1994 film adaptation of "Frankenstein," directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Robert De Niro and Kenneth Branagh, is based on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus." While the film largely follows the novel's plot, there are several notable differences:

Character Portrayals:-

                               The film takes some liberties with character portrayals. For example, Victor Frankenstein (played by Kenneth Branagh) is depicted as more sympathetic and heroic in the film compared to the morally ambiguous character in the novel.

The Creature's Appearance:-

                                  In the novel, the Creature is described as hideous and monstrous, while in the film, he is portrayed as more human-like in appearance, with some deformities. This was likely done to make the character more relatable to the audience.

Romantic Subplot:- 

                                  The film introduces a romantic subplot between Victor Frankenstein and Elizabeth (played by Helena Bonham Carter), which is not as prominent in the novel. This subplot adds a romantic dimension to the story.

Expanded Backstories:-

                               The film provides more extensive backstories for the characters, including Victor and the Creature. It delves deeper into their motivations and emotions, offering a more emotional and psychological perspective.

Ending:- 

                               The film's ending differs significantly from the novel. Without giving away spoilers, the film takes a different direction in how it resolves the conflict between Victor and the Creature.

Scientific Details:-

                              The film includes more dramatic and visually striking scientific experiments and laboratory scenes, which are not as detailed in the film.

The above given are some of the major changes which I found interesting. 

Q.2. who do you think is the real monster?

Ultimately, it's a complex and nuanced question that depends on one's interpretation of the text. 

                               Some argue that the Creature is the true monster in the novel. They point to his violent actions, including the murders of Victor's loved ones, as evidence of his monstrous nature. The Creature's actions are seen as a result of the rejection and mistreatment he experiences from society, making him a tragic figure who becomes a monster due to his circumstances.

                              Others argue that Victor Frankenstein is the real monster. They emphasize his reckless ambition and the ethical irresponsibility of creating life without considering the consequences. Victor's failure to take responsibility for his creation and his neglect of the Creature are seen as contributing to the tragic events of the novel.

                                  Another perspective is that society itself is the true monster. The novel portrays a society that rejects and fears those who are different, as exemplified by the Creature's experiences. This rejection and isolation drive the Creature to commit violent acts.

                                 In essence, Mary Shelley's novel invites readers to consider the complexity of morality and the consequences of human actions. The question of who the real monster is can be viewed through different lenses. 

Q.3. Do you think the search for knowledge is dangerous and destructive?

                              Yes, in Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," the search for knowledge is portrayed as dangerous and destructive. Dr. Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge and the creation of life ultimately leads to tragic consequences. His ambition and disregard for ethical boundaries result in the creation of a monstrous creature that brings suffering and destruction. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked scientific curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge at any cost.

Q.4. Do you think Victor Frankenstein's was inherently evil or did society's rejection and mistreatment turn him into a monster?

                          Victor Frankenstein's character is a subject of debate in Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein." The actions were driven by his reckless ambition and disregard for ethical boundaries, suggesting that he had a degree of inherent moral failing. His descent into darkness was influenced by society's rejection and the consequences of his own actions, which ultimately turned him into a metaphorical "monster."

                            The novel itself leaves room for interpretation. Yes I personally believe that Victor Frankenstein was not an evil but the society's behaviour and  the rejection made him the monster. 


Q.5. Should there be limits on scientific exploration ? If so , what should those limits be?

From the perspective of the novel, some potential limits on scientific exploration are;

Ethical considerations:-

                                   Scientists should consider the moral and ethical implications of their research and its potential impact on society. Victor Frankenstein's reckless pursuit of knowledge without ethical restraint led to disastrous consequences.

Responsibility for creation:-

                                 Scientists should take responsibility for the consequences of their creations. In the novel, Victor abandoned his creature, leading to tragedy. This suggests that scientists should not create something they cannot care for or control.

Safety precautions:-

                                   Scientists should prioritize safety in their experiments to avoid harm to themselves or others. Victor's disregard for safety precautions resulted in harm and destruction.

Overall, "Frankenstein" serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of scientific exploration when it lacks ethical considerations, responsibility, and respect for the natural order. It suggests that there should be limits to scientific pursuits to prevent unintended and harmful consequences.


The above given are some of the questions which would help you to understand the novel precisely 


👉Here below are some sources which would help you to gain more information. 

Click here

Here I'm sharing one video link Click here .






No comments:

Post a Comment

Teachers Day celebration

Virtual Teachers Day celebration 2024 Hello everyone! This blog is all about the virtual teachers day celebration conducted at the Departmen...