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Frankenstein: Birth of Science Fiction

Explore the origins of Mary Shelley's groundbreaking novel published in 1818, blending Gothic horror with scientific imagination in a tale inspired by literature and science. Discover the influences behind this classic work, from the contest that sparked its creation to the philosophical contrasts and thematic depth woven into its narrative.

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Frankenstein: Birth of Science Fiction

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Frankenstein Introduction

  2. Publication • - published in 1818 • - although a perfect example of the Gothic tradition, it is also considered to be the first science fiction novel • - it was originated during a contest between friends

  3. The inner circle in Switzerland • - among the four friends in attendance during a cold summer, it was decided to write a horror story • - the four friends were the famous poets Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, Mary Shelley (Percy’s wife), and Dr. Polidori • - Dr. Polidori’s idea was taken by Bram Stoker who developed it into Dracula

  4. Inspirations • Science: -1. Erasmus Darwin’s experiments to create life from inanimate matter -2. Luigi Galvani’s experiments with using electric stimuli to cause muscle contractions

  5. Inspirations (cont.) • Literature: • -1. Milton’s Paradise Lost – an epic poem about Adam and Even and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden • -2. Percy Shelley’s Prometheus Unbound – A Titan who stole fire from heaven for Man. The original title for Mary’s novel was Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus

  6. The Gothic tradition • - a gothic novel is characterized by an emphasis on the grotesque elements, the mysterious; desolate environments, horrible events, and ghostly and eerie situations

  7. Differences between a typical Gothic novel and Shelley’s novel • 1) Gothic 2) Frankenstein • - Middle Ages - 1700’s • - castles - laboratories • - high-born - scientist

  8. Philosophical contrasts • Rationalism vs. Romanticism • - emotional - emotional • detachment expression • - nature’s usefulness - nature’s beauty • - importance of the - individual spirit • community • - logic - imagination/ creativity

  9. Theme Subjects • - Dangerous knowledge • - Nature’s influence and expression of emotional states • - The danger of secrecy

  10. Symbols • - light & fire

  11. Structure • - first person narrator – gives an air of verisimilitude (the appearance of truth) so that the reader can suspend disbelief • - frame story – a story is told within a narrative setting, or “frame” (a story within a story); begins with the letters from Captain Walton to his sister, Margaret (the original book began at Chapter 5)

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