Frankenstein Over Time In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein Over Time

Frankenstein Over Time

Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is impressive, entertaining, and fascinating so is it no surprise there have been so many films and artworks influenced by her novel. Many of which have put their own spin to the horror novel, especially the character of the creature that remains one of the most recognized icons in horror fiction. However, there have been critics whom argue modern versions and variations have lost the horror and passion that is an essential to the creature. The start of the Creature is bound to one book. However, public impression of the Creature has changed severely since the publication of the original novel, leading to diverse styles and plot lines in its diverse film adaptations. People’s impression of the Creature have become so twisted and turned by time and decades of false film posters and article titles that most use the name “Frankenstein” to refer to the Creature itself, rather than the scientist who created him! It’s a shame! An understanding of literary history is a necessity to comprehend the truth of the Creature’s tragic history and how decades of film adaptations changed him into the hulking beast most people know him as today.

Illustration from the frontispiece of the 1831 edition of Shelley’s Frankenstein novel by Theodor von Holst

First of all, Mary Shelley describes the Creature with "yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was luxurious black, and flowing; his teeth of pearly whiteness; but these luxuriances only formed a more horrid contrast with hid watery eyes, that seemed almost of the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips." Despite his appearance o...

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..."She was there, lifeless and inanimate, thrown across the bed, her head hanging down, and her pale and distorted features half covered by her hair. Everywhere I turn I see the same figure--her bloodless arms and relaxed form flung by the murderer on its bridal bier" (Shelley). However in the image a goblin like creature sits upon Elizabeth's chest and a horse stands in the background.

In, Susan Tyler Hitchcock book "Frankenstein: A Cultural History", she writes that it is inevitable that inspired films or artworks will create myths that stray from the original source to keep the story fresh and interesting. Frankenstein like any other tale, myth or legend, has been passed down from generation from generation. And from every retelling or remaking of the story parts have been changed or forgotten. And the only way to know the truth is to find the original source.