The Development of Thought on Frankenstein

The Development of Thought on Frankenstein

It is a story of horrors that has been, over time, adopted into cinema

and television alike. However, the original story of Frankenstein

written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley from 1816 to 1817 in Geneva

Switzerland differs greatly from its Hollywood renditions. When

published in 1818, the 19 year old’s story was highly criticized for

its style and many different critics offered interpretations based on

the popular critical theories of the time. Although all critics of

Frankenstein have slightly different views, many of them do express

similar points. Croker and the writer from The British Critic express

their contempt for the novel in general. Sir Walter Scott, Birkhead,

Goldberg and Miyoshi examine it in greater detail and compare it with

other great writings of the time. Moer examines the details of Mary

Shelley’s life and how they are represented in the novel. Among these

critiques of Frankenstein and its author different critical approaches

are used, such as Mimetic, including feminism and Expressive. Through

each of these critical approaches it can be seen that with the passing

of time there is more consideration for the details of the novel and

it’s innovative nature with less concern and complaint about the sex

of the author.

Croker’s 1818 review is an example of one of the earlier, harsher

reviews. Considering the fact that he is writing in the Romantic era

it is not surprising that Croker attributes the elements of the novel

to the author’s state of mind and not to external factors, the

audience or the subconscious. However, his lack of appreciation for

the fantastical is not...

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... 2. Scott, Sir Walter. “Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus: A

Novel.” Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine. Volume 11, No. X11. March,

1818.

3. “A review of Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus”. The British

Critic. Volume 1X. April, 1818.

4. Scott, Sir Walter. “On the Supernatural in Fictitious Composition:

And Particularly on the Works of Hoffmann.” The Foreign Quarterly

Review. Volume 1. No. 1. July, 1827.

5. Goldberg, M.A. “Moral and Myth in Mrs. Shelley’s Frankenstein”.

Keats-Shelley Journal. Volume 8. Winter, 1959.

6. Miyoshi, Masao. “The Logic of Passion: Romanticism.” The Divided

Self: A Perspective on the Literature of the Victorians. New York

University Press. 1969.

7. Moers, Ellen. “Female Gothic: The Monster’s Mother.” The New York

York Review of Books. Volume XX1. No. 4. March 21, 1974.