Gothicism is part of the Romantic Movement that started in the late eighteenth century and lasted roughly three decades into the nineteenth century. The Romantic Movement is characterised by innovation, spontaneity, freedom of thought and expression, an idealisation of nature and the belief of living in an age of "new beginnings and high possibilities". The word 'Gothic' has a multiplicity of definitions, however, the gothic novel is a world of nightmare, and that nightmare is created by the individual who is in conflict with values of the prevailing society, it often represents a psychological reaction to evil that leads its characters into a moral ambiguity, for which no meaningful answers can be found. Several go

thic conventions include; the supernatural, nocturnal activity, inclement weather and the portrayal of darkness, both physical darkness and the darkness that is part of the atmosphere of the story, which can be created from such elements as a characters actions the themes of the story. Indeed, these conventions are present within Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'.

Therefore, it is obvious that Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' is representative of the gothic genre as it contains conventions of gothic literature, and possesses gothic characteristics. The novel has indeed influenced literature and film, in particular the episode 'Some Assembly Required' in the television program, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. By way of themes, stereotypical characters and similar plot as well as the presence of gothic characteristics the influence the novel has had is easily observed.

These characteristics evident in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' have influenced such texts as 'Bram Stokers Dracula' and Anne Rice's 'Vampire Chronicles'. However, a clear influence of Shelley's novel can be found in a particular episode of television program, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. In the episode entitled 'Some Assembly Required' we are confronted with the story of a gifted science student, Chris bringing his dead brother, Daryl back to life with the use of electrotherapy. The now reborn Daryl seeks a companion who will appreciate him and share his physical appearance, so Chris and an accomplice must begin creating the perfect woman, seizing body parts by whatever means necessary including murder and body snatching. 'Some Assembly Required' is obviously influenced by Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' in that it shares themes, stereotypical characters and a similar plot to the novel. In addition to this, the episode also contains the three characteristics of the gothic genre that were evident in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenste

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