Frankenstein: A Modern Perspective

A detailed Summary of Frankenstein: A Modern Perspective

A classic, by definition, is a piece of art so revolutionary and universal that its sentiments cannot be restricted to the time at which it is presented. But how is this accomplished? Do the authors of such works possibly know what issues will be relevant in the future? Can a 19-year old girl, on a dark night in October have been gifted with prophetic as well as literary powers? Or is it that, more likely, a " classic" merely provides the reader with unconscious truths, the base material for an ongoing re-evaluation during which old themes are given new life in the light of new circumstances and discoveries? Perhaps it is not so much the words are timeless but the ideas of the classic call out for a constant re-interpretation. And perhaps it is this process which keeps it always fresh and preserves it in history with the stamp of immortality.

If such is the case, then the modern re-telling of Frankenstein by filmmaker Kenneth Branagh speaks much for the justification of its classification as a classic. In this 1994 cinematic feat, Branagh attempts to re-construct the story in a way that is more meaningful for his 20th century audience. When Mary Shelly first penned her ghastly tale, E

Listen if we can replace a heart or lung, then soon we will be able to replace every part. And if we can do that, we can design a life, a being that won't grow old, won't sicken and die and live to be more intelligent, more civilized than any of us."*

But the revolutionary creation of the monster is only the introduction of a radically different take on this creature. Unlike the 1931 film version, Branagh's monster arrayed in a monk-like cloak with clear piercing eyes, attains an almost noble aspect. His eloquence is restored to what Shelly first intended and enhances some of the themes that arise with his rude awakening to the ways of the world. His treatment at the hands of the DeLacey family after he reveals himself, first to the old man and then to the children, can be looked on as a testament to the injustice of prejudice. A lesson which maybe rings more true now, after the horrors of racism and the holocaust, than it did during Shelly's day.

Also updated in this modern re-telling are new psychological perspectives on Shelly's view of childbirth. The connection of childbirth with misery and destruction are made early on as Victor's mother dies while giving birth. This portrayal though inaccurate ( Frankenstein's mother dies on scarlet fever in the book) is nevertheless significant as it connects with many of the deaths in Shelly's milieu as well as that of her own children and sets the mood for creation and its price.

ngland was at the dawn of a scientific age. The experiments of Darwin were ripe subjects for discussion and opened new vistas of unimagined opportunity. It was one of the last points in history when educated people felt that could possibly kno

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1140
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English