Frankenstein

A detailed Summary of Frankenstein

Explain how the concept of the monster is explored in Shelley's novel and in the film versions viewed.

The novel Frankenstein and its film versions explore the concept of the true monster/s each in distinct ways. From the Mary Shelley novel (1818) one could derive that there is a sense of joint responsibility between Victor and the creature and therefore both warrant the classification of being a monster. Whilst the James Whale version (1931), set in a considerably different time period and context differs in what it alludes to. It seems to imply that Victor is the true monster, and is quite obvious at times in doing so. The Branagh version (1994) can be considered as having much more in common with the novel than the James Whale equivalent yet is undoubtedly different at times in relation to its stance on the concept of the monster.

Before one can come to a proper and just judgement on who is the true monster/s in each of these depictions of Frankenstein, the true meaning of a monster must be clarified. The Macquarie dictionary contains an array of definitions, which attempt to cover the characteristics of a monster ranging from "an animal of abnormal structure" to "a person who excites horror". For

There are other noticeable contrasts between this film and the novel. One such difference is that in this film version the creation is portrayed as being frail, slow and continuously lumbers around which is contrary to the novel as he is described as being extremely agile, strong and efficient in his movement. This is another important difference between the way the concept of the monster is explored as both movie versions portray other peoples impression of what the creature would look like whilst the novel leaves you to conjure up your own monster using your imagination. His physical features such as the bolts in his head are stereotypical of the general impression of what the creation looks like. The concept of the monster explored in this film version is also very different to that of the novel in relation to the way Frankenstein's intelligence is portrayed. His intellectual ability in the novel is nothing but extraordinary considering the circumstances and this is evident whilst he describes his story to Victor. "My spirits were elevated by the enchanting appearance of nature; the past was blotted from my memory, the present was tranquil and the future glided by bright rays of hope, and anticipations of joy". The complete reverse can sufficiently be used to describe the intellect of the creation in the James Whale version. This aspect of him is obviously affected by the abnormal brain of which he is composed.

most, it's human nature to be overwhelmed by looks and consequently categorise people who are abnormally bad looking as monsters, but is this a fair justification for the use of this term? If so, then the use of the term monster would be inappropriate in the recent case concerning the execution of Timothy McVeigh as many regarded him as having the looks of a next door neighbour. So after deliberating over the reasons supporting each case, it is fair to come to the conclusion that even though it is inevitable that most people would feel threatened by the physical repulsiveness of a person, the term monster should rather be reserved for the inhumane actions of a person.

The Branagh film, like the other versions examined is distinct in the way it explores the concept of the monster. It uses several techniques, which were definitely unavailable at the time of the production of the James Whale film to achieve its objectives. This objective can be considered as being to exhilarate

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Approximate Word count = 1626
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English