Drama: Frankenstein

Background info

•Frankenstein was originally written as a novel, by Mary Shelly
•What you are studying is the version dramatised by Philip Pullman
•Genre – gothic science fiction
-Gothic --> tends to evoke strong emotions, esp horror; supernatural, ghost stories, horror fiction, and vampire stories
•Is often cited as a forerunner of modern science fiction


Key facts about Frankenstein

•First published on 1 Jan 1818
•Setting (time): 18th C
•Setting (place): varies from Geneva, Swiss Alps, Ingolstadt (a city in Germany), England, to the northern ice (Greenland-Iceland-Norway area)
•Note: the play begins in Ingolstadt but the act we are studying is set in Geneva


Plot – what we know

•Frankenstein is a scientist who dreams of making something better than human – of superhuman strength/speed/etc.
•But when he gives life to this creature, he is shocked and disgusted at its ugliness.
•Therefore, he rejects it and runs away from it.
•The Monster takes revenge by killing Frankenstein’s brother (William).
•The Monster asks him to create a companion for him, which he at first agrees to.


Characters

•Victor Frankenstein
•Monster
•Elizabeth
•William
•Clerval


Tone/Atmosphere

•Is very tense and anxiety-filled
•How does the playwright/author create and sustain this atmosphere?
-Hint: look at the language and setting
-How would you describe the physical setting in which the act we are studying takes place?


Themes

1.Society’s treatment of the Ugly - the harsh realities- that innocent people would suffer for being ugly

2.Loneliness and isolation - the idea that every being needs the companionship of another to find fulfilment

3.The effects of Man playing god (Science vs Religion) – Who has the power to create, give and take life? Consequences?

4.Revenge - the monster kills Frankenstein’s brother) and later Elizabeth) to get back at Frankenstein



Questions

•To what extent does the setting/nature affect the mood of the play?
•Does the creator have any control over his creation after he has created it?
•Is too much knowledge dangerous?
•Is Frankenstein arrogant in playing god?


Qn: How do you think the novel/play ends?

Plot - Rest of the novel/play

•Frankenstein decides against creating another ugly, horrible creature and kills off the companion without bringing her to life.
•Enraged, the monster gets revenge by killing Elizabeth, his wife-to-be.
•Frankenstein goes in search of the monster to get revenge but dies before he can do so.