Frankenstein: Myths, Monsters, and Modern Science: Literature
Examples of Speculative Fiction
Speculative fiction is a genre of literature that uses fantastical and futuristic elements in order to discuss modern social issues. Frankenstein has similarities with popular books from the genre. Below is a list of highly regarded speculative fiction books, which are available at the library.
Fahrenheit 451 by Call #: PS3503.R167 F3 2012ISBN: 9781451673319A totalitarian regime has ordered all books to be destroyed, but one of the book burners, Guy Montag, suddenly realizes their merit.
Nineteen Eighty-Four by Call #: PR6029.R8 N49 1992ISBN: 9780679417392Portrays life in a future time when a totalitarian government watches over all citizens and directs all activities.
Oryx and Crake by Call #: PR9199.3.A8 O79 2003ISBN: 0385503857A novel of the future that explores a world that has been devastated by ecological and scientific disasters.
Brave New World by Call #: HM216 .H8ISBN: 9780060850524Set in London of AD 2540, the novel anticipates developments in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation and classical conditioning.
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Call #: PS3553.H15 Y54 2007ISBN: 9780007149827An alternate historical work based on a premise that Alaska became the Jewish homeland after World War II.
Speculative Fiction: Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam Trilogy
Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam Trilogy, comprised of Oryx & Crake, The Year of the Flood & MaddAddam, are the most current and well known examples of speculative fiction. As in Frankenstein, this series of novels explores how the advancement of science can destroy mankind. Below are some articles that compare Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy to Frankenstein, and how Frankenstein can be viewed as speculative fiction.
- A White Illusion of a Man: Snowman, Survival, and Speculation in Margaret Atwood's Oryx and CrakeFocuses on Atwood's portrayal of the protagonist Snowman, an isolated human survivor, who is similar to Frankenstein's Monster.
- The Representation of Dystopia in Atwood's The Year of the Flood.How apocalyptic dystopia is portrayed in the Oryx & Crake sequel The Year of the Flood, and how Shelley's influence can be found.
- Liminal Ecologies in Margaret Atwood's Oryx and CrakeCompares the character of Crake to Victor Frankenstein, and how they each encourage audiences to reexamine man's relationship to nature & science.
Gothic Elements in Frankenstein
Frankenstein is a Gothic novel, but there are many different explanations for why that is true. Listed below are a few articles that analyze Frankenstein using a Gothic perspective, each providing a unique interpretation.
- Mediation's Sleight of Hand: The Two Vectors of the Gothic in Mary Shelley's FrankensteinExamines Shelley's criticism of Utopian science and use of the Gothic style.
- Gothic Fiction and Folk-Narrative Structure: The Case of Mary Shelley's FrankensteinExplores the folk origins of the Gothic genre in the novel.
Scientific Responsibility, Consequences & Isolation
One popular view of the novel is that it is a cautionary tale for scientific hubris, which was a criticism of the popular 19th century opinion that logic and reason were more valuable than emotion. Below are some articles that explore scientific responsibility in Frankenstein, and the possible consequences.
- Monsters of Modernity: Frankenstein and Modern EnvironmentalismHow Frankenstein's criticism of Enlightenment era science can be applied to modern environmental movements.
- Addiction and Isolation in Frankenstein: A Case of Terminal UniquenessDefines the isolation felt by the Doctor and the Monster as a Romanticized version of addiction.
- From Frankenstein's Monster to Lester Ballard: The Evolving Gothic MonsterUses Frankenstein as an example of a stigmatized monster and the social pressures which drive him into opposition with civilization.
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