Big Read: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein is one of the most influential novels ever published. Written when its author was just 19 years old, it gave birth to a myth that has been retold and adapted in countless later versions. But Mary Shelley’s original story differs greatly from the one familiar from films such as the 1931 horror movie starring Boris Karloff. This discussion will focus on the 1818 text of Frankenstein, the circumstances in which it was conceived, and why it continues to have such resonance 200 years after it first appeared.

Led by David Skidmore, Honorary Lecturer at the University of Bath, author of Dialogue and Pedagogy (Multilingual Matters, Bristol 2016) and numerous articles.

Here’s a few things to think about while you’re reading:

1. Why does Mary Shelley give her novel the subtitle The Modern Prometheus’?

2. Why does the creature become a killer?

3. The story is told through multiple first person narrators: Walton, Frankenstein, the creature. How effective is this approach? Does it create any problems?

4. Many new developments in science and technology have been called a “Frankenstein’s monster”: e.g. nuclear weapons, genetic engineering, Artificial Intelligence. How justified is the use of this phrase?

5. Can you think of later novels or films that retell the Frankenstein story, where the details of character, plot and setting are different but the idea of a “monster” created by humans remains the same?

Big Read is BRLSI’s monthly book club – it’s free for BRLSI members & students and only £3 for non-members. Please register your interest or buy a ticket below – we look forward to seeing you!