Contemporary adaptations have highlighted the human aspect of ‘Frankenstein’
According to the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), the latest episode of the program ‘Posht Jeld’ examined Mary Shelley’s novel ‘Frankenstein’ and Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of the book.
In a segment of the program, Mehrgan Rezaian, a professor at the University of Tehran, highlighted the enduring legacy of Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein.’ He stated: “Despite more than 200 years since its creation, this work remains one of the most referenced classic texts in literature and cinema, with filmmakers repeatedly adapting it. The reason for its endurance lies in its exploration of fundamental human and philosophical questions—questions that do not have an expiration date.”
Rezaian added: “‘Frankenstein’ was written during a period when Gothic literature was characterized by a cold, dark, and sometimes dry atmosphere. However, while drawing upon elements of horror and suspense, this novel managed to incorporate deeper layers of meaning. This caused the work to be well-received upon publication and remain a subject of discussion and interpretation to this day.”
The literary scholar continued: “One of the most important concepts Mary Shelley highlights in this novel is the concept of ‘the other.’ Victor Frankenstein, as a scientist, holds an accepted position in society, while his creature faces rejection, insult, and social exclusion from the outset. This contrast provides a basis for sociological and psychological readings of the novel.”
Referring to the creator-creature relationship in the work, he said: “In many contemporary adaptations, this relationship resembles a parent-child dynamic rather than a creator-creature one. The scientist attempts to take responsibility for the life he created, but subsequently, affection gives way to control. This issue is observable in the novel, in films, and in the lived experience of contemporary humans.”
Rezaian emphasized: “The novel ‘Frankenstein’ essentially explains human suffering; the suffering of a creature subjugated to prove love or power. The work underscores that when creating a life, both metaphorically and literally, ignoring its independent agency and existence can have tragic consequences. This perspective is why the novel has been adapted numerous times for cinema and literature.”
The university professor further discussed the genre classification of the work: “Many categorize ‘Frankenstein’ in the horror genre, but a close reading of the novel reveals that the work speaks more to profound human issues than to simple terror. While elements of fear, eerie settings, and supernatural aspects exist, these serve as a cover for themes such as suffering, loneliness, rejection, and identity.”
He added: “Some adaptations, including works by filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, have specifically emphasized these human aspects. For this reason, ‘Frankenstein’ can even be considered an existentialist novel that focuses on the human condition in the world and society’s view of ‘the other,’ rather than solely concentrating on the monster.”
The literary critic noted that Frankenstein’s monster should not be viewed merely as an evil and murderous creature, stating: “The primary tragedy of the novel results from a critique of an existential and social system. The monster is more a victim than a criminal of a structure that refuses to accept him. This perspective is replicated in many works inspired by ‘Frankenstein.'”
The program ‘Posht Jeld’ is produced by Sajjad Kalbadinezhad, edited by Ahmad Mohammadebrahimi and Atiyeh Moazzen, and reported by Ava Nouri. It airs on Sundays from 9 PM to 10 PM on Radio Namayesh.
