The LRB Podcast Close Readings: ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley
Jul 30, 2025
Adam Thirlwell, a writer known for his fiction and cultural criticism, joins Marina Warner to delve into Mary Shelley's iconic 'Frankenstein.' They discuss how Shelley's personal losses influenced her portrayal of ambition and caution in the face of knowledge. Thirlwell examines the creature's dual identity and the moral implications of creation. Their conversation touches on profound themes of rejection, isolation, and the longing for acceptance, highlighting the emotional depth of both creator and creature.
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Realist Layers in Frankenstein
- Frankenstein is framed as a realist, epistolary story with layers of narratives including the monster's voice.
- This layering blurs fiction and reality, enhancing the novel's haunting impact.
Dream Origins of the Novel
- Frankenstein’s creation myth was inspired by Mary Shelley's vivid dream during a gloomy summer at Lake Geneva.
- This dream contrasts with the novel’s otherwise rational and scientific tone.
Ambiguous Creation Science
- Frankenstein discovers the secret of life and animates dead matter, but the novel leaves the process ambiguous.
- This scientific breakthrough occurs without supernatural explanation, emphasizing rationalism.
