Science Fiction Frankenstein : the first myth for the age of science
Sep 7, 2025
Delve into the mythic origins of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as a precursor to modern science fiction. Discover how the tumultuous Year Without a Summer sparked its creation and the profound influences of Romantic thinkers. Explore the themes of identity and humanity through the lens of Victor Frankenstein's ambitions. Unpack the creature’s representation as both a symbol of man as machine and a reflection on moral responsibility. Consider how this foundational tale sets the stage for contemporary discussions on AI and biotechnology.
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A New Myth For The Scientific Age
- Mary Shelley's Frankenstein crystallizes a new myth for an age reshaped by science rather than religion.
- The novel reframes humans as biological machines, provoking existential horror about our material nature.
Born During A Stormy Holiday
- Mary Shelley conceived Frankenstein during the 'Year Without a Summer' while guests at Lord Byron's villa told ghost stories.
- She fused gothic imagery with cutting-edge science like Galvani's and Erasmus Darwin's ideas to imagine the creature.
Prometheus And The Body As Machine
- Shelley links Victor Frankenstein to Prometheus to frame scientific overreach as mythic transgression.
- She imagines the human body as a machine that can be disassembled and reassembled, a key speculative leap.
