AO3: Variety of interpretations “Mary Shelley presents Frankenstein as fearing his own sexuality and even as having repressed sexual feelings towards his mother.” What are your reactions to this view? LO: To explore the concept of sexuality in Frankenstein and apply Freudian readings of the text. AO3: Variety of interpretations

Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939) Using the critical material given to you discuss as a group the following questions: What is the Oedipus complex? What did Freud believe was responsible for all human behaviour?

Addressing the Question What are the two significant parts to the exam question? Frankenstein fears his own sexuality Frankenstein has repressed sexual feeling towards his mother

As a Group... Discuss and see if you can think of any examples that demonstrate: Victor showing a fear of his own sexuality or of having sex or of using his sexuality in life. Any examples which show Victor being sexually attracted to his mother? (Does she share any traits with Elizabeth?)

A Modelled Example Consummation: The point at which something is complete or finalized. The action of making a marriage or relationship complete by having sexual intercourse. Victor’s narrative reveals the close link between his creation and birth. “labour” and “consummation” reveal the sexual nature of the experiment “After so much time spent in painful labour, to arrive at once at the summit of my desires was the most gratifying consummation of my toils.” By relating consummation to scientific progress rather than sex, Victor may portray an innate fear of his own sexuality. Tellingly, Victor bypasses the act of sex to create life. Instead he synthesises it independently of any maternal figure or sexual intercourse.

Group Work Group 1: Fear of own sexuality Creating monster rather than ‘begetting child’ Destruction of monster’s bride Marriage is unconsummated Usurpation of the maternal Absence of courtship with Elizabeth Group 2: Repressed sexual feelings towards his mother Mother and Elizabeth in sexual dream (chapt 5) Mother being the driving force of their marriage

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