1. Frankenstein or, The Modern Prometheus
Introduction

2. First of all….
This is NOT
Frankenstein!

3. This IS Frankenstein!

4. It’s important to remember…

5. The Gothic Spark
Mary Shelley is best known for her Gothic/Romantic story Frankenstein.
Born in 1797, she was the daughter of the philospher William Godwin and the feminist writer, Mary Wollstonecraft.
Her mother died soon after Mary’s birth. This was the first of many tragic deaths in Shelley’s life.
Tragedy and solitude influenced the young Shelley and as a child she would day-dream and write stories. In fact, it was a dream that inspired Frankenstein.

6. In 1814, at the age of 17, Mary eloped with the married Romantic writer, Percy Bysshe Shelley. They married in when Percy’s wife died.
In the summer of 1816, while staying at Lake Geneva, Mary got the idea for Frankenstein in a half-waking nightmare.
Percy encouraged Mary to write the novel and his edits can be seen in the manuscript.

7. The Gothic Writer
Mary lost three of the four children she became pregnant with and the grief of these losses informed some of the accounts of grief and death we see in the novel.
In 1822, Percy drowned. Most writers did not enjoy great fame during their own lifetime in this era. But after the success of Frankenstein and her husband’s untimely death, the novel was re-released with her name on it and Mary’s reputation as a gothic writer was confirmed and it led to fame.
“ The novel quickly established Mary Shelly’s gothic credentials in her own lifetime…”
David Stevens

8. Gothic Literature Themes Death Individuality Supernatural Fear Romance
Desire
Seclusion or remoteness
Morality
Features
Mystery
Sense of dread
Picturesque scenery
Melodramatic narrative
Hidden secrets
Frightening or threatening characters
Spooky atmosphere

9. The Oringinal Spark
Prometheus in Greek mythology was a titan (type of deity) who was a protector and benefactor of humanity.
He stole fire from Mount Olympus and gave it to human beings. The fire was to benefit humanity against the will of Zeus (the god of gods). The fire represents intelligence, free will and technology.
Zeus punished Prometheus by having him chained to a rock, where an eagle ate his liver during the day, and the liver was regenerated during the night due to Prometheus' immortality. He was later saved by the demigod Hercules.

10. Frankenstein as Prometheus
Zeus isn’t in Shelley’s novel so ask yourself who takes on the role of punishing the scientist in the story – God, nature, society, or the monster? Should he be punished? Where does Shelley stand on these issues?

11. Themes The misuse of science Playing god Birth and creation
Artificial life
Family and love
Society
Isolation
Loneliness
Grief and loss
Death and cheating death
Ambition
Revenge
Prejudice …etc.

12. What do you expect from the novel?
Expectations
What do you expect from the novel?
Write down your expectations in your notebook and then discuss it with your partner.

13. Before You Read
Handouts and Worksheets
(END OF FIRST LESSON)

14. Science and Society Activity Split into two groups.
Sit in a circle and follow the instructions for the task.

15. Read ‘The Author’s Introduction’ and ‘Letters’ (p.5 – 32).
Homework
Read ‘The Author’s Introduction’ and ‘Letters’ (p.5 – 32).