Content Category
Literary Criticism
Abstract/Description
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein sent shockwaves through nineteenth century society with the horror of her story. In the 200 years since, stage and film adaptations have pushed the limits of each generation’s tolerance for terrifying images. Along the way, the Frankenstein creature has undergone a metamorphosis from monstrous threat to beloved playmate of even the littlest children. From comic books for teenagers to toys and cartoons targeted at toddlers, Frankenstein is a beloved character. My paper will trace the evolution of Frankenstein’s creature from a danger to society to the loveable goofball with green skin so well known today. I refute some claims that monster images represent a threat to a child’s, and to a society’s, well-being. I will show that mastering the image of Frankenstein benefits the child’s psychological health, benefitting society as a whole.
Copyright and Licensing of My Content
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Origin of Submission
as part of a class
Faculty Involvement
Dennis Perry
The Gothic and The Gross: Frankenstein and His Friends’ Attractiveness to Children
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein sent shockwaves through nineteenth century society with the horror of her story. In the 200 years since, stage and film adaptations have pushed the limits of each generation’s tolerance for terrifying images. Along the way, the Frankenstein creature has undergone a metamorphosis from monstrous threat to beloved playmate of even the littlest children. From comic books for teenagers to toys and cartoons targeted at toddlers, Frankenstein is a beloved character. My paper will trace the evolution of Frankenstein’s creature from a danger to society to the loveable goofball with green skin so well known today. I refute some claims that monster images represent a threat to a child’s, and to a society’s, well-being. I will show that mastering the image of Frankenstein benefits the child’s psychological health, benefitting society as a whole.