Frankenstein Forum

The inherent nature of both "good" and "evil" existing within all creatures could be explored to create more interest in reading this novel. Hannibal in Scilence of the Lambs is a perfect example. Edward Scissorhands  and "The Elephant Man".
All demonstrate that the physical appearance of a creature can illicit grave misconceptions that result in violent acts as well as rejection on the part of others.  Even "Lennie" is unable to control his animal like impulses although an "innocent at heart". 
     The advent of "cloning" animals and the controversy ignited by stem cell research also mirrors the theme of "man" usurping "God's" role. The arrogance and hubris of Scientists and physicians who attempt to play "God" regarding organ donations and the inherent consequences mankind faces once this step is taken. Even the quotes made by the father of the the "atom bomb" and his guilt regarding the extinction of mankind in one press of a button.
     The "Tell Tale Heart" as well as many Stephen King novels explore the reprecussions of restoring life to the dead and what horrors might ensue.
Just food for thought in creating and expanding curriculum.

Shelley wrote "Frankenstein" largely as a response to Milton's "Paradise Lost"--the Monster actually reads PL as part of his quest to understand humanity/morality/etc.

Along those lines of expanding curriculum, I'd like to see some focus on Frankenstein's Monster as "The Modern Prometheus;" the novel is certainly about Victor, but even more, I think, about humanity and the processes thereof. The Monster is, at once, all the earliest ancestors of the human race, he is Adam, he is every child born--he struggles with his surroundings, his purpose, with unanswerable questions....the Monster is a single anecdote, representative of the whole of human thought and process.

Do the readers/students agree with this portrait of humanity? What would they add or subtract to the story to better portray their own interpretations of humanity? Can they recognise, in themselves, any of the same traits, any of the same questions posed by/in the Monster? 

=) fun stuff.