Mythology/Folklore

European

Associated Holidays

Halloween

Location

Europe, United States

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Literary creation of Mary Shelley with a look influenced by Universal Studios

*Rink Fact: Contrary to popular belief, the monster's name is not Frankenstein, that is his creator, sadly he does not have a name and is referred to as the monster in the novel

Brief Bio

Frankenstein's history is rooted in a summer ghost story challenge in 1816 where 19-year-old Mary Shelley conceived the story in a waking dream. The novel, which explores themes of creation and ambition, was published anonymously in 1818 and drew on contemporary scientific ideas like galvanism, folklore such as the legend of Johann Dippel in Frankenstein Castle, and literary influences. The story has since become a foundational work of Gothic and science fiction. 

 

The Genesis of Frankenstein

The Ghost Story Challenge: In the summer of 1816, a gathering of writers, including Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, and Percy Bysshe Shelley, were confined indoors by rainy weather near Lake Geneva. 

A Waking Dream: Lord Byron suggested that each person write a ghost story. After being unable to come up with an idea, Mary Shelley had a "waking dream" of a scientist creating a sapient creature. 

Publication: Shelley began writing the story at 18, and it was published anonymously on January 1, 1818. Her name appeared on the second edition in 1821.

 

Inspirations and Influences

Scientific Ideas: The novel was influenced by contemporary scientific debates and experiments, such as Luigi Galvani's experiments with electricity and muscle contraction in dead tissue (galvanism). 

Folklore and History:

The name "Frankenstein" and some plot elements may have been inspired by the legend of Johann Dippel, an alchemist associated with Frankenstein Castle who was said to have performed experiments on corpses. The story also reflects literary and philosophical traditions, including John Milton's Paradise Lost, which the monster read to understand his own nature. 

Personal Context: Shelley was the daughter of two prominent thinkers, philosopher William Godwin and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, and was married to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Their circle and their intellectual and personal lives informed her writing. 

Cultural Impact: Frankenstein has been adapted countless times in film, theater, and television, with many adaptations shaping the public perception of the story and its characters