Studies in Literature and Film (386-0-20)
Topic
Frankenstein's Hideous Progeny
Instructors
Hannah Molly Chaskin
Meeting Info
University Hall 218: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
When Mary Shelley released the revised edition of Frankenstein in 1831, she referred to her groundbreaking and popular novel as her "hideous progeny" which she hoped would nonetheless "prosper" in the world. She could not have imagined the extent to which Frankenstein would persist in popular culture. This class will consider the retellings, adaptations, appropriations, and parodies of Frankenstein. We will consider what aspects of Shelley's novel have survived in the popular imagination, and what we have changed. Why did the creature turn from a well-spoken, self-educated subject into a green, non-speaking monster? What lessons have we drawn from Dr. Frankenstein's ill-fated experiment? When and how have marginalized writers (re)claimed the creature as a figure of the oppressed? Why has Shelley's sentimental and atmospheric gothic novel inspired so much levity and humor? From the 1931 film adaptation to Susan Stryker's expression of trans rage in "My Words to Victor Frankenstein" (1994); from the beloved parody Young Frankenstein (1974) to Victor LaVelle's graphic novella series Destroyer (2017-), there seems to be no bottom to the relevance of Shelley's classic novel. This class will consider questions of authorship, originality, and novelty. In addition to reading Frankenstein and its progeny, students will learn how to analyze media on the basis of historical context and genre norms.
Teaching Method
Short lectures; discussion.
Evaluation Method
Presentation, reflections, 2 short papers.
Class Materials (Required)
Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Broadview Press, 9781554811038
Ahmed Saadawi, Frankenstein in Baghdad, 978-0143128793
Victor Lavelle, Destroyer #1, 978-1684150557
Films include Frankenstein (1931); Young Frankenstein (1974); The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975); we may also watch individual episodes of television, look at visual representations of Frankenstein's monster in comics and illustrations, and keep a running list of Frankenstein encounters in our day-to-day lives
Texts will be available at the campus bookstore; films and articles will be available on Canvas.
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area