One of the most internationally recognizable figures of the horror genre is that of Victor Frankenstein’s monster. Initially conceptualized by English author Mary Shelley, the fantastic tale of a scientist’s experiment gone awry soon captured the imagination of American audiences. While much academic scholarship on this topic has focused on the story’s inception, as well as the enduring literary and cultural significance of her tale, the reasons why Shelley’s monster became so iconic in the States haven’t been as thoroughly explored. This study will begin with an examination of the first reviews of Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus in the United States, and from there present a survey of the earliest American film and stage adaptations. Focus will be placed on the time period between two important films—Thomas Edison’s Frankenstein (1910), and James Whale’s Frankenstein (1931). By considering these early representations and contemporary reviews, we will be able to better understand the monster’s pervasiveness throughout American popular culture, and even find an answer to the historical name confusion of Frankenstein—man or monster?
About the presenterElizabeth Collins
Elizabeth Collins is a doctoral student in American Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University. She studies early film history as well as contemporary horror and comedy genres and their impact on social justice issues.