Cultural Studies - Worksheet on Frankenstein

  A Cultural Studies Approach to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

This blogpost is a part of thinking activity on a cultural studies approach to Mary Shelly's Frankenstein given by Dilip barad sir, Department of English, MKBU. This thinking activity is designed for an in-depth exploration of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein through the lens of cultural studies.

The discussion is divided into two main parts:

1. Revolutionary Births

2. The Frankenpheme in Popular Culture: Fiction, Drama, Film, Television

Teacher's Worksheet

Part 1: Revolutionary Births

The Creature as Proletarian 

The Creature in Frankenstein represents both innocence and revenge, which reflects how society feels about revolutions and the struggles of the poor. On one hand, he starts as innocent and curious, symbolizing the hopes and potential of those who are oppressed or neglected by society. But as he experiences rejection and cruelty, he becomes angry and vengeful, showing how desperation can lead people to act out. This dual nature makes the Creature a mirror for society’s fear of rebellion: he reminds us that when people are ignored or treated unfairly, they might fight back, even violently. At the same time, Shelley encourages us to feel sympathy for him, reminding readers that society plays a role in creating "monsters" through its neglect and harsh treatment of the less privileged. So, the Creature's story warns us about the dangers of ignoring people's suffering and the need for compassion to prevent such struggles from leading to destructive outcomes.

A Race of Devils

In Frankenstein, the Creature can be seen as representing the "Other"—those who are different or marginalized, whether due to race, culture, or appearance. This "Otherness" makes people fear him, even though he wants connection and kindness. Victor Frankenstein, who creates the Creature and then rejects him, can be seen as a symbol of the colonial mindset: he wants control and power over life but doesn’t take responsibility for the suffering he causes. 

Shelley’s story reflects anxieties about how society treats those who don’t fit in or who come from different backgrounds. It critiques how the powerful sometimes “create” and then reject or mistreat others, much like colonial powers did with the lands and people they controlled. This theme is still very relevant today, as we talk about issues like racial justice, privilege, and the need to accept and respect cultural differences. Frankenstein reminds us that ignoring or mistreating the "Other" can lead to fear, misunderstanding, and conflict, and that true responsibility means embracing and understanding, not rejecting or controlling.

From Natural Philosophy to Cyborg

Today’s scientific advancements—like genetic engineering, cloning, and artificial intelligence—are similar to the ideas in Frankenstein. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein is so eager to create life that he doesn’t think about the harm it might cause. His ambition leads to a lot of suffering, not only for the Creature he brings to life but also for himself and others.

This story warns us to be careful and responsible with science. Just because we have the power to create or change life doesn’t mean we should do it without thinking about the effects. Frankenstein teaches us that science should be used with care, respect, and an understanding of how it might impact people and the world. It reminds us to consider the possible consequences before rushing into new discoveries.

Part 2: The Frankenpheme in Popular

Culture

Different versions of Frankenstein adapt its message to fit modern fears, but they usually keep key themes. Early movies emphasized horror and the dangers of ambition, while later adaptations made the Creature more sympathetic, highlighting issues of social exclusion. Modern retellings, especially with robots and AI, focus on the risks of advanced technology. Each version keeps Frankenstein’s warning about the need for responsibility and empathy, making its message stay relevant across time. Activities

Reading and Analysis

● how the Creature’s literary education shapes his worldview and whether it empowers or alienates him further.

The Creature’s education in Frankenstein plays a big role in shaping how he sees the world, and it both helps and hurts him. He learns by reading books he finds, like Paradise Lost, Plutarch's Lives, and The Sorrows of Young Werther. Through these books, he learns about human emotions, relationships, and society, which makes him realize how much he lacks these things. He becomes more aware of his loneliness and suffering, and his desire for connection grows stronger. 

At the same time, the education alienates him because it shows him what he can never have—love, acceptance, and a place in society. The more he learns, the more he understands that people reject him because of his appearance. His knowledge of human life and feelings makes his rejection even more painful, as he knows what he's missing. So, while education empowers him with understanding, it also deepens his sense of isolation and despair.

 Film and Media Reflection

● Research the historical and cultural context of these adaptations. How do they

reflect the societal fears and technological advancements of their times?

ltural context of these adaptations. How do they

reflect the societal fears and technological advancements of their times?

Films inspired by Frankenstein, like Young Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein, and Blade Runner, change the story to fit the concerns of their time. Young Frankenstein is a comedy from the 1970s that uses humor to talk about the dangers of science going too far, reflecting the growing distrust of authority in that era. The Bride of Frankenstein, made in the 1930s, focuses on the Creature’s loneliness, showing a need for human connection during tough times like the Great Depression. Blade Runner, set in the future, deals with the ethical questions of creating life, reflecting fears about fast-growing technology in the 1980s. These films keep Frankenstein's ideas about the dangers of ambition and being left out, but they also address the specific fears of their time. In Hindi adaptations, the story often focuses on themes of social exclusion and karma, giving the tale a unique cultural twist while still conveying the same message about responsibility and empathy.

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