Frankenstein

Before reading the book Frankenstein, I have been exposed to much of the pop culture that was influenced by mary kelly's novel. This includes the movie adaptation in black and white. because of that, my notion of what to expect in the book was swayed to the portrayal of the common era. For example, I had no idea that the monster of Frankenstein could talk, or was even capable of talking in such an intelligent manner. I was expecting a mute juggernaut who grunted and moaned and he stomped about with his arms locked in position. I also expected there to be an Igor character in the book but he was absent as well.

I have to admit that I actually like this adaptation of the book much better than what hollywood portrays the classical novel as. It has more of a sense of adventure as well. Especially in the beginning with Walton's letters about how he's in the arctic and discovers Dr. Frankenstein in the barren tundra. I had no idea that was part of the book and I was very confused the first time I read this because my expectations were to be reading of the Doctor rather than reading the book in an epistolary form with characters I'm unfamiliar with.

I was aware however, that the monster created is not called Frankenstein but is the creation of the Doctor himself, who is named Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein to be exact.

This also explains the Wonderful illustrations by Bernie Wrightson as they depict the literary version of the story and not what is seen in pop culture.

This includes the hanging of Justine with beautiful compositions and mastery handling of pen and ink.

I also managed to find the book on tape, which made reading it much easier and more enjoyable because the melodrama portrayed in the book is exaggerated and spoken with such energy that it makes the novel come to life even more. Especially when victor first encounters the monster and he describes his hatred to him for murdering his brother.

and again, the illustrations are just amazing. very fitting for Shelly's novel.