Philosophy and Shelley’s Frankenstein

With its 200th anniversary fast approaching, it might be time to revisit Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Check out this audio clip from the Philosopher’s Zone, in which the hosts discuss major themes and the predominant philosophies of the novel’s day.

With its 200th anniversary fast approaching in 2018, it might be time to revisit Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

In this audio clip from ABC, academics in the “Philosopher’s Zone” discuss major themes and the predominant philosophies of the novel’s day. Drawing from Shelley’s Calvinist upbringing and prevalent ideas of the Romantic period, the hosts expand upon one-dimensional analyses of the novel, including analyses of the novel as a story about birth envy or as a cautionary tale against bold, scientific endeavors. Instead, as one participant of the discussion argues, the novel chiefly displays the psyche of someone “psychically tormented by the fear of death.”

But what do you think of this anaylsis of Frankenstein?  Do you buy it? Listen to the audio or read the transcript of the conversation here:

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/philosopherszone/its-alive-frankenstein-science-and-philosophy-in/3186406#transcript