Frankenstein

 Worksheet 

on 

Frankenstein 

Hello everyone,

This blog is based on worksheet on Frankenstein assigned by Prof Dr. Dilip barad sir. 

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 Franken-pheme in Popular Culture: Fiction, Drama, Film, Television

Teacher's Worksheet

The Creature as Proletarian 

A real-life example of the "Frankenstein" narrative as a metaphor for the proletarian experience can be seen in the context of the gig economy, specifically with companies like Uber or Amazon. In these modern corporations, workers often embody the creature's journey of creation, exploitation, and eventual struggle for recognition.
Gig workers and warehouse employees, much like the creature, are “created” by a system that values productivity and innovation but fails to consider the human cost of such endeavors. For instance, Amazon’s extensive use of warehouse labor and gig delivery drivers can be compared to Victor Frankenstein's pursuit of scientific progress without fully recognizing the ethical implications or the well-being of those he brought into existence. These workers, essential for the functioning of a globalized supply chain, often face harsh working conditions, low wages, and little job security—echoing the plight of the proletariat, who sustain the system yet remain marginalized.
The paradox of these workers as both essential yet exploited parallels the creature's dual role as both a victim of creation and an avenger when seeking justice. When workers push back through strikes, unionization efforts, or protests for better conditions and pay, it reflects the creature’s rebellion against Victor—demanding acknowledgment and a place within the very system that marginalized them. The recent surge in labor movements, like unionization efforts at Amazon warehouses and protests by Uber drivers for better wages and rights, are contemporary examples of how the working class (the proletariat) seeks to challenge and reshape the structures that created and sustain them.
This real-life manifestation of "Frankenstein" as a proletarian narrative illustrates the ongoing struggle between the creators of economic systems (companies or executives) and the labor force that fuels them. It underscores the recurring theme of how those who are essential to a system's survival often end up on the margins, fighting for recognition and justice.

Social Exclusion of the Homeless: The Creature’s struggle for acceptance and a place in society is reminiscent of the plight of the homeless, who are often overlooked or shunned by society. Despite their visibility, homeless individuals frequently face social alienation, lack of empathy, and systemic barriers that prevent them from reintegrating into the community—much like the Creature’s search for belonging and the constant rejection he experiences.

Civil Rights Movement: The Creature’s quest for dignity, recognition, and justice parallels the fight of marginalized groups during the Civil Rights Movement. People of color in many societies have historically struggled against systemic discrimination and sought equal rights under laws that often ignored or suppressed them. The Creature’s demand for fairness and retribution against Victor’s unjust treatment can be seen as an echo of these calls for civil rights and equity.

Refugee Crisis: The modern refugee crisis also reflects the themes present in Frankenstein. Refugees often flee their homes due to war, persecution, or environmental disasters and are frequently met with fear, hostility, and exclusion in their new environments. The Creature, who seeks refuge and companionship but is met with violent rejection, embodies the experiences of displaced individuals struggling to find safety and acceptance in an indifferent or hostile world.

The Invisible Workforce: Undervalued workers in the service industry, such as custodial staff, food service workers, and maintenance employees, often go unrecognized despite their essential contributions to society. The Creature’s efforts to connect and contribute are ignored or met with hostility, similar to how these workers are often overlooked and underappreciated in broader societal narratives.

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

The transition from Natural Philosophy to Cyborg in Frankenstein captures the era's shifting relationship with science and its potential to manipulate life. Mary Shelley's novel, written during the early 19th century, reflects the burgeoning interest in natural sciences—particularly the study of electricity, anatomy, and the processes of life—ushering in an era that sought to unlock the secrets of creation. In this context, Victor Frankenstein's attempt to transcend human limitations and conquer the natural order by creating life through scientific means speaks to the age's ambitions and the ethical dilemmas that arise from pushing the boundaries of knowledge. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein's creation symbolizes the fear and responsibility associated with scientific experimentation. His disregard for the moral implications of his work—ignoring the potential consequences for the creature and society—mirrors modern concerns about genetic engineering, cloning, and other advancements in biotechnology. The creature's existence raises key questions about the relationship between creator and creation and the responsibilities each holds. Victor, like modern scientists and technologists, seeks control over life and death but is unprepared for the consequences of his actions. The creature's suffering and desire for revenge mirror the ethical concerns of scientific advancements: the unforeseen consequences of pushing science beyond its moral and ethical boundaries.

In contemporary discussions, the idea of the cyborg—a being that is part-human, part-machine—echoes Frankenstein's themes. The advent of artificial intelligence and biotechnology offers possibilities for human enhancement and genetic modification, but it also comes with the potential for exploitation, discrimination, and unforeseen social and ecological effects. The cyborg, in a way, is a contemporary interpretation of Frankenstein's creature—a creation of science that raises profound moral questions about humanity's role in defining and controlling life. Shelley’s novel, in its exploration of the creator’s ethical obligations, resonates with current debates on the limits of scientific inquiry, the dehumanization of the created, and the relationship between technology and identity. The creature’s pain, abandonment, and subsequent rage reflect concerns about the consequences of creating life without considering the inherent responsibilities that come with it—an issue that continues to echo in the age of AI, genetic engineering, and biotechnology.

The Franken-pheme in Popular Culture

Frankenstein as a Metaphor for Cultural Fears

Shelley’s novel was initially a cautionary tale about scientific overreach, but over time, the Frankenstein mythos has come to represent much more. In popular culture, the creature has become a metaphor for marginalization and societal fear of the unknown. His status as an outcast speaks to various forms of social alienation, including:

• Class Struggle and the Proletariat: The creature's suffering and desire for acceptance reflect anxieties surrounding the working class and the oppressed. This theme is evident in adaptations where the creature is portrayed as a victim of societal neglect and discrimination, highlighting the injustice faced by those who are seen as "other."

• Racial and Ethnic Othering: In modern adaptations, the creature often reflects issues of racialization and the experience of being the "other." His monstrous form is a metaphor for the marginalized or oppressed, especially in contexts where race, ethnicity, or national identity is under scrutiny.

Frankenstein in Film and Media

The Frankenstein monster has been the subject of numerous films, TV shows, and graphic novels, and each reinterpretation reflects changing societal concerns.

• 1931 Film (Boris Karloff’s portrayal): The 1931 film Frankenstein, directed by James Whale, cemented the image of the monster as a lumbering, misunderstood figure. The film's portrayal of the creature as a simple, tragic figure highlights the fear of uncontrolled creation and unnatural life. The creature's simplicity, combined with his tragic fate, speaks to concerns about technology and scientific experimentation gone awry.

• Postmodern Adaptations (1980s–Present): More recent adaptations, such as The Bride of Frankenstein, Young Frankenstein, and Frankenstein's Army, portray the creature in various ways—sometimes as a source of horror, other times as a figure of dark comedy or tragedy. These representations reflect changing attitudes toward science, technology, and the role of the creator. Frankenstein’s monster has become a symbol for broader concerns around humanity’s relationship with technology, advances in artificial intelligence, and biotechnological experiments.

• The Frankenpumpkin in Halloween and Commercialization: The Frankenstein monster has also entered the realm of consumer culture, especially with its role in Halloween celebrations. The image of Frankenstein's monster—carved into pumpkins, as part of costumes, or used in theme parks—demonstrates how the creature has been detached from its original philosophical and ethical concerns, instead becoming a marketable figure in the horror genre and pop culture.

Frankenstein and Identity Politics

As the Frankenpheme circulates in popular culture, it increasingly intersects with debates about identity. The monster's struggle for recognition and belonging mirrors contemporary concerns over individual identity in the face of technological change:

• Cybernetics and Transhumanism: In the age of cyborgs, genetic modification, and artificial intelligence, the monster’s disassembled nature and his questioning of selfhood resonate with fears and hopes about the future of human identity. Just as the creature grapples with his fragmented existence, modern society confronts questions about what it means to be human in an era of technological enhancement and artificial life.

• The Creature as a Figure for Posthumanism: As a creation of science and a being with a constructed identity, the creature embodies the posthuman dilemma: when does a constructed life cease to be "other" and become something worthy of recognition? The creature’s isolation and self-awareness offer insight into contemporary questions around artificial intelligence and the moral implications of creating beings that can think, feel, and, ultimately, claim their own identities.

The Commodity of Frankenstein

In the commodification of the Frankenstein monster, the figure has taken on new forms that serve various cultural and social functions. From merchandising to theme park attractions, the creature’s image has been transformed from a symbol of scientific hubris and its consequences into a profitable icon. This shift underscores a larger trend in which themes from literary works are repackaged for popular consumption—stripped of their original philosophical depth and turned into entertainment or product.

The Franken-pheme in Popular- Culture & Food

Frankenstein-Inspired Food and Halloween

The most prominent example of the Frankenstein mythos in food culture is its connection to Halloween—a season synonymous with costumes, candy, and spooky imagery. The creature's green skin, bolted neck, and monster persona have been widely adopted in various food products that cater to Halloween consumers. These adaptations serve as both a nod to the horror genre and a playful reimagining of the monster:

• Frankenstein-themed candies: Companies release candies shaped like Frankenstein’s monster, with green-colored packaging or green-colored sweets in the form of chocolates, gummies, and marshmallows. These food products often feature cartoonish representations of the monster with exaggerated features—an example of how the creature’s fearsome image is softened for a younger audience or for fun holiday consumption.

• Frankenstein-inspired baked goods: Bakeries and home chefs often embrace Frankenstein-themed cupcakes, cookies, or cakes, using green icing, chocolate bolts, and sugar eyes to create a playful twist on the monster’s form. These food items are popular during Halloween but can also serve as symbols of how the Frankenstein mythos has been absorbed into the ritual of holiday consumption.

• “Frankenstein” foods for kids: Products like Frankenstein’s Monster Sandwiches, where food is shaped to resemble the creature’s face, or green smoothies with quirky names like “Franken-juice,” aim to entertain and engage children while incorporating the iconic features of Frankenstein’s monster.

Frankenstein and Food in Branding

The Frankenstein creature has become a pop culture brand, and food companies have capitalized on this by integrating the monster into their marketing strategies:

• Frankenstein-themed fast food promotions: Chains like Burger King or McDonald’s have occasionally run Frankenstein-inspired promotions, often around Halloween. These could include special-edition burgers or drinks packaged with Frankenstein-themed wrappers or toy figurines of the monster. The use of iconic cultural symbols from Frankenstein helps in creating a novelty factor that attracts consumers during seasonal promotions.

• Frankenstein and novelty foods: Companies in the food industry have embraced the playful, grotesque image of Frankenstein's monster to promote novelty products. Examples include Frankenstein-shaped ice cream, green-colored popcorn, or Frankenstein-shaped snack foods. These items, sold especially in special-edition packaging, capitalize on the cultural cachet of Frankenstein's iconic imagery and its connection to spooky, fun vibes.

Frankenstein and the "Mad Scientist" Food Trend

Frankenstein’s creator, Victor Frankenstein, is often depicted as a mad scientist, and this archetype has filtered into food trends that center around experimental, avant-garde cooking or themed dining experiences. The trend of molecular gastronomy—where chefs use scientific principles to transform food textures, tastes, and appearances—can be linked to Frankenstein's exploration of life and creation. Some restaurants or food experiences may even embrace the concept of a "mad scientist" culinary theme, evoking the Frankenstein mythos through:

• Experimental dining experiences: Molecular gastronomy and surprise dining experiences may draw inspiration from Frankenstein’s experiments with life and death. For example, foods that bubble, change color, or incorporate unexpected textures might be labeled as "Frankenstein-inspired" dishes that experiment with the boundaries of traditional cuisine.

• "Mad scientist" cocktail bars or themed restaurants: Some cocktail bars or themed restaurants use Frankenstein imagery to create a “mad scientist” atmosphere, offering cocktails that resemble toxic potions or using unusual presentation methods that mimic the aesthetic of Frankenstein’s lab—often with green-colored drinks, smoking liquids, or food that looks "unnatural" in its form.

The Creature as Symbol in Food Culture

As the Frankenstein monster symbol has been reimagined in food, the creature’s alienation and need for belonging have also been subtly reflected in how food identities are framed in pop culture. The Frankenstein monster becomes a symbol for marginalized groups or outsiders in the world of food as well, signifying how food can be both a source of comfort and alienation in a highly commodified society. This concept is evident in:

• Vegan or alternative food movements: The shift toward plant-based or experimental diets can be seen as a way of challenging traditional food norms—much like the creature challenges societal norms in the novel. Vegan or alternative food products marketed as “Frankenstein food” aim to disrupt and reshape perceptions of what constitutes "normal" food consumption.

• Frankenstein-themed food in activism: Some social movements or food activists may adopt the Frankenstein myth to critique industrial food production or to highlight the ethical issues surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The creature can serve as a metaphor for unnatural creation and human intervention in nature through genetic modification or bioengineering in the food industry.

Frankenstein and Food in Pop Culture Commentary

Food, in the context of the Frankenstein myth, often reflects the tension between creation and destruction, a core theme in the novel. Frankenstein-themed food offers a playful commentary on human intervention in nature and creation, much like the novel critiques Victor Frankenstein's attempt to play God with life.

The act of commodifying Frankenstein's monster through food is, in itself, a reflection of how cultural icons are distilled into consumable symbols—both for entertainment and commercial gain. The consumption of Frankenstein-inspired food is an example of how the Frankenpheme has been diluted, commercialized, and transformed into an easily accessible cultural artifact.