Frankenstein and the creation problem
Anthony Boulton writes about the symbolism of a complex fictional character
Ostensibly, Mary Shelley’s story of Frankenstein is sensationalist pulp-fiction – ripe for exploitation by production companies making X-rated films – but the symbolism tells another story.
Victor Frankenstein, a meddling scientist over-educated to believe in his own omnipotence, has constructed a ‘Creature’ that is morally superior to the human model in one important respect. The Creature only behaves badly when its natural desire for love and acceptance is cruelly spurned, solely on account of its unconventional appearance, whereas human beings can behave badly without the slightest provocation or justification.
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