Mary Shelley's original version of Frankenstein was popular among her peers. But she wanted to respond to criticism, elevate the main character's thinking, and clarify the plot details. The versions differ by the introduction, expanded Victor's monologue, and the character's portrait.

What are the differences between 1818 and 1831 Frankenstein?

There are major differences between the 1818 edition and 1831 edition. In the 1831, Mary Shelley had heavily revised the book. The two main differences are Elizabeth's character in the story and her letter to Victor when he is away for college. In the 1818 edition, Elizabeth is Victor Frankenstein's cousin.

Why are there multiple versions of Frankenstein?

The first version was anonymously published in 1818 and the second was published under her name in 1831, when Mary Shelley made revisions to her work. Many readers are split between which version they prefer and this could be due to the difference in wording and content revealed in each.

Why has Frankenstein changed so much?

The image of the Wretch, Victor Frankenstein's creation in Mary Shelley's novel, has changed drastically through the 19th and 20th centuries as his character was blended with contemporary fears and hysteria to remain a relevant monster.

Why is Frankenstein 1931 different from the book?

Many of these differences revolve around the portrayals of both the doctor and his creation, such as the monster receiving a murderer's brain and becoming a killer in the 1931 Frankenstein, while the book's version is thoughtful and can speak in the novel.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: Plot Summary, Characters & Themes Mindmap! | English GCSE Revision!

How different are the two versions of Frankenstein?

Victor: The 1818 edition focuses on Victor's rejection of the Creature and lack of responsibility as a creator, while the 1831 edition focuses on the initial inspiration to create the Creature as the pivotal moment.

What are two major differences between the book and film versions of Frankenstein?

In the plot of Mary Shelley's novel, the monster wants hid revenge on all the society because of his condition and because people consider him different and, for this reason, a monster, an ugly and dangerous person for the others, while in the film the monster wants his revenge only on Victor, his creator and ...

Which version of Frankenstein should I read?

Most famously, the original version published anonymously in 1818 was significantly revised by Mary Shelley and republished in 1831, along with her reflections about the dare that inspired her to write such a monstrous story. It's the 1831 version that is most commonly read today and that we're using in our programs.

Is Frankenstein 1931 accurate?

Most Accurate: Frankenstein (1931)

It would be unfair to call the original version entirely inaccurate, simply because this was more than likely the first version ever known to such a massive audience.

What was Frankenstein's biggest mistake?

What is the difference between Frankenstein and Frankenstein's monster?

Frankenstein is the name of the Doctor who created the monster. The monster does not have a name. It is simply called the creature. But over time, since Mary Shelley first published the novel in 1818, the monster has become confused with its creator.

Why are there 3 narrators in Frankenstein?

Mary Shelley uses three primary narrators in Frankenstein in order to create a more complete narrative and show how the same events can be viewed differently by different people. Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the Monster are the main narrators.

Are there two monsters in Frankenstein?

It is later revealed that Proteus is actually the second monster Frankenstein has created, with the first, abandoned creation having been named "Caliban", from The Tempest, by the theatre actor who took him in and later, after leaving the theatre, named himself after the English poet John Clare.

What does Frankenstein 1818 symbolize?

Mary Shelley makes use of gothic symbolism in Frankenstein. The most prominent symbols in the novel are light, darkness, Adam, Satan, and fire. They reflect the most important themes and concepts of the book.

What was the original Frankenstein supposed to look like?

Shelley described Frankenstein's monster as an 8-foot-tall, hideously ugly creation, with translucent yellowish skin pulled so taut over the body that it “barely disguised the workings of the arteries and muscles underneath,” watery, glowing eyes, flowing black hair, black lips, and prominent white teeth.

Why is the 1931 Frankenstein movie important?

It spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, and has had a significant impact on popular culture: the imagery of a maniacal "mad" scientist with a hunchbacked assistant and the film's depiction of Frankenstein's monster have since become iconic.

What is the most controversial scene in Frankenstein?

Frankenstein contains many iconic scenes, the most famous being the monster's awakening, followed by Colin Clive's immortal shouts of "It's alive!" Frankenstein's most disturbing scene though sees the monster accidentally kill a little girl due to not understanding why what he was about to do would result in her death.

Why is Frankenstein's monster green?

Going green

Pierce's decision to paint Karloff's skin a greyish green was a conscious choice to play on these limitations, distinguishing the monster from the rest of the cast by giving him a skin color that would be captured as a ghostly white on film.

What is the most accurate version of Frankenstein?

Jokes aside, Branagh's “Frankenstein” is considered the most book-accurate adaptation. It includes a star-studded cast, with Robert De Niro as Frankenstein's monster and Helena Bonham-Carter as Elizabeth.

Why is Frankenstein censored?

Throughout the years, this novel has been banned and censored for numerous reasons, both in and out of classrooms. One such reason was due to the death of a young child. Dr. Frankenstein's younger brother was strangled to death by the monster the doctor created.

Can a 12 year old read Frankenstein?

Mary Shelley's classic story has delighted readers and film fans for many years. This version of the story has been specially adapted for kids from nine to twelve years old. The language and vocabulary are simple, and emphasis is on action using past, present and future simple tenses.

Which movie version of Frankenstein is closest to the book?

The 1931 movie and Boris Karloff's monster are perhaps the most famous depictions of Frankenstein, but the 1994 film, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, is most loyal to the source material.

What are the subgenres of Frankenstein?

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein falls under two different genres of literature: Gothic novel and science fiction. As a Gothic novel, Frankenstein embodies many of the setting and plot elements associated with the genre.

Does Frankenstein say it's alive in the book?

Reading the 1818 novel reveals the striking liberties that filmmakers have taken. In the James Whale 1931 version, there is that classic scene where Victor is shouting, “It's alive!” In the book, Victor no sooner sees the monster open his eyes than he runs away and hides.