Frankenstein In Children's Visual Culture | Sara Austin

Log InSign Up

• Log In
• Sign Up
• more
• • About
  • Press
  • Papers
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • We're Hiring!
  • Help Center
  • less

“Sometimes My Stitches Come Loose at the Worst Possible Moments”: Frankenstein In Children’s Visual Cultureinfo

Info

keyboard_arrow_downkeyboard_arrow_upSara AustinSara AustindownloadDownload PDFdescriptionSee full PDFvisibility

247

views

format_quote

0

citations

Related papers

arrow_back_ios"'It's Alive': Popular Culture Commodification of Frankenstein's Monster"Natalie NeilldownloadDownload free PDFThe Frankenstein Complex : when the text is more than a textDennis CutchinsdownloadDownload free PDFFrankenstein: defending the creature from his misrepresentation on a selection of book coversTania Burguete VilaplanadownloadDownload free PDFMary Shelley and the Rights of the Child: Political Philosophy in Frankenstein, by Eileen Hunt BottingCole HeinowitzdownloadDownload free PDFWhither Does This Senseless Curiosity Lead Us? 2.0 Constructing and Mystifying the Border between Life and Death in Graphic Frankenstein AdaptationsEssi VarisdownloadDownload free PDFA Historical Analysis of Non-Normative Embodiment Through the Lens of Frankenstein’s CreatureAshley HobsondownloadDownload free PDFADAPTING LITERARY CLASSICS: RESHAPING THE MONSTER IN GRIS GRIMLY’S FRANKENSTEIN, AN INTERMEDIAL AND GRAPHIC HIDEOUS PROGENYLogan LabrunedownloadDownload free PDFThe Progeny of Frankenstein: The Mad Scientist and His CreatureHansel RaphaeldownloadDownload free PDFFrankenstein Performed: The Monster Who Will Not DieJeanne P TiehendownloadDownload free PDFFrankensteinNorbert SpehnerdownloadDownload free PDFFrankenstein's Poetic Progeny: Activity Book For SchoolsRoddie McKenziedownloadDownload free PDFReview: Mary Shelley and the Rights of the Child: Political Philosophy in FrankensteinCole HeinowitzdownloadDownload free PDFGazing at the creature, gazing at the monster: an insight into monstrosity in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; or, the modern prometheusGénesis Andrade ArancibiadownloadDownload free PDFA Physiological Approach to Frankenstein: A Variation on the Gothic SublimeMinji Huharrow_forward_iosView more paperskeyboard_arrow_down

Abstract

Elizabeth Young explains that since Frankenstein is such a visually evocative novel, early staged versions of Shelley’s monster, such as Richard Peake’s Another Piece of Presumption (1824), have dramatically influenced cultural conceptions of the work. Dwight Codr points out that cultural fears are also imposed on the monster, such as Boris Karloff’s polio-like gait. Such changes have degraded Shelley’s eloquent Prometheus into a shambling, mute object of pity. Contrary to how B horror movies or parodies present him, within contemporary children’s culture Shelley’s monster is the eternal optimist. Though little attention has been paid to Shelley’s legacy in children’s literature, I will argue that these adaptations preserve what Young describes as Shelley’s progressive philosophic vision.Works including Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich, Crankenstein, Frankenstein: A BabyLit® Anatomy Primer, Frankenstein: A Monstrous Parody, A Monsters’ Monster and the Monster High webseries show Shelley’s monster as happy and thankful to be alive. By highlighting the childlike qualities of the monster and preserving the monster’s voice, children’s adaptations of Frankenstein restore to the monster's narrative the opportunity for self-love and positive social change.

... Read more

Key takeaways

AI generated

1. Children's adaptations of Frankenstein restore the monster's narrative of self-love and social change.
2. Cultural adaptations emphasize the monster's childlike qualities, contrasting with traditional horror depictions.
3. Children's literature reinterprets Shelley’s monster as an optimistic figure, influencing cultural perceptions.
4. The character's evolution reflects a sampling of various texts rather than strict adaptations of the original.
5. Monster High's Frankie Stein embodies themes of acceptance and social representation, enhancing children's agency.

FAQ's

AI generated

What are the implications of using Frankenstein's monster in children's literature?add

The research indicates that using Frankenstein's monster in children's literature reflects societal views on childhood and agency, reifying the child's vulnerability while also suggesting autonomy. For instance, works like 'Crankenstein' portray monstrousness as a temporary state of childhood rather than a permanent identity.

How does the visual representation of Frankenstein impact its cultural significance?add

The paper reveals that visual symbols from the 1931 film shape children's perceptions of Frankenstein's monster, influencing adaptations over time. Specific iconographic elements, like neck bolts and scars, serve as immediate cultural references that bypass the original literary text’s depth.

What novel insights do recent children's texts provide about the monster-child relationship?add

Texts such as 'Frankie Stein' explore the monster-child dynamic, portraying both as marginalized figures seeking acceptance. In contrast to traditional narratives, these modern iterations emphasize empowerment and agency amid social conflict.

When did the transition from adaptation to literary sampling begin for Frankenstein's monster?add

The transition to literary sampling is traced back to the enduring influence of the 1931 film and subsequent sequels, which emphasize iconic imagery over direct textual adaptation. This shift reflects a broader trend in American culture where the monster becomes a mythic symbol rather than a character bound to Shelley's original narrative.

What methodologies were employed to analyze the children's interpretations of Frankenstein?add

The analysis synthesizes cultural studies and literary criticism, focusing on textual and visual analyses across various children's media. It draws upon Hutcheon's theoretical framework on adaptations to distinguish between direct adaptations and cultural reinterpretations.

closeTitleAbstractKey TakeawaysFAQs1 of 12format_list_bulletedOutlinebookmark_borderSave shareShare

Download research papers for free!

Join us!arrow_forward

Related papers

Mary Shelley / Transmedia Creatures: Frankenstein’s Afterlives

Chris WashingtondownloadDownload free PDF

Frankenstein A Special Issue

Francesca OrestanodownloadDownload free PDF

Aesthetic Transgressions in Mary Shelley ’ s Frankenstein

Evan DekensdownloadDownload free PDF

Beyond Adaptation: Frankenstein's Postmodern Progeny

Pedro Javier PardodownloadDownload free PDF

Frankenstein; or, the Modern Protagonist

Anna E. ClarkdownloadDownload free PDF

(Re)constructing Frankenstein: the other side of nature

Sara KosmajacdownloadDownload free PDF

• Explore
• Papers
• Topics

• Features
• Mentions
• Analytics
• PDF Packages
• Advanced Search
• Search Alerts

• Journals
• Academia.edu Journals
• My submissions
• Reviewer Hub
• Why publish with us
• Testimonials

• Company
• About
• Careers
• Press
• Help Center
• Terms
• Privacy
• Copyright
• Content Policy

580 California St., Suite 400San Francisco, CA, 94104© 2026 Academia. All rights reserved