A couple of chapters into Volume II, we begin to get a tale within a tale within a tale. Purportedly, Walton is telling us what Victor told him the monster told him. It’s not especially important to keep these layers in mind as you read, but it’s interesting to note how multi-layered the story is.
What do you think about the monster’s account of his learning and emotional development? And what about the dramatic story of the DeLacy family? Why is that even in here?
As famous as this novel is today, it sold modestly at first, but in the 1820s it was made into a controversial play, which went through at least five adaptations. The first was staged in London in 1823. Here’s what one reviewer wrote:
Do not go to the Opera House to see the Monstrous Drama, founded on the improper work called FRANKENSTEIN!!! Do not take your wives, do not take your daughters, do not take your families!!!—The novel itself is of a decidedly immoral tendency; it treats of a subject which in nature cannot occur. This subject is PREGNANT with mischief; and to prevent the ill-consequences which may result from the promulgation of such dangerous Doctrines, a few zealous friends of morality, and promoters of the Posting-bill (and who are ready to meet the consequences thereof) are using their strongest endeavours.
I’m quoting this from my Norton edition, which goes on to note that the name of the actor playing The Creature was intentionally left blank in the program, presumably in order to further heighten the terrifying suggestion of a real monster. The actor, T.P. Cooke, became famous as a result.
What do you think about the monster’s account of his learning and emotional development? And what about the dramatic story of the DeLacy family? Why is that even in here?
As famous as this novel is today, it sold modestly at first, but in the 1820s it was made into a controversial play, which went through at least five adaptations. The first was staged in London in 1823. Here’s what one reviewer wrote:
Do not go to the Opera House to see the Monstrous Drama, founded on the improper work called FRANKENSTEIN!!! Do not take your wives, do not take your daughters, do not take your families!!!—The novel itself is of a decidedly immoral tendency; it treats of a subject which in nature cannot occur. This subject is PREGNANT with mischief; and to prevent the ill-consequences which may result from the promulgation of such dangerous Doctrines, a few zealous friends of morality, and promoters of the Posting-bill (and who are ready to meet the consequences thereof) are using their strongest endeavours.
I’m quoting this from my Norton edition, which goes on to note that the name of the actor playing The Creature was intentionally left blank in the program, presumably in order to further heighten the terrifying suggestion of a real monster. The actor, T.P. Cooke, became famous as a result.