What stroke me most about it when reading it years ago is that the creature has nothing to do with Hollywood's vision of it. The monster is such a philosophical complex and paradoxicaly human character, and the novel doesn't have a terror athmosphere. Instead it grasps the essence of romanticism perfectly.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

You’re so right. I wonder what happened. Hollywood really distorted it. I love how you’ve described the novel - absolutely, the essence of romanticism runs through it!

@bheemabachus5179

Жыл бұрын

But the Hollywood monster shares the most important elements from the novel: he is a creature who simply wants to be loved by a family, and is turned away by his creator out of negligence, and is turned away by society for his appearance. Karloff's monster isn't reading Plutarch's Lives but he is feeling the same feelings that the original monster did, and that's what matters most. Alienation from all other life on Earth. The greatest loneliness of all. Mary Shelley wanted to explore loneliness, and this was peaked in her novel The Last Man, where she literally explored how lonely it would be to be the only man alive (or, more accurately, or lonely it would be to watch everyone die, leaving only yourself alive). The monster is a reflection of that same impulse. Likewise, the monster that James Whale directed and Boris Karloff embodied was experiencing the same dynamic, largely inspired by Whale's feeling of alienation as an openly gay man in the 1930s.

@joshcornell8510

Жыл бұрын

I just finished reading it for the first time and I had the same impression. In fact, it was Hollywood’s horrible vision of Frankenstein and the monster that kept me from reading it for so long.

@bheemabachus5179

Жыл бұрын

@@joshcornell8510 Have you even seen the movie

@LifewithDimeji

8 ай бұрын

I was fooled by television. I’m so glad that I read this story and understand the origin now. What a masterpiece. Now on to Dracula by Bram Stoker.

I read Frankenstein for the first time earlier this year. Part of my continuing education now I’m retired. I loved this book. Heartbroken that the creator abandoned him, fascinated by his teaching himself at the cottage and the conversation with the blind man! puzzled by the creation and destruction of the female. I will reread it again someday. Thanks so much for your channel and your encouragement to read deeply.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad to hear you loved it too, Peggy. Heartbroken is the perfect word. My favourite part of the book is when the monster teaches himself by overhearing the cottagers and reading from Milton, Plutarch, and Goethe. I feel like he is a kindred spirit of mine. I wept when I first read it!

One of my personal favorites too. Fun story: I bought an old edition from a book sale, it's a London published 90s edition and it has notes from past owner. I think it's cool.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

That’s so cool! I love buying books that are filled with the previous owner’s soul!

@dv3034

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Right! ;)

I was fooled by television. I’m so glad that I read this story and understand the origin now. What a masterpiece. Now on to Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Thank you for your tips on reading Frankenstein, I m quite scared of reading classics but I cried when you said about how Mary lost her baby and her dreams , it really changes like you say the films that tell the story in their own way but not about who’s the monster ! Thank you so much x

I just re-read this last month. I am always so taken by how little this is a "horror" tale. I prefer the later writing with Mary Shelly's introduction. The true horror of this tale is the human dealings. I just love this book. If I were to try and write my own spooky tale it would go something like this: I saw a monster, it scared the crap out of me, I went and hid, I drank lot's of wine, the end. Mary Shelley was far more brilliant than I, hence, my need for more wine. You have brought so much of the truly brilliant and wonderful mind of Mary Shelley out for us to ponder. Thank you for these videos.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Her introduction to the revised version really helps add an extra layer to the myth! I sympathise with your writing - I recently issued the challenge to book club members to pen their own ghost story for Halloween, and I thought I cannot ask anyone to do anything I wouldn't do. So I've been trying to pen my own - and, my goodness, it really is difficult. Wine is most certainly required! And Mary Shelley was the tender age of 17 when she wrote this. Wow!

@okyouknowwhatever

2 жыл бұрын

I agree it's not horror. But it's bleak as hell, and it's depressing as hell. I couldn't finish the book just because how bleak it was. The intro is brilliant though, where Victor is chasing the monster on a dog sled.

Just bought this today. So happy I came across your video with it being so recent. Please do more, I completely shot past the introduction, context etc. so you’ve made me go back to read it for a better understanding.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jack :) I hope you enjoy the book - let me know what you think!

I would love to see more books like these such as Jekyll and Hyde as well as Drakula and tales from Washington Irving. I've picked up a whole bunch of spooky books for October and I love having your commentary to pair with them as it makes it that much more enjoyable!

@BenjaminMcEvoy

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Allison! It sounds like you're having a wonderful reading month :) I'm doing the very same as you. Dracula and lots of gothic short stories. I love this time of year!

The Danny Boyle Stage version with Cumberbatch is excellent. What an incredible story Frankenstein is, a work of genius.

Finally got to read this last year and was absolutely staggered by its brilliance. Desperate to read more Mary Shelley especially her dystopian novel. One day, hopefully. So many books, so little time eh? Hahahaha

@staygoldponyboy8881

2 жыл бұрын

I read it during lockdown and it blew me away. Checked out her novella Mathilda straight after, bleak plot but her writing just sweeps me up and takes me along.

Mary Shelley 2017 is one of my favorite movies.I highly recommend it if you don't watch it yet. It is perfect for anyone who wants to know about her life properly.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the recommendation, Ayman - I'll check that out this week :)

@nmmk9134

2 жыл бұрын

I loved it. I want to read a biography about her and her parents.

I was in Oxford England a few years back and had the opportunity to see some of her original writings at the Bodleian library when they had a display dedicated to women throughout history. Super Cool. We were actually there (2018) because just next to that display they were hosting the Tolkien Exhibition which showcased a ton of his original writings, maps and illustrations he created along with other amazing little artifacts like his desk, chair, pipes, etc. That was an amazing show and I feel so fortunate that not only did I get to see it, but I got to see it in Oxford, which of course we went and paid our respects at his and Edith's grave. Anyway, you won me over, just ordered a copy of Frankenstein (1818 edition) and will certainly give it a read.

Thanks so much for these tips. I finished Frankenstein last night. It was my first time reading it. I am so happy I hadn't watched any Frankenstein movies before reading the novel, so my only knowledge of the story comes from the book itself. You truly make great recommendations and I appreciate your videos a lot.

My son and I are members of the same book club and at the time we're just finishing up George Orwell's 1984. The next book is Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Neither my son nor I have read the book and I'm looking forward to reading it. Thank you for putting out this video.

I love the way you describe the literary works. Your wit and eloquent always fascinate me. Everytime I hear the notification sound from your channel it just grab my attention and i run off to see your video. Please keep making such more videos......

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Aw, thank you, Tanmay :) I really appreciate that! I'll keep making if you keep watching!

Benjamin, just finished Frankenstein. What a fantastic read. This book opens up so many topics for discussion. Why is it not required reading in schools? It is one of the few books I have annotated with intentions of following up on the science and reading references. Always enjoy your book tube content and appreciate your hard work. Cheers

Superb video. Thank you . I am so grateful I found you. 🙏

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

Wonderful video. I remember when I read this novel and wow, I was amazed by the prolific writing style, its narrative and the story itself. Besides, I read The Sorrows of the Young Werther just immediately after reading Frankenstein, in order to know why the creature had read it in the novel. Perhaps I was not so smart to figure it out, but at least I was able to find another beautiful novel and a great author such as Goethe. Thank you so much for these kinds of videos, my friend, they are really impressive. 👋

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Axl :) I read Goethe's Werther many years ago when I was much younger - the sentiment of the tale has stuck with me, but I certainly need to reread it. Apparently it drove many readers to take their own life when it first came out! And thank you for the kind words!

I love your videos. Your zeal and love of the classics causes me to want to read them. Thank you for all that you do. I much prefer the Frankenstein book over any movie....except Young Frankenstein with Gene Wilder as it is hysterical.... it is amazing how much they changed from book to movie

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, my friend :) Oh, yes, Gene Wilder is superb - I'm quite partial to Abbott and Costello as well!

Read it long ago. No matter, too many books left on my list to read to do any rereading, so many books, so little time. Enjoyed your presentation.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

I completely agree - so many books, so little time - 100% true!

One of my sons Benjamin, who is 21, just exclaimed today he's having trouble finishing all the books he's started. This video was great timing. A reminder that this is a shorter book. I found a cool copy for him today. It has an intro by Douglas Clegg and a afterward by Harold Bloom (I didn't know about him very much till I saw your mentions of him) My great pal at Barnes and Noble had me get 1 of his recommends too. It's the penguin, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories. Cool cover. I think these are all great for Halloween month too. What do you think of Washington Irving? The guys who work at B&N love that book. Hoping the recommends help him. I also direct him to your videos. I will be reading Frankenstein again (this time the 1818 version) and check out the W. I. Penguin. Probably not this month because am participating in Victober.

Picked up a paperback 1931 edition from my local library today. Plan to read over the halloween weekend. Cheers

I just watched your video and it intrigued me further to read the book I will now start with it. 3, 2, 1, wish me pleasure, and here we go!

Very informative video.... 👌compelling talk...I just finished reading Frankenstein n was looking for some background information....very happy...will check out more of your videos....👍

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Dr. Noble :) So glad you enjoyed it!

Just finished reading it today. What a great book.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

8 ай бұрын

Congratulations on finishing it! It really is a masterpiece :)

I've read Frankenstein for the first time last year. I picked up the edition availiable at my school's library, and fell in love with the story. I won't speak too much about it here, but basically I felt that both characters, Victor Frankenstein and his monster, had a lot in common with myself (you can see that, look at my profile pic haha!). So, I wanted to buy an edition of the book for my own, and so did I. Came to this video just to have a little more general understanding of the story before my first re-read of one of my favourite books.

This book is one of my favorites. I remember our discussions in college about Victor Frankenstein, as man acting as creator and God. My little paperback is heavily annotated.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

Жыл бұрын

It sounds like this is a really special one for you, Gayle! I bet you've got some beautiful insights written in the margins of your copy :)

Probably have read the book twice at least, first time in college studying English as a foreign language, and it was a SLOW READ because of my English level then. Second time it was during my time nursing my baby during maternity leave. I too, never really thought movies got the books I like their complete justice. Thanks for your insights.

Awesome video!

I thought I knew the story, from the movies, but reading it was so much deeper than I knew I totally talk w other people about the book regularly

Amazing!!

I would like to thank you for giving me a sense on how to understand and take in the writings of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.it’s interesting to me how you mention the other gentlemen that stayed at the lake house what if they inspired her to write about Frankenstein how the monster himself is made of many men. What if she is mentioning the personality of said folks stuck at that lake house when they all wrote a story ?

some scholars compare the creation of the creature by Victor as the Golem in the Kabala tradition, even Victor reads some ancients sage's book mentioned in the Book sucha Agrippa , Albertus magnus among others. great video.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

That's a really cool idea - I can totally see that!

Frankenstein was very good. I thought that the descriptions and immersion were better in Dracula, but the themes were better in Frankenstein. Dracula was also more frightful.

Hello, Benjamin! I hope you are well. I am looking to get Clarissa by Samuel Richardson, and I was wondering if you had a recommendation of a good edition? Thanks very much.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

The Everyman four-volume set with white covers in hardback is my top recommendation, Sebastian :)

This will be a first read for me.. I can not wait! I have a lovely second hand hardback edition (Everyman 😃)

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

I’m very jealous :)

I have read frankestein twice eventhough english is not my mother laguage i tried my best to feel this beautiful story in its original language.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Well done on reading it in the original - that's really impressive! :)

Could you please give us your top 10 or 15 sci Fi Books please?

One of the school projects i had in which we were supposed to read to books and then argue for or against something, i was going to argue against genetic editing and the classics that i decided to read were Frankenstein and Brave New World. I got a good grade not perfect though as my reading of Frankenstein was more in depth then that of Brave New World, but yeah during that presentation i got to talk about people like Darwin, Herbert Spencer and Nietzsche.

Have you ever read “Monster “ by Zeltserman? It’s meant to be from the monster’s perspective. I don’t remember enough of “Frankenstein” to compare the stories and details but it was a good read

Wonderful! I just re read it not long ago!!

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Nice one :)

@ROXCANADA2023

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy what do you think of Bolano? have you read him? I am reading a whole collection of letters from the American conquest, Columbus, Pizarro, Cabeza de Vaca, etc, very interesting. I am also re reding Poe, the master. Romantic and Gothic are escencial, What about Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Cien anos de Soledad? and others? I havent read Borges, I will soon. Regards Ben, I enjoy your channel very much

I ALSO read Frankenstin every year!

I read Frankenstein. I've written my own vampire story, only it was back in 2005

I went into this book expecting something like Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and I was unbelievably pleasantly surprised by how well written it is. The characters, the plot, the narration - everything is just superb. Definitely a gem of world literature, much less of a horror flick and much more of a serious classical novel.

I read the 1818 Frankenstein and I liked it.

What a coincidence, I just bought the book!

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Nice one :) let me know what you think!

@dommiec6138

2 жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy I'm waiting for the weekend! 🐋

what r ur thoughts on dickens /have you read david copperfield what do u think about it?/which book do u think is dicken' best work

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

I love Dickens. David Copperfield is wonderful, and Dickens' own personal favourite. Many would consider Bleak House or Our Mutual Friend to be his masterpieces, but my personal favourite is Great Expectations :)

Richard Holmes book The Age of Wonder also is a good book looking at the science in the romantic period.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Nice recommendation. Thanks, Andrew! I’ll check that out :)

Read the book. What a tragedy that book was! And how tragic that Mary Shelley lost a child. I've known a friend who lost one too. The only thing that kept her going was her oldest son. Think of this too. What if you went back in time to tell Frankenstein NOT to make the monster? Because of the horrors it left behind? (Spoiler alert: they made that into a movie.)

I have a few questions after reading Frankenstein and I don't know where to ask them. So hoping some people can render light to these 1. Why did no one ask Victor Frankenstein who the murderer was, when he told them that he knew who the real murderer was and it was not Justine? I understand why he didn't want to tell them it was the monster he created but no one even asked him "Well who is it if it's not Justine?". They were just happy he knew and continued to feel bad for Justine. 2. Victor advises Walton to stop his ambitious pursuit of knowledge and narrates his entire story as a warning to him. Why the does he encourage the sailors to go north when they say they don't want to? He talks about honour and valour to them but continues to take lessons on how taking care of your loved ones is the best thing you can do. Is this to show that victor is self-serving or an oversight from the author? 3. Why did Victor think the monster was coming to kill him on his wedding night? The monster told him that he'll make him feel the same loneliness he feels. So it was obvious he was going to target his wife Elizabeth. Was this another way of telling Victor's lack of empathy to the monster's life or was it just a plot device for a 19th century plot twist? Would be so glad if someone could answer these questions.

Ive just finished my first 'Read' of Frankenstein , via Lit2Go Talking books (it was delivered rather fast) and at the end I was shocked , disappointed and almost traumatised by the conclusion.. Your suggestions have helped to put the story in context. Im glad I read it ... but Im don't see myself reading more of the Romantics, I think I'll stick to Dickens which comes with a sense fo humour ! 😄 R.

@Richnsoul

Жыл бұрын

I should add I imagined the story to be a allegory on how society turns against and away from 'Monsters' of our own making , which made it a very powerful read.

“Monster “ is a young adult book. I think it would have been a very interesting experience to have read Monster first, then Frankenstein. Too late for me, but someone might like to try it

I’m a freshman in high school and I’m reading the Frankenstein book now. And I was shocked to see how much of the things I thought about Frankenstein that turned out to be a lie of pop culture

@BenjaminMcEvoy

Жыл бұрын

It really is extraordinary, isn't it? The book and the pop cultural interpretations are so different!

Reading the Shelly classic, but reading the Bernie Wrightson Illustrated edition.

Which edition do you have?

@BenjaminMcEvoy

Жыл бұрын

Penguin Clothbound :)

@metalsabatico

Жыл бұрын

@@BenjaminMcEvoy I actually looked up the one you showed in the video and it says it was the Oxford World's classics hardbound edition? Did you change it for the Penguin edition? Also, is the Penguin clothbound the 1818 version or the 1831? Thank you for replying, you have a great channel mate!

Another creepy book to read is " The Book of the Law" by Aleister Crowley. His biography is almost unbelievable. Very eerie and full of sexual decadence. He was famous for his worship of the occult.

👌👌🖤

I agree that Mary Shelley's embodied experience of pregnancy and loss and the lack of practical support and care for her as a mother to be is pivotal to the visceral creation of a creature not for this world at the heart of Frankenstein.

whatever I love your eyes 👀

There was an article recently in one of the tabloids that went something along the lines of ‘snowflakes now claim Frankenstein’s monster was the victim.’ Um…yeah that’s the story.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

10 ай бұрын

Oh dear. Sounds like they didn't read the book 🙄

🌻🌺🌻🌺🌻🌺🌻🌺

Does this quote apply to Frankenstein?: - We decided to play God, create life. When that life turned against us, we comforted ourselves in the knowledge that it really wasn't our fault, not really. You cannot play God then wash your hands of the things that you've created. Sooner or later, the day comes when you can't hide from the things that you've done anymore. "Battlestar Galactica" (Commander Adama)

Maybe I need to re-read Frankenstein - I read it many years ago and it was one of the most boring story I've ever read, all those endless landscape descriptions were driving me nuts, Ha Ha. Perhaps I would see it differently today.

@BenjaminMcEvoy

2 жыл бұрын

Oh absolutely worth rereading :) I can understand the feeling, and I used to think the same thing about lengthy landscape descriptions. But now I find them quite nourishing!