Harvard University published an interview on Mar. 18 with Deidre Lynch, Ernest Bernbaum Professor of Literature, exploring the ongoing cultural relevance of Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus.” Lynch, who teaches the course “Modern Monsters in Literature and Film,” discussed why the story continues to inspire writers and filmmakers more than two centuries after its publication.
The continued fascination with “Frankenstein” is significant because it raises questions about humanity, justice, and inclusion that remain relevant today. Lynch said she appreciates both the structure and content of the novel. “I love that it’s a story inside a story inside a story,” she said. She noted how Shelley’s narrative technique surprises readers when the monster speaks for himself, shifting perceptions from seeing him as monstrous to recognizing his eloquence and humanity.
Lynch explained that Shelley wrote the novel at age 18, drawing on her upbringing as the daughter of literary figures William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. By the time Shelley completed “Frankenstein,” she had already experienced significant personal challenges. Lynch suggested that Victor Frankenstein’s horror at his creation may reflect anxieties similar to those faced by new parents.
Discussing historical context, Lynch described how Shelley wrote during a period of political unrest in Europe following wars between Britain and France. The sense of injustice present in society influenced themes within “Frankenstein.” According to Lynch, “the creature is asking Victor Frankenstein for justice: ‘Do right by me’ is his plea.” She also addressed how early reviews were harsh due to political associations but noted that later adaptations often misrepresented key aspects of the original work.
Lynch commented on various film adaptations, naming James Whale’s 1931 version as her favorite despite its differences from Shelley’s text. She observed that movies have sometimes overshadowed the book but emphasized its enduring presence in education: “‘Frankenstein’ is now one of the most frequently taught texts in high schools and English departments.”
Reflecting on why “Frankenstein” remains compelling, Lynch said: “The novel is so rich that it is eternal, and the questions that it raises are existential questions: What does it mean to be human? What is it like to belong or not belong?… All of those are profound questions that go with being human. And I don’t know of many novels that raise them as effectively as Shelley does in ‘Frankenstein.’”
