3U+Stories+for+Frankenstein

Stories for //Frankenstein// 

In preparation for our study of the novel, Frankenstein, we will consider two genres of literature: Gothic and Science Fiction. We will consider how each of the stories and the novel fit within the characteristics of each type of literature.

Gothic Tradition
[Excerpt from David R. Saliba, //A Psychology of Fear: The Nightmare Formula of Edgar Allan Poe// (Lantham, MD: University Press of America, 1980), pp.27-28.] The Gothic tradition...had its origins in 1764 with the publication of Horace Walpole's //Castle of Otranto//. Though no one has yet offered a concise definition of gothic literature, there are several characteristics that distinguish it from other modes of writing. These characteristics belong to //all// gothic works:
 * 1) there is a victim who is helpless against his torturer;
 * 2) there is also a victimizer who is associated with evil and whose powers are immense or supernatural;
 * 3) the setting of the gothic story is at some point within impenetrable walls (physical //or// psychological) to heighten the victim's sense of hopeless isolation--the central gothic image is the cathedral or haunted mansion within which the victim is imprisoned;
 * 4) the atmosphere is pervaded by a sense of mystery, darkness, oppressiveness, fear, and doom to recreate the atmosphere of a crypt--a symbol of man's spiritual death and a "vehicle for presenting a picture of man as eternal victim"[|[1]]; and finally,
 * 5) the victim is in some way entranced or fascinated by the inscrutable power of his victimizer [|[2]].

**Introduction to Science Fiction** Kathryn Cramer, //The Ascent of Wonder// (1994)

Definition of the Genre
The science fiction genre, an exciting collection of intellectual and physical adventure, overlaps a great deal with all other genres. As a result, it is very difficult to define the genre with one simple, straightforward definition that clarifies its relation to other genres. In particular, there is great debate about the differences and overlap between fantasy and science fiction. Science fiction fans, even those most entrenched in the genre, often have very strong and very divergent views on what constitutes a science fiction work. In general, science fiction is considered to be a genre that explores the question "what if?". It continually investigates moral, philosophical and technological possibilities by creating new and exciting realities. Diana Tixier Herald offers her personal definition of science fiction in //Genreflecting//, expressing the idea that science fiction deals with "scientific topics, space travel, aliens and recognizably Earth-variant worlds or life forms that have not been touched by magic". Time travel is also a common theme in many science fiction novels. With roots in the nineteenth century, science fiction is often recognized for its long and rich history as well as its intellectual content. It is also recognized for its diversity; within the genre there is great variation in the topics, themes and length of science fiction works. The following is a list of many of the themes that are covered within the genre of science fiction: Hard Science, New Wave, Ecology, Messianic/Religious, Dystopia/Utopia, Apocalypse, Alternate and Parallel Worlds, Time Travel, Time Warp, Lost Worlds, Immortality, Psionic Powers, Space Opera, Galactic Empires, Militaristic, Space Travel, Alien Beings, Computers, Automation, Cyberpunk, Robots, Androids, Cyborgs, Social Criticism, The Superhuman, Women in Science Fiction, Love and Sex, Detectives in Science Fiction, and Science Fantasy.

These are the stories we will read in preparation for our study of the novel, //Frankenstein//, by Mary Shelley. Accompanying each story is a link, a .odt file, and a cheesy youtube video.

1. "Mask of the Red Death" by Edgar Allen Poe [|Red Death]media type="youtube" key="yv2qL-LRBag" height="315" width="560" media type="youtube" key="GF8TSsQOKq0" height="315" width="560" 2. "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut [|Harrison Bergeron]media type="youtube" key="DcmA2HbrCZI" height="315" width="560" 3. "Born of Man and Woman" by Richard Matheson [|Born of Man and Woman]media type="youtube" key="FjbBdm1zwkU" height="315" width="420"

**Media Extension**: Write a short response comparing one of the video productions to the original text. Check calender for due date.