Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

Mary Shelley’s novel of a young scientist’s hubris in exceeding the boundaries of acceptable human inquiry enjoys remarkable longevity given its gothic fancy.

 Shelley’s 1818 novel remains relevant more than 200 years later for its insight into the dangerous excesses of human aspiration and ego. In exploring man’s temptation to push against the limits of knowledge and technology, the novel exposes the horrors inflicted on mankind that follow in the wake of extreme endeavor. The tale leaves the reader wondering who, exactly, is the monster: Dr. Victor Frankenstein or his creation, a reanimated corpse.

In our time, technology has transformed culture and society. Is the internet or AI just the sort of creation Shelley’s book might have predicted? This class will consider Shelley’s novel itself (free online). Numerous film versions, including Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 version, provide a valuable resource for the curious.

Mary Murphy, Ph.D., received her doctorate in English and American Literature from New York University. Her expertise is in the 19^th-century American novel. Newport artists and writers are an area of interest as are classic films. Mary taught English at the university level for many years before retiring to Newport.