A Modern Prometheus: Frankenstein's Relevance in Our Modern Society

Author

Amanda C. Partida, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Marisa Knox

Second Advisor

Javier Martinez

Third Advisor

David Anshen

Abstract

For over two hundred years Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has been in the public consciousness. It took only five years for the first adaptation, Presumption; or the Fate of Frankenstein, to be staged in 1825. Since then, there has been at least one adaptation every decade, with Universal Studios’ 1931 Frankenstein as the most famous adaptation, which shows just how much Shelley’s novel of science and hubris has resonated with audiences for many years.

This thesis aims to connect the ever-changing scientific anxieties of society with the most well-known Frankenstein film adaptations. By focusing on four specific films Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), and finally Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) I will analyze each respective decade’s anxieties and their relation to the portrayal of Victor Frankenstein and his Creature. With these connections I will shed light on one of the many reasons this story continues to connect with people as well as provide an additional way of analyzing Frankenstein adaptations.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Amanda C Partida. https://proquest.com/docview/3240604216

Recommended Citation

Partida, A. C. (2025). A Modern Prometheus: Frankenstein's Relevance in Our Modern Society [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1694