Why Do So Many Believe Frankenstein Is the Monster's Name Instead of the Doctor's?

The common misconception that Frankenstein refers to the monster rather than Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the doctor who created him, has plagued our understanding of Gothic fiction for decades. This article delves into the reasons behind this persistent mistake, tracing the historical and cultural impact of various adaptations and the linguistic intricacies that contribute to the confusion.

Cultural Impact

The 1931 film adaptation of Frankenstein, directed by James Whale, played a significant role in popularizing the monster as a distinct, named character. The film introduced a classic image of the creature as a large, green figure with bolts visible in its neck, overshadowing the original novel's narrative. This visual representation has become an iconic symbol in the horror genre, contributing to the conflation of names and the widespread belief that the term “Frankenstein” refers solely to the creature.

Character Design

Visual media often simplifies complex narratives to enhance impact. In films, the creature is often given a specific name, such as "the Monster" or "the Creature," which becomes deeply ingrained in the public imagination. Over time, the monster's name has become more recognizable than that of the doctor who created him. The visual impact of the creature, with bolts and characteristic features, has made it easier for audiences to remember and refer to the character by its name rather than the author's.

Simplification

Language simplification is a natural part of communication, especially in casual conversation and media. It's easier to refer to the monster as "Frankenstein" instead of "the Creature" or "the Monster." This simplification can lead to the erasure of the original narrative and the true identity of the characters. The ease of remembering "Frankenstein" over more complex names contributes to the confusion and misattribution of names in popular culture.

Literary Themes

Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein explores profound themes such as creation, responsibility, and the consequences of hubris. These themes are often overshadowed by the visual spectacle of the creature in adaptations, leading readers and viewers to focus more on the monster's name than that of the scientist. The novel delves into complex psychological and moral issues, but the enduring popularity of the monster's name makes it the most memorable aspect for many readers.

Contributing Factors

Several factors have combined to perpetuate the misconception of Frankenstein as the monster's name:

Film Adaptations: Starting with the 1931 classic starring Boris Karloff as the monster, film adaptations have contributed significantly to this confusion. Over time, the term "Frankenstein" has become synonymous with the monster, overshadowing the character Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Popular Media: Television shows, comic books, and video games often use the term "Frankenstein" to refer to the monster, further solidifying this misconception in the public consciousness. Cultural References: The name "Frankenstein" has become a cultural icon, appearing in various contexts such as music, literature, and entertainment. While it often refers to the monster, it occasionally refers to the doctor as well, adding to the confusion.

Readers and viewers may sometimes struggle to remember the original names, leading to a mix of confusion and creativity in referring to the characters. This linguistic blend demonstrates the power of frequently observed cinema and media in shaping our understanding of literary works.

Understanding the origin of the term "Frankenstein" and its correct use is essential for a more nuanced appreciation of the novel. When discussing the work, it's important to clarify that "Frankenstein" is the name of the doctor, while "the Creature" or "the Monster" refers to the being he created. This distinction not only enriches our appreciation of the narrative but also helps to preserve the integrity of the original literary work.