A Teenage Girl Gives an Animated Corpse a Makeover in the Film
In the highly anticipated new movie “Lisa Frankenstein,” a teenage girl breathes new life into an animated corpse with a unique makeover, including some time spent in a tanning bed. This modern twist on a 200-year-old story is a testament to the enduring impact of Mary Shelley’s original creation.
Mary Shelley’s Influences from the Scientific Community
Mary Shelley, the author of the iconic 1818 novel “Frankenstein,” was surrounded by some of the world’s leading scientific minds during the period in which she wrote the book. Her father, novelist William Godwin, had connections with renowned scientists such as Erasmus Darwin and Humphry Davy. Their influence on Shelley is evident in her incorporation of Davy’s writings in her novel and references to Darwin in its prefaces.
Furthermore, Shelley’s husband, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, shared her fascination with science. He attended anatomy classes, wrote about hot air balloons, and even experimented with using electricity to treat his sister’s skin condition.
The Birth of “Frankenstein” at Lake Geneva
During a vacation at Lake Geneva in 1816, Mary Shelley and Percy Shelley engaged in discussions with poet Lord Byron about scientific experiments, particularly the concept of galvanism and the possibility of reanimating a corpse. These conversations, coupled with Shelley’s own experiences and dreams, sparked the idea for what would become one of literature’s most enduring classics.
The Mystery of the Spark in Shelley’s Novel
In “Frankenstein,” the moment of creation is described as Frankenstein infusing a “spark of being” into his creature. Mary Shelley intentionally leaves the specifics of this animation process vague, with Frankenstein refusing to divulge the details to the book’s narrator. Scholars have speculated that the “spark” could represent fire or a chemical reaction, but Shelley’s deliberate ambiguity leaves room for interpretation.
The Role of Galvanism in “Frankenstein”
In later editions of “Frankenstein,” Shelley removed references to lightning and instead introduced the concept of galvanism. At the time, galvanism referred to a surgeon’s belief in a unique form of electricity that could animate life. This theory was based on Luigi Galvani’s experiments with frogs and the subsequent debates surrounding animal electricity.
Giovanni Aldini, Galvani’s nephew, conducted gruesome experiments in the early 1800s, using electrical currents to make severed body parts and corpses twitch and move. These experiments garnered significant attention, and some scholars speculate that Shelley’s father might have taken her to witness one of these demonstrations, influencing her portrayal of the ethics and consequences of meddling with nature.
Shelley’s Warning About the Danger of Knowledge
Throughout the novel, Shelley emphasizes the dangers of acquiring knowledge and the potential consequences of trying to control nature. Frankenstein’s cautionary words to the narrator serve as a reminder that one’s ambitions should not surpass the limits of human nature.
The release of “Lisa Frankenstein” showcases the enduring relevance of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, captivating audiences with a fresh take on a timeless tale. By exploring the boundaries of science and the consequences of playing God, Shelley’s work continues to resonate with readers and moviegoers alike.
