Frankenstein's Creature: The Origins and Realities of a Literary Icon

In the original novel by Mary Shelley, the iconic creation of Dr. Victor Frankenstein, often referred to as the 'monster,' emerges with a complex and nuanced origin. This article delves into the origins of Frankenstein's creature, addressing a common misconception about the creature's eyes glowing. Let's explore the real story as told by the author, and why this misconception persists.

Understanding the Original Novel

Origins of the Creature: In Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, the protagonist, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, assembles his fiendish creation from various parts of corpses. Initially, the creature is nothing more than a grotesque amalgamation of human and animal remains, lacking any form of life or consciousness. Dr. Frankenstein's plan is to imbue this assemblage with life through the application of powerful electrical currents, specifically lightning.

The Storm and the Thunderbolt

At the climax of the novel, during a violent thunderstorm, Dr. Frankenstein performs his dark ritual. He elevates the creature onto a platform and subjects it to lightning strikes several times. This act is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as the creature transitions from its initial state of lifelessness to a state of apparent life and consciousness. However, it is important to note that after this electrifying event, the creature does not exhibit any supernatural or glowing features.

The Reality of the Creature's Eyes

When the creature opens its eyes, they do not glow, as many popular interpretations suggest. Shelley's novel does not explicitly state that the creature's eyes possess any unusual luminosity. Instead, the creature is described as large, imposing, and horrifying to behold. The lack of glowing eyes in the original text highlights Mary Shelley's focus on the creature's physical and emotional terror rather than any supernatural attribute.

Myth and Reality: The Evolution of the Creature's Image

The misconception regarding the creature's glowing eyes is a testament to the enduring power of narrative fiction. Over the years, adaptations and retellings of Frankenstein have often exaggerated or altered certain details to create a more sensational and visually striking story. Hollywood, in particular, has popularized the notion of the creature's eyes glowing in numerous films, influencing public perceptions of the character's appearance.

Popularizing the Glowing Eyes

Films: A prime example of this phenomenon is the 1931 Universal Pictures film adaptation of Frankenstein. This movie is widely credited with introducing and popularizing the image of the creature's glowing eyes. Other cinematic portrayals, such as the 2018 film Missing Links and countless video games and literature, have followed suit, further cementing this visual interpretation in the public imagination.

While these adaptations have contributed to the cultural zeitgeist, they often diverge from the original text. Shelley's novel, with its emphasis on the creature's colossal form and the profound horror it inspires, is fundamentally different from the glowing-eyed, otherworldly figure that has become synonymous with the character in popular culture.

Conclusion: The True Nature of the Creature

In conclusion, the real Frankenstein's creature, as depicted by Mary Shelley, is a lumbering, imposing figure born from the dark aspirations of its creator. While it is true that the creature is gigantic and terrifying to behold, its eyes do not glow or exhibit any supernatural properties. Instead, the real power of the character lies in its indomitable and repulsive presence, guided by a soul devoid of nurture and understanding. Understanding the origins and nature of the creature helps us appreciate the rich and complex narrative that Mary Shelley crafted, challenging readers to engage with the deeper themes of the story.

For those interested in delving further into the world of Frankenstein, exploring the original novel and examining how it has been reimagined in various adaptations offers a fascinating insight into the lasting impact of one of literature's most iconic figures.