Misconceptions About Frankenstein: Clarifying the Creator and the Creature

Have you ever heard people mistake Dr. Victor Frankenstein for his creation, the Creature? If so, you’re not alone. This confusion is a common misunderstanding that often arises from the popular cultural portrayal and simplification of one of literature’s most iconic tales. Let's delve into why this misconception exists and how it affects the understanding of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Cultural Impact

The confusion between Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his creation often stems from the pervasive cultural representation of the Creature. In popular culture, the Creature has become so iconic that it often overshadows the original novel. Many adaptations, especially early films, have depicted the Creature in a way that emphasizes its monstrous qualities, overshadowing the intricate character and narrative of the Doctor. This significant shift in focus has led to the widespread belief that the Creature is the central character in the story.

Simplification

In casual conversation, people often simplify complex ideas. The name of the Creature, often referred to as "the fiend" in the original text, has become so ingrained and fearsome that it has eclipsed the name of the creator, Dr. Frankenstein. This is also evident in language mistakes, such as the common misspelling of "Berenstein Bears" as "Berenstain Bears." Similarly, the frequent use of terms in popular culture can lead to misinterpretations, such as confounding "Frankenstein" with a monster's name instead of a doctor's name.

Media Portrayals

Many film and television adaptations, even early ones, have contributed to this confusion. For example, in the 1931 film adaptation of Frankenstein, the Creature is front and center, with the doctor serving as more of a background figure. This visual emphasis on the Creature has led to a skewed perception of the narrative. Additionally, the frequent use of the word "Frankenstein" to describe the Creature reinforces this misconception, as it can easily be mistaken as the name of the monster itself.

Character Dynamics

The relationship between creator and creation is a central theme in Mary Shelley's novel. Since the Creature is a direct result of Dr. Frankenstein's actions, people often conflate the two, as they represent the same narrative. This dynamic is further complicated by the fact that the Creature is often given simpler and more terrifying monikers, like "the fiend" or "the monster," rather than a more nuanced and accurate name such as "the Creature."

Language and Usage

Over time, language evolves, and terms can become interchangeable in popular usage. For instance, "Berenstain Bears" that became the widely accepted spelling in literature, even though the correct spelling is "Berenstein." Similarly, "Frankenstein" and "Frankensteins" are often used interchangeably, further muddying the distinction between the doctor and the monster. This linguistic evolution can lead to confusion, as "Frankenstein" is more of a hook or a marketing tool than an accurate descriptive term for the events and characters in Mary Shelley's novel.

In summary, the mix-up between Dr. Frankenstein and the Creature is a combination of cultural representation, simplification in language, and the overshadowing of the original character by the Creature in popular narratives. This misunderstanding highlights the importance of being aware of the original work and the ways in which adaptations can alter our perception of the original narrative.