Everything you need to know to read 'Frankenstein' - Iseult Gillespie

In 1815, Lord Byron proposed a challenge to a few literary guests he had gathered in his house on Lake Geneva: Who could write the most chilling ghost story? This question sparked an idea in eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley who, over the next few months, crafted the story of “Frankenstein.” Iseult Gillespie shares everything you need to know to read Mary Shelley’s classic novel.

Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, animation by Silvia Prietov.

[Entropic_Alloy]

I don't understand why people are so adamant about how Victor's flaw is his "playing god". Reading the text shows how Victor's inability to take responsibility for his creation and subsequent shunning of the monster that he made was more of a downfall than the act of creation itself. The monster was highly intelligent and yearned for affection, but was consequently spurned from it by even his own creator. To me Frankenstein isn't a statement about being wary of science, but a cautionary tale of taking responsibility for your actions when searching for the sublime.

[schizoidboy]

I always liked how in the book the monster is highly intelligent, he is practically self taught by watching those around him in secret.

[handsometonyng]

Shelley finished one of the greatest novels of human history when she was 18. when I was 18, oh well, let's not talk about it

[sophiatalksmusic]

*whispers*
Victor isn't a doctor; just a college dropout

[MiguelEscobar]

The book actually never directly states that Victor uses electricity to bring his monster to life. This misconception was created in movies since the book never explains how Victor brought his monster to life.

[primavera]

Soooo, we're trapped in a house without Wi-Fi. Let's kill time by writing literary masterpieces :)

[maddie]

1. The green, groaning monster was never in the book at all. That was a Hollywood creation from one of the least faithful adaptations in cinematic history. The real monster was eloquent and sophisticated, frequently quoting great works of literature -- although the argument could be made that Frankenstein was the real monster, and his creation was the victim -- a nuance Hollywood completely excised.

2. There is no reference to using electricity to animate the creation in the novel. That's also a Hollywood creation.

[TheTexas]

Everything you need to know to read Frankenstein.

-How to read

[Muggins]

Dr Frankenstein is the original deadbeat dad...

[angelicrose]

Actually the book is truly an amazing work of art, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[ThomasRedfield]

Mary Shelley was one of the greatest writers, who ever lived. Her story Frankenstein has many layers and can also be read as a story that reveals the faulty dynamics between the majority and minority of society, how creating life from dead matter (raising generations of children to live up to our expectations in our ideals), denying them love and our responsibility will force them to either rebel and engage in destruction or to fall regardless. Her criticism of the men, who gain power but lack the wisdom and the heart to handle it - is timeless. Yet what makes it so great, is that both creator and creature can be pitied, for their struggle with each other is a struggle we all know too well. Mary's father: William Godwin (an atheist, he and the work of his wife both affected Frankenstein greatly) thought that there is no evil, just people who want to do good but do not know better. Anyone, who thinks that this is just some Hollywood horror story is so very wrong!

[sadlobster]

Victor's endeavors raise a rather valid question.

Why are some humans so TERRIFIED by the idea of death? In some cultures, people believe DEATH isn't the greatest thing we should fear.

Instead, we should fear the idea of never truly "living"

[VicFig]

Dr. Frankenstein is the real monster. The "monster" just wanted acceptance and love.

[kennethb]

Knowledge is knowing Frankenstein is doctor
Wisdom is knowing Frankenstein is a monster

[f.l.m.d.a]

It is said, that Prometheus formed man from the Ashes of both the Titans and Zegreus, which I think is the myth what Shelly was referring to, not to the fire story. The analogy makes a lot more sense, if you consider this part of the story. @TED-Ed

[margretperth]

Please make more videos regarding literature please :)

[ghostiegoober]

You also could mention that in the novel Frankenstein’s monster was “drop dead” gorgeous in the novel, save for a few stitches, in equal body parts and the eyes, the eyes were one of the main reasons victor called the experiment a failure.

The monster is also rather intelligent, and learned quickly.

[alonespirit_Q]

Reading "Frankenstein" breaks me, how miserable could one man become from his own past actions, it's haunting enough to think about the person you love the dearest, adore the most would be killed by your own creation leaves you nothing to hope for and yet he's willing to live to see the day of judgement. The sparks of light that shines through the sheer oblivion is bright enough to move forward and sometimes it's so hard to find, even just a little glimpse of it.

Excellent video as always Ted-ed, Thank You.

*Sigh*

[Forever_Rayne]

I read it when I was in high school and it's one of my favorite novels. I remember thinking the story was pretty tragic, because the "monster" isn't the creation, but the creator himself. He drove him to become vengeful and it's sad.

[CiliophoraEuplotes]

I don't remember the book ever mentioning electricity as the means to give life to the creature. At least in the edition I've read the method of giving life was mysteriously left out.
On the other hand I'm aware that electricity was a big awe in Victorian times, especially with the experiments where an electric discharge would contract the muscles of a corpse.