Frankenstein and Critical Disability Studies

One of the main aspects of Frankenstein’s monster’s persona in the movie is his physical attributes. The monster’s horrific appearance, which is made up of many deformed body parts, represents society’s hatred and fear of people who have obvious disabilities. This “monstrous” appearance frequently results in isolation and exclusion in the field of CDS.

Due to his looks and lack of communication abilities, the monster endures intense rejection and isolation throughout the film. This is a reflection of the social exclusion that people with disabilities frequently experience since they are perceived as abnormal by the general public. The monster’s isolation emphasizes how crucial inclusive dialogue and comprehension are when discussing disabilities.

Based on critical disability studies the monster’s actions, which are motivated by his rejection and loneliness, can be interpreted as a response to the violence and terror that people with disabilities frequently encounter. The fear and hostility of the villagers towards the monster in the movie underscores the cultural preference to stigmatize differences and react violently to them, which is a tragic reality for a great number of people with disabilities.

The horror genre has endured in popularity for over a century because it can appeal to our natural curiosity and need to face and understand our fears in a safe and controlled setting. Horror is a therapeutic escape that helps us deal with criticism, examine our fundamental traits, and process worries. Many people associate fear with entertainment because of the thrill, suspense, and emotional connection it provides, as well as the fact that facing fear in an imaginary setting may be educational.

3 thoughts on “Frankenstein and Critical Disability Studies

  1. I feel this perfectly encapsulates critical disability studies as it shows the relatability of the struggles of disabled people compared to Frankenstein. Especially with how society sometimes views disabled people.

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