The 1931 film Frankenstein by James Whale is one of the most popular horror films with one of the most well-known villains ever, Frankensteins monster. Other than it being a widely successful movie and story, there are many instances where Marxist theory is seen.
The film Frankenstein shows the discrimination between social classes. Frankenstein was born into a wealthy and privileged family and was able to create his monster. The monster ends up abandoned and left to navigate the new world alone. Everyone’s perception of the creature is that he’s a monster and people are scared of him. The people’s perception of Frankenstein is much nicer even though Frankenstein himself has done immoral some would say evil things, like stealing bodies from graves. But since hes rich and privileged these things go unnoticed.
This can be seen as a prime example of Marxist theory which discusses the fact that many wealthy people will discriminate and abuse the lower class with no drawback happening, however when there is a fight by the lower classes then it’s viewed as horrific. Frankenstein the wealthy doctor is the upper class and does things like attacking the monster with fire which it is scared of. We see Frankenstein’s creature can resemble the lower class who are often taken advantage of by the high class. Frankenstein’s sole intent in creating the creature is to demonstrate his sanity and ability to resurrect life. He shows no concern for the creature or its well-being. When the monster retaliates against Frankenstein, it is perceived as a threat that must be eliminated. This parallels the portrayal of working-class strikes, which the wealthy view as dangerous, branding the lower class as aggressive. In truth, it reflects the working class’s resistance against oppression.
I think that the horror genre has endured for a long time because it provides people with an adrenaline rush during viewing. People experience anxiety and fear while watching horror. Also, many horror films explore unknown realms, igniting curiosity and adding to the overall fascination. Horror movies are made to deliver excitement and fear in a secure setting. This partially accounts for the enduring popularity of horror films throughout history.
This was an interesting way to analyze Frakenstein. I never even considered the idea that Victor himself acts immorally to create the monster and that all goes under the rug because of his social status.
I loved how you connected Frankenstein to the marxist theory.
I agree with the rich and the privileged things they receive. I did not think about that while watching Frankenstein, how they didn’t really blame Frankenstein just because he was very higher upper in social class.
The writing and argument is well put together. I like the way you organized your claims and reasoning to tie with each other.