Disability and the Frankenstein Narratives
摘要
Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein, of which there has been numerous theatrical, film, and television adaptations, is generally considered to fall under the generic umbrella of Gothic horror and science fiction. Scholarly writing has thus tended to focus on these elements, although there is increasing consideration of Frankenstein-derived narratives through a disability studies lens. This is not only instigated by the novel’s reference to the Creature as both hideous and deformed but also owes to James Whale’s iconic filmic representation which lent the Creature certain physical anomalies, notably a distinctive cranial abnormality and a stilted gait, which were absent in Shelley’s original. Whale’s interpretation of the Creature has since dominated popular cultural versions and is channeled via theater, music, television, and dance as well as remakes, sequels, and adaptations of the story. While certain post-millennial Frankenstein productions downplay a disability perspective, perhaps in an effort to dissociate villainy and disability following equality and diversity initiatives, nonetheless, the implication remains in academic writing on the subject. This chapter documents key disability perspectives on the various Frankenstein narratives and their resonances in broader popular culture.