The First Adaptations of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

ČOUPKOVÁ, Eva. The First Adaptations of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Hradec Králové Journal of Anglophone Studies. Hradec Králové: University of Hradec Králové, 2018, 2018/5, No 2, p. 46-57. ISSN 2336-3347.

Basic information

• Original name: The First Adaptations of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
• Authors: ČOUPKOVÁ, Eva (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution).
• Edition: Hradec Králové Journal of Anglophone Studies, Hradec Králové, University of Hradec Králové, 2018, 2336-3347.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Article in a journal
• Field of Study: 60200 6.2 Languages and Literature
• Country of publisher: Czech Republic
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• WWW: URL
• RIV identification code: RIV/00216224:14640/18:00106092
• Organization unit: Language Centre
• Keywords in English: Shelley; Frankenstein; adaptations; Gothic servants; comic effects
• Tags: International impact, Reviewed

Abstract

Abstract: This paper discusses the early adaptations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for the nineteenth century stage. Shortly after its publication, Frankenstein inspired a series of dramatizations, starting with R. B. Peake’s melodrama Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein (1823), followed by a number of more or less successful works. As some critics believe, these adaptations shaped the perception and popular conceptions of the work. The adaptors introduced a number of alterations in the plots of the plays, most importantly the minor character of a nervous, cowardly, and talkative laboratory assistant, Fritz, who contributed to the popularity of these adaptations and played multiple roles in the plot development. Apart from providing comic relief following the tradition of Gothic servants, such as Sancho Panza or Leporello, Fritz introduces Frankenstein to the audience and presents necessary background information, thus substituting for the first-person narratives and descriptions of the setting in the novel.