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, The Evolution of Setting in “Frankenstein”: Novel vs. Film
Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein” explores various settings including the Arctic’s
frozen environments next to the vibrant city of Ingolstadt. James Whale’s 1931 film
adaptation reduces the number of locations to just two elements which primarily include the
frightening laboratory with its surrounding countryside. Such adaptation of the text reshapes
how themes about isolation and scientific ambition together with the dangers of declaring
oneself as God are portrayed. The movie maintains the Gothic character of the novel by using
its production elements and camera techniques yet transforms its settings to match early
Hollywood horror cinematic standards. This paper aims to provide an evaluation of how
setting changes between text and film influences what the story communicates to readers
through conceptual comparison of both versions.
The Expansive Settings of Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” employs different settings which significantly impact both
mental trauma and ethical dilemmas that threaten the main characters. The letters Walton
sends from his Arctic journey starts the book by building themes that investigate human
aspirations and human limitation. The story expresses its point through the depiction of an
empty ice-covered landscape that represents both failed scientific progress and the
segregation of people because of crossing boundaries. Walton’s description of the landscape
— “nothing remains but a thick cloud and an eternal sheet of ice” (Shelley 6). When Victor
Frankenstein reaches Ingolstadt, he chooses to conduct his studies within the unidentified
attic room of the university before he makes his creature. He describes his obsessive work in
an attic laboratory, confessing, “The dissecting room and the slaughter-house furnished many
of my materials” (Shelley 32). Within the secluded surroundings, Victor expresses his
Student Number
Institutional Affiliation
Course Name and Code
Course Instructor
Assignment Due Date
, The Evolution of Setting in “Frankenstein”: Novel vs. Film
Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein” explores various settings including the Arctic’s
frozen environments next to the vibrant city of Ingolstadt. James Whale’s 1931 film
adaptation reduces the number of locations to just two elements which primarily include the
frightening laboratory with its surrounding countryside. Such adaptation of the text reshapes
how themes about isolation and scientific ambition together with the dangers of declaring
oneself as God are portrayed. The movie maintains the Gothic character of the novel by using
its production elements and camera techniques yet transforms its settings to match early
Hollywood horror cinematic standards. This paper aims to provide an evaluation of how
setting changes between text and film influences what the story communicates to readers
through conceptual comparison of both versions.
The Expansive Settings of Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” employs different settings which significantly impact both
mental trauma and ethical dilemmas that threaten the main characters. The letters Walton
sends from his Arctic journey starts the book by building themes that investigate human
aspirations and human limitation. The story expresses its point through the depiction of an
empty ice-covered landscape that represents both failed scientific progress and the
segregation of people because of crossing boundaries. Walton’s description of the landscape
— “nothing remains but a thick cloud and an eternal sheet of ice” (Shelley 6). When Victor
Frankenstein reaches Ingolstadt, he chooses to conduct his studies within the unidentified
attic room of the university before he makes his creature. He describes his obsessive work in
an attic laboratory, confessing, “The dissecting room and the slaughter-house furnished many
of my materials” (Shelley 32). Within the secluded surroundings, Victor expresses his
