Lecture Notes #1 - "Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror"

12/12/2025

Click the image below to listen to the NYPL podcast, "Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror."
In this Primary Blog Post, please copy/paste the notes from your favorite chapter ONLY of the New York Public Library's podcast, Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror. You may want to "flesh them out" (pun entirely intended) first, as your classmates will be reading and commenting on them.

Primary Blog Expectations (respond to the prompt above): 200-250 words, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name you were assigned in class as your nom de plume and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59pm Sunday Night!

Secondary Blog Response Expectations (read everyone's primary responses, select two that interest you, and respond to their ideas): 100-150 words EACH, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name you were assigned in class as your nom de plume and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59pm Monday Night!

55 Comments

Elisabeth Wollman

12/12/2025 03:53:22 pm

Though written over two centuries ago, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is still one of the most culturally relevant novels to date, as many of its central themes and conflicts are ever-present in the current American climate. Not only does it address relevant themes of technology and progress, but Shelley’s story also discusses equally prevalent ideas of discrimination and oppression. The latter was the primary concern for the New York Public Library’s podcast, “Library Talks,” in their discussion of the novel’s fourth chapter and its parallels to systemic racism in modern society.

In the episode, Professor at Mount Holyoke College Elizabeth Young highlights the novel’s sympathy for individuals deemed as “monsters” by society, connecting it to how Black Americans are treated similarly. Racism, throughout history, has functioned through the belief that certain groups are superior to others in nearly all aspects—physically, spiritually, intellectually, and more. These flawed beliefs have allowed for the creation of corrupt systems and the horrific acts of injustice that follow. In Frankenstein, we see the direct consequences of this corruption on an individual through the discrimination the creature faces and his subsequent isolation from society.

In her connection of this idea to the modern day, Young references the murder of Michael Brown Jr., an 18-year-old Black man killed by white police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. She quotes Wilson’s description of Brown—“it looked like a demon”—a horrifyingly similar statement to Victor's descriptions of his creature as a “daemon,” a term from ancient Greek beliefs to describe unnatural, monstrous entities. This language further emphasizes the idea of racial superiority as it is utilized against both Black individuals and in the novel against the creature. Frankenstein critiques this, demonstrating through Victor’s and society’s treatment of the creature that the true monster is society itself. While white people often weaponize flawed rhetoric and harmful stereotypes against Black communities, they fail to realize that the reason these systems exist is because they built them. Like Victor, they misunderstand the fact that the true monster is not the one they “created,” but rather themselves.

Word Count: 344

Jiang Hui

12/15/2025 05:53:16 pm

Your interpretation is extremely insightful to the world we live in today. We see both in the novel and in the media the way society tries to create its own “monsters.” These monsters are, however, falsely justified excuses for the spreading of hateful and harmful rhetoric. Historically and now, there have constantly been systems in our society which isolate targeted groups and create discrimination. The creature’s resentment of humankind was a result of isolation and fear because of his alarming appearance. Despite his non-violent intentions, the creature was driven away due to society’s understanding of what is “different–” different in this case being bad.

(Word Count: 104)

Marie Curie

12/13/2025 09:28:29 pm

Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of New York Public Library's podcast Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror, titled "Confronting Our Monsters," examines how Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has been used as a metaphor to understand racism, violence, and responsibility in American history. Rather than focusing on the monster as a symbol of evil, this chapter reframes monstrosity as something created by society itself.

Professor Elizabeth Young explains that the Frankenstein monster has often been used to make people feel sympathy for those society called "monsters." Instead of showing the monster as purely evil, these stories encourage andiences to ask why the monster is being chased, feared or punished, and also who is actually responsible for what the monster becomes. In general, she argues that the focus shifts away from the creature and toward the people who created or prosecuted it.

In the 1930s film Bride of Frankenstein, the creature is not portrayed as a villain. He is shown as confused, lonely, and vulnerable. The film repeatedly depicts him running from an angry crown carrying torches, which resembles a lynch mob. Even though, the film never mentions race outright, this imagery would have been familiar to audiences at the time. In the 1930s, America saw an increase in the lynchings of Black men, along with growing protests against this violence. The imagery of a mob hunting, capturing, and killing someone without justice strongly mirrors those real-life events.

Young's argument is that, popular culture doesn't have to explicitly mention race to reflect racial violence. Films often express society's fears and tensions indirectly. In this case, the monster can be seen as someone representing people who are dehumanized and targeted by society, especially Black people, while the mob represents a violent social system that justifies its actions through fear.

The monster becomes a symbol for all people labeled as 'dangerous' by society. It forces the audience to see him as a victim rather than a villain. Instead of blaming the monster for all the chaos, we instead ask: 'Who created this fear? Who made the conditions that led to this violence?' This is very powerful because it shows that pop culture can expose social injustice. Even a horror film, can reveal how systemic racism works: by creating fear of a marginalized group, society justifies racism against them.

Marie Curie

12/15/2025 09:44:30 am

*Word Count: 385

Mayumi Kimura

12/14/2025 05:10:57 pm

The novel Frankenstein was written in 1818 by Mary Shelley, and since then it has become a classic. The New York Public Library’s podcast, Our Dark Mirror, brings together insights from several novelists and scholars who study the Frankenstein story as a metaphor in American history and popular culture. My favorite chapter from this podcast was Chapter Three, titled “Monsters Always Come Back.” This chapter highlights the idea that monsters like Frankenstein keep returning because they represent real human fears, especially fears about science without ethics. It explains that Frankenstein is not just a horror story, but a story about responsibility between creators and their creations. The podcast also suggests that monsters are powerful because they are made of fear, not flesh, so defeating them on screen allows people to feel temporarily safe, even though the monsters return again and again. One quote that especially stood out to me was, “Monsters come back, and the reason why they come back is because they are not made of flesh and bone that can be destroyed. They are made of fear.” I found it particularly interesting how the podcast connects this idea to the notion that monsters act as dark mirrors of ourselves. By viewing them this way, we can reflect on our own fears and possibly confront the monstrous qualities within ourselves.

Word Count: 221

Elisabeth Wollman

12/15/2025 09:27:04 am

I like the quote you chose, as I feel it is very pertinent to what's going on with the world today. With the rapid rise of technology and artificial intelligence, society has the choice to embrace it or proceed with caution; observing the political, economic, and educational policies enacted recently, it is clear that we have chosen the former. I think part of society's (America in particular) avidity towards developing more advanced artificial intelligence has to do with the idea of fear that you discussed; our leaders fear getting behind internationally and economically (especially as this pertains to personal financial gain), which may be why there is such a strong push towards technological progress. At the same time, those who are opposing these advancements are motivated by fear as well. Fear may not be the only reason for these actions, but it truly is a strong influence.

Marie Durocher

12/15/2025 06:58:18 pm

I really liked the way you mentioned that monsters come back because they are made of fear. I think this ties back to us as humans, and is naturally designed to fear the unknown, simply because it is foreign, something new to us. It made me think about how stories like Frankenstein show us our own fears and flaws. By seeing the creature as a reflection of the fears we face as humans, we can better understand the consequences of our actions and the parts of ourselves we might not want to face or acknowledge. This also makes me think about how fear can continue across generations in the form of fear of others, fear of change, or even fear of confronting uncomfortable truths about ourselves. Shelley reminds us that these fears are powerful and may be hard to face, but recognizing them can help us make better choices and grow as individuals.

- Word Count: 153

RUPA BAI FURDOONJI

12/15/2025 08:13:40 pm

I agree with your interpretation, especially on how it connects Mary Shelley’s personal experiences with loss to the emotional depth of Frankenstein. Shelley endured repeated tragedies at a young age, including the deaths of loved ones, which shaped her understanding of grief, responsibility, and human suffering. As discussed in Chapter 3, these experiences help explain Victor Frankenstein’s fear of his own creation, which represents his fear of accountability and the consequences of his actions.

The hosts’ argument that monsters function as mirrors rather than purely evil beings is convincing.The creature reflects Victor’s inner darkness, including his guilt, fear, and refusal to accept responsibility for creating life. By abandoning the creature, Victor believes he can escape his trauma, but the podcast shows that avoidance only deepens fear. As Victor continues to reject the creature, tragedy unfolds, reinforcing the idea that unresolved fear leads to destruction.

Marie Curie

12/21/2025 12:02:38 am

Yes, I agree, the reason why Frankenstein became popularised is because people realised that the monsters in these stories represent real human fears. In Frankenstein, the shifts the blame from the monster and toward the creator. This perspective makes the story feel more relevant, especially in a world where scientific advancements move faster than ethical considerations.

The quote about monsters being made of fear rather than flesh highlights why they cannot truly be destroyed. Fear exists internally, meaning it resurfaces whenever similar anxieties appear. I also find the idea of monsters as dark mirrors powerful, because it suggests that what we label as monstrous often reflects our own flaws and fears.

Words: 111

Rina Monti

1/13/2026 02:20:07 pm

I absolutely love the quote you have chosen to back up your evidence. I have reasonably seemed the way that this quote relates to Frankenstein and especially the creature himself. The creature is lonely and only wants to be understood after Victor abandoned him, and though people fear him just because of what he looks like, the creature is actually fear itself, as he has fear of rejection because of how long he has been alone for, as to which why the creature keeps coming back and searching for some type of acceptance although he is scared of society because of how society treats him. He wants to be seen, not to be feared, as he fears and feels himself.

Clémence Royer

1/14/2026 11:46:50 pm

I enjoyed how you broke down the message of Chapter Three and explained why monsters continue to reappear. Viewing the creature as an embodiment of psychological fear helps explain why Frankenstein still resonates today. It transforms the novel from a simple ghost story into a lasting warning about the dangers of prioritizing discovery over empathy and human connection. I also appreciated how you emphasized the responsibility of the creator rather than focusing on the monster’s appearance, which highlights the moral center of the story. Your idea of the monster as a “dark mirror” is especially compelling, since it encourages readers to reflect on their own ethical choices. Overall, your response clearly connects Shelley’s nineteenth-century concerns to modern fears, showing why the monster remains a powerful symbol of unchecked ambition.

Word count:118

Mary Calkins Whilton

1/16/2026 01:30:34 am

I really enjoyed your focus on Chapter Three and the idea that monsters “come back” because they are made of fear rather than flesh. I like how you connected this to the ethical responsibilities of creators, showing that the real danger is often human ambition without consideration for consequences. Your point about monsters acting as dark mirrors of ourselves really resonated with me—it emphasizes that Frankenstein isn’t just a Gothic story but a reflection on human nature and moral accountability. I also appreciated your mention of how defeating monsters temporarily gives a sense of safety, highlighting the ongoing cycle of fear in society. Your response made me think about how fear itself is a living force in culture, shaping stories, morality, and social anxieties. It’s fascinating to consider that Shelley’s novel continues to resonate because the “monsters” are ultimately reflections of our own flaws.

Word count: 140

Marie-Sophie Germain

1/17/2026 03:37:20 pm

I really liked your points about chapter three and how monsters reflect our fears rather than just being physical threats. I agree that chemers idea of monsters as "dark mirror" is fascinating because it shows that the story of Frankenstein isn't just about horror. its about human responsibility and self awareness. I also found it interesting how you connected the idea that monsters keep coming back to the ongoing relevance of the story, especially in performance culture. it makes me think about how modern adaptions like the avengers: age of ultron or Jurassic Park, keep the same core anxieties alive, showing that humans still struggle with control, creation, and unintended consequences. Your post made me realize that the fear in Frankenstein isn't just external but internal too and Shelley's story forces us to examine what we might be capable of if we ignore ethics or empathy all for power.

Marie-Sophie Germain

1/18/2026 03:18:37 pm

WC: 149

Huang Lu

12/14/2025 07:50:01 pm

In the New York Public Library's podcast, Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror, we explore different concepts of metaphor in Frankenstein from American history and pop culture. Mary Shelley embedded themes of maltreatment and oppression into the monstrous characters; the creature is feared for his appearance, yet his looks belie his heart and kindness. Chapter Three: Monsters Always Come Back enhances the idea of oppression through the perspectives of fear responses and human empathy, showing that fear responses toward Frankenstein stem from projecting people we hate onto monsters, or from a dark mirror of ourselves

Frankenstein's continual return conveys the importance of the connection between creator and creation. Scientific overreach exposes the threats of monsters that are rooted in human empathy and cultural anxieties. In pop culture, killing monsters results in pleasure and relief. However, monsters are ultimately made out of fear, the “people we hate” and “our worst versions of ourselves. In the quote, “They are made of fear. Our fear. They're made of our fear. So as long as I'm afraid of the advance of technology without morals, Frankenstein is going to come back and be relevant to me,” reveals the return of a monster deriving Victor’s fear of responsibility and lack of ethics.

Elisabeth Wollman

12/15/2025 09:38:02 am

Initially, one may think that because Frankenstein was written so long ago that it is not applicable to modern struggles and society, but this is the furthest thing from the truth. I think this sentiment rings especially true for the concept of fear being a motivator for our actions, both the good and bad. How many times have you decided to do something, or not do it, because you were afraid? How often do we let fear hold us back? How do we let it propel us forward? There is a very fine line between progress and destruction, for both ourselves and humanity, and I think Shelley addresses this theme really well through the story of Frankenstein and the creature. Despite being written over two centuries ago, her story and its themes remain strikingly relevant today.

Jiang Hui

12/15/2025 05:23:15 pm

The quote you chose interests me, “[T]hey are made of fear. Our fear… Frankenstein is going to come back and be relevant to me.” Not only is this quote relevant in the present day, despite Shelley’s novel being written so long ago, it also extends to Victor, as you mentioned. The fears and anxieties which come back to haunt us ARE our monsters and they will only come back to haunt us for as long as we refuse to confront them. We see this in Victor’s interactions with the creature and his inability to atone for his actions. He continuously avoids his responsibilities and the creature only comes back to torment him.

(Word Count: 113)

Mélanie Hahnemann

12/17/2025 04:32:36 pm

I really loved how this response connects the idea of monsters to fear and projection rather than physical appearance. The explanation that monsters are created from the people we hate, and the worst versions of ourselves deepens the idea that Frankenstein is less about horror and more about human psychology. The conversation of pop culture was very effective, as it highlights how society takes pleasure on destroying monsters without sitting down to think for a second on how they came to be in the first place. I also found the quote about fear and technology without morals to be powerful, because it explains why Frankenstein continues to remain relevant. As long as society continues to fear progress without responsibility, the monster will most likely keep returning as a reminder of our own failures as a society.

Mary Chilton Noyes

1/13/2026 05:48:35 pm

I really like how you connect the idea of monsters "always coming back" to fear and responsibility rather than just physical danger. Your use of the quote about monsters being made of our fear was especially effective because it clearly shows why Frankenstein stays relevant across time and culture. I also appreciate how you tie Victors lack of ethics to modern anxieties about technology, which makes the podcats's argument feel current and meaningful. Your response made me think more deeply about how the monster isn't just a threat, but a reflection of human failure and avoidance of responsibility. Overall, this was a thoughtful and engaging interpretation of the podcasts message.

RUPA BAI FURDOONJI

12/14/2025 08:32:39 pm

In Chapter 5 of the New York Public Library podcast Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror, the discussion focuses on how the monster’s violent actions are rooted in rejection and a desire for revenge rather than being inherently evil. The podcast explains that the creature’s suffering begins with abandonment, which turns loneliness into anger. By portraying the monster this way, the podcast emphasizes that monsters often mirror human cruelty and moral failure instead of existing as purely evil beings.

Mary Shelley’s personal tragedies influenced this perspective. Having experienced the deaths of loved ones and the challenges of motherhood, Shelley understood loss, grief, and emotional responsibility. Chapter 5 suggests that these experiences shaped her writing, allowing her to depict the creature as a complex being whose desire for revenge grows from emotional neglect and repeated rejection rather than malice.

Victor Frankenstein’s repeated failure to accept the creature mirrors a broken parent-child relationship. Instead of confronting his fears and responsibilities, Victor abandons the creature, believing avoidance will solve the problem. The podcast emphasizes that this neglect escalates the creature’s suffering, eventually transforming grief into vengeance. Revenge, then, is not a sudden impulse but a natural consequence of being denied compassion, care, and acknowledgment.

Ultimately, Chapter 5 presents Frankenstein as more than a gothic horror story. The podcast argues that the monster acts as a mirror to Victor’s failures, revealing how neglect and emotional abandonment can transform pain into destructive action. The creature’s revenge highlights the consequences of refusing responsibility and the deep connection between fear, trauma, and moral accountability.

RUPA BAI FURDOONJI

12/14/2025 08:34:24 pm

**** Word Count : 255***

Huang Lu

12/15/2025 09:45:03 am

I find your reasoning to be very insightful, and this statement stands out to me: “the creature’s revenge highlights the consequences of refusing responsibility and the deep connection between fear, trauma, and moral accountability.” Before reading Frankenstein, I developed the perception that monstrous characters were purely evil and absolute forms of wickedness. However, I learned that some "villains" are just misunderstood. The creature seeks revenge not out of the infliction of harm, but to gain the connection with Victor he never had when growing up. Victor lacks empathy, gravitating towards avoidance to neglect his scientific overreach. The creature doesn’t seek vengeance to make Victor suffer, but to fill the space of his broken parent-child relationship. It is the return of a monster that drives Victor’s fear of responsibility and lack of ethics.

Matilda Montana

12/15/2025 09:15:50 pm

I totally agree! , Before reading Frankenstein, I thought this creature monstrous characters were purely evil and absolute forms of wickedness. However, I learned that some "people" are just misunderstood. The creature seeks revenge not out of pain for himself wanting to be loved from Victor who lacks empathy, gravitating towards leaving and neglect to his scientific discovery. The creature doesn’t seek vengeance to make Victor suffer, but to fill the space of his broken parent-child relationship from his parents. It is the return of a monster that drives Victor’s fear of responsibility.

Word Count: 104

Mélanie Hahnemann

12/17/2025 04:42:42 pm

I liked how your response explores how the creature's violence is shaped by abandonment rather than inherent evil. I found the connection to Mary Shelley's personal experiences very compelling, as it helps explain why the creature is written with emotional depth. The comparison between Victor and a neglectful parent was also effective in building the idea that responsibility cannot be avoided without consequences. By framing revenge as the result of emotional neglect, this post challenges the reader to reconsider who is truly at fault. Rather than viewing the creature as a villain, this response shows Victor's repeated refusal to acknowledge or care for his creature, building a path towards suffering and anger for the creature. This interpretation overall strengthens the argument that Frankenstein is ultimately a story about moral accountability.

Emily Warren Roebling

1/8/2026 08:40:36 am

Chapter 5 wasn't really my favorite chapter but I like this take on it. I totally agree that vengeance isn’t the immediate instinct of a living being but a reaction to its environment. It's a reaction to abandonment, pain, and carelessness. It really makes you think as to how people transform due to the people and environment around them. I give you a second to think about how we see “bad people” and how much responsibility we have as a person to be kind to those around us. It also reminds us of the responsibility parents have on children and how much they should take care of their young and the next generation.

Caroline Barbey-Boisser

12/14/2025 09:26:30 pm

Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror provides examples of how Mary Shelley's creation of Frankenstein is meant to be represented as a metaphor within its history and culture. It's the contrast of a monstrous villain, by using this contrast it implies how society tends to be cruel or misunderstanding what appears to be "different" from them.
In the podcast it refers that Frankenstein is seen as a monster or creature because of his overall appearance. There is a connection made to humans, as they are the reason why these "monsters" are created because "they are made of the fear" coming from humans portray regardless if they have good intentions. It gives us an opportunity to take a look at different lenses we might not even consider.

Mayumi Kimura

12/15/2025 11:12:19 pm

I agree, I found this chapter super intriguing and I loved the specification of how monsters are made from our fears. However, I hadn’t looked really thought about how that changes our perception. I like how you phrased it as “ regardless if they have good intentions” because it shows the reason behind why Mary Shelley chose to use such a lenses, utilizing the fears of her readers.

Marie Curie

12/21/2025 12:11:26 am

Yes, I agree!! Usually when people see something that they are not used to seeing, they label it as 'unusual'. In Frankenstein, this idea was used here because people painted Frankenstein as this monstrous being because he did not look 'normal'.
I also appreciate how the podcast encourages listeners to view the story through multiple lenses. It pushes us to question how often we contribute to fear-based narratives in real life, especially those who exist outside of social norms. In this way, Frankenstein becomes less of a fictional character and more about humanity's morals towards those it sees as 'not normal'.

Mary Chilton Noyes

1/13/2026 06:00:44 pm

Your response does a great job emphasizing how society's fear of difference plays a major role in creating "monsters." I like how you focus on the idea that humans are responsible for these creatures, especially through fear and misunderstanding rather than actual evil. The way you frame the monster as misunderstood instead of purely villainous connects really well to both the podcast and Shelley's novel. I also appreciate how you mention viewing the story through different lenses, since that reflects the podcast's goal of encouraging empathy and self-reflection. This response shows strong insight and a clear understanding of the podcast's themes.

Jiang Hui

12/14/2025 10:29:23 pm

Chapter Three, “Monsters Always Come Back,” of The New York Public Library podcast, Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror, discusses monsters as a reflection of our own fears and anxieties. I find this chapter particularly interesting for its parallels between Jeffrey Jerome Cohen’s Monster Theory. Mary Shelley’s creation of Victor’s story and his creation is a reflection of the general fears and anxieties of Shelley’s time– or, her own fears and anxieties. Although the chapter discusses changes of the novel across film variations, there is one general theme relating to Shelley’s novel and that is the theme of abandonment and an overall lack of control. Victor has no control over his creation. His abandonment of the creature leads to the creature’s resentment of both his creator and mankind. Is the fear of abandonment what motivated Shelley to create the creature or was it intentionally crafted to be a manifestation of Victor’s personal fears?

As the podcast mentioned, monsters always come back, fears are a constant. The “monster” of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the fear it represents is present in our current society and in the film variations of Shelley’s story. Monsters are a reflection of our fears and anxiety, and such aren’t easily escapable. Victor is unable to escape the guilt he feels after creating the creature. His mistakes are inescapable.

(Word Count: 219)

Marie Durocher

12/15/2025 06:43:35 pm

I agree with your points, and I think the connection to Jeffrey Jerome Cohen's Monster Theory is very interesting. The theme of abandonment shows the creature's anger and Victor's failure to take responsibility. I also like your question about whether the creature reflects Shelley's fears of Victor's, it seems like it could be both. I feel like the creature represents both personal and societal fears, like that of the unknown. In addition, the idea that "monsters always come back" that you mentioned is very powerful. It shows that fear and guilt do not just disappear. Victor cannot escape the consequences of abandoning the creature, and the creature becomes a symbol of the harm caused by neglect and fear. This is a powerful theme, which may be why the story is so relevant today.

- Word Count: 133

RUPA BAI FURDOONJI

12/15/2025 08:22:08 pm

I agree with your analysis of Chapter Three. You make a strong point about how fear is connected to trauma and unresolved experiences, and I like how you explain that the monster reflects both Victor’s guilt and broader human anxieties. I also think it’s insightful how you highlight the theme of abandonment and Victor’s lack of control, showing how his actions lead to the creature’s resentment. Your connection between the podcast and Shelley’s story really emphasizes how Frankenstein explores human responsibility and the consequences of ignoring fear, which makes the story relevant not just in its own time, but in modern society and adaptations as well.

Mayumi Kimura

12/15/2025 11:05:33 pm

Yes, I agree. I also talked about the same idea. I felt like it was really interesting how Mary Shelley created Frankenstein to masterfully portrays monsters as societal fears and anxieties. I also feel like her monsters delve into the psychological realm, representing our deepest anxieties and fears. They aren't mere creatures, but rather manifestations of our inner turmoil, suggesting these fears are an inescapable part of the human condition. Or as you stated it “how monsters are a reflection of our own fears and anxiety and as you phrased it aren’t easily escapable”.

Emily Warren Roebling

1/8/2026 09:16:08 am

This was my favorite chapter as well. I really like the idea that monsters can be as simple as an idea or a fear. It gives the idea of “monsters” more creativity and freedom. I didn't really think about the main theme either and I like the idea of that being abandonment and control. It seems like the book really tried to push that especially with the relationship between Victor and the creature. I also like your idea of the creature representing societal issues and fears of people. I think this extends out to modern day and to the future, its message is very relatable to all kinds of people throughout the world and throughout time.

Clémence Royer

1/15/2026 12:02:00 am

Your use of Cohen’s Monster Theory offers a compelling framework for understanding the Creature as a symbol of societal and personal anxiety. I also like how your focus on abandonment shows that the real horror is not the monster itself, but Victor’s refusal to take responsibility for what he creates. Your question about whether the Creature represents Shelley’s grief or Victor’s ego adds important depth and invites readers to think beyond a single interpretation. The idea that the monster endures because the fear behind it never disappears is especially effective. It reinforces why Frankenstein continues to matter as a story about accountability and human responsibility.

Word Count:105

Marie Durocher

12/15/2025 06:23:36 pm

Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror is a New York Public Library podcast that looks at Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein and explains why the novel is still important today. Each episode examines different themes in the book and connects them to modern society and human behavior. Episode 256 examines why the story of the creature is still relevant today. It looks at how the story of the creature reflects how society reacts to anger, rage, and marginalized voices, showing that the book Frankenstein isn’t just a “horror” story but instead something that can help us learn more about social injustice.

One of the points I found the most interesting was how the podcast explained that in pop culture adaptations like movies, the “creature” is often shown as “evil” or “scary”, while in Shelley’s novel, we get more insight into the creature. We see beyond that label of frightening, and begin to realize that the creature only wants revenge because he has been abandoned and rejected. As the guest explains on the podcast, “again and again, I felt like the creature is not wrong, Victor is wrong. This is the result of everything that Victor has put in place.” The podcast argues that the creature’s violence is a logical response to neglect, rather than something inherently evil. Shelley shows the readers that the creature is capable of human-like things such as creating thoughts, feeling emotion, and suffering, which makes his anger understandable, and even evokes a feeling of sympathy among her readers.

The episode also connects this idea to broader issues we deal with as a society today. The speaker, who is a Black male writer, compares the creature’s rage to how people often respond to Black anger, “There’s room for the idea of talking about injustice, but we should never talk about the idea that people snap…” The speaker of the podcast emphasizes that similar to how society misunderstands the creature’s anger, it often misreads the anger of marginalized communities, like Black people, completely ignoring the history of protest and struggle they have often gone through. The speaker also highlights how figures like Martin Luther King Jr. are remembered for peaceful protest, while the anger and frustration that motivated calls for change are often ignored or erased.

- Word Count: 375

Matilda Montana

12/15/2025 09:07:17 pm

I agree with the statement the podcast makes about the novel Frankenstein as it is not just a horror novel but a representation of how the society addresses and expressing their wrath or disapproval. The episode made me realize that the monster in the novel is not something evil but is a reaction to the rejection he experiences. The author makes the monster’s wrath understandable when he illustrates that the monster is capable of reasoning and suffering. This is how the author leans on the statement that Victor is the cause of all the violence in the novel as he cannot accept the blame for his creation.

I also appreciated the link to current society. “Monstrous Histories” uses the anger of both the creature and black people to demonstrate that society ignores the past injustices that lead to said anger. “Monstrous Histories” illustrates how relevant “Frankenstein” continues to be today, this being that it challenges listeners to consider more than its face value before passing judgment.

Word Count: 165

Huang Lu

12/15/2025 09:25:22 pm

“Again and again, I felt like the creature is not wrong, Victor is wrong. This is the result of everything that Victor has put in place,” emphasizes how pop culture set a standard that all monsters are evil and immoral, onto human beings. However, the creature opposes this standard. The creature is despised for his appearance, yet he craves love and aid for others. Victor paints him as the antagonist due to his fears reflected upon the creature, his fear being the accountability and consequences resulting from his scientific overreach. Victor is non-confrontational to the creature because he sees his “dark mirror” of himself within it.

Mary Calkins Whiltson

1/16/2026 01:28:58 am

I really appreciated your analysis of how the podcast connects the creature’s anger to societal misunderstanding of marginalized voices. I like how you emphasized that the creature is not inherently evil, but reacts to neglect and abandonment—this really shifts the focus from blaming the individual to questioning the responsibility of creators or society. Your point about how this parallels the misreading of Black anger today is very powerful, especially the connection to historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., whose frustration is often overlooked. I also liked that you highlighted how Shelley gives the creature human-like qualities, encouraging readers to feel sympathy and consider social injustice. Your response made me think about Frankenstein as a story that challenges readers to look at systemic issues rather than just individual actions, showing that monsters in literature can reveal deeper truths about how society treats those it marginalizes.

Word count: 140

Matilda Montana

12/15/2025 08:46:33 pm

Frankenstein novel by Mary Shelley, remains to this day one of the most contemporary books ever written, and this took place approximately 2 centuries ago, with themes in the novel being linked to the current age. Another theme embedded in the novel by the author relates to discrimination and oppression.

In Frankenstein, chapter 3, Victor leaves Geneva to study at the University of Ingolstadt, taking the first step towards independence and creativity as a scientist who will give life to a creature. He leaves Geneva and tries to overcome his mother’s death by suppressing it, this death hurts not only Victor but his whole family, since it hurts him even though he tries to overcome it by leaving his family and starting to study at university. While at university, he meets two professors who influence his future path: M. Krempe and M. Waldman. The first professor strongly criticizes Victor for his childish enthusiasm for creating something, dismissing alchemy as trash, while the second professor encourages Victor to study chemistry and philosophy to give his special someone life, calling this science an amazing and mighty instrument.

Since Victor has dedicated his life entirely to his studies, his curiosity leads him to pursue an unsafe route. His love for unlocking the secrets of nature leads him to believe that science will provide humans with glorious power, without considering what it would mean for us to possess such power. A shift from optimistic to despairing tones can be seen in chapter 3, as it reveals how Victor, possessed by his love for his studies, moves away from people and towards madness. There is also an element of foretelling tragedy in chapter 3, since it reveals how Victor moves away from emotional relations by being deeply engrossed in his studies.

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Agnes Pockels

1/5/2026 06:56:45 pm

I really like how you connected the novel’s feeling to today’s world, especially with discrimination and depression. I agree and do think that the creature’s story is just a blueprint for our society and how it rejects and dehumanizes anyone who looks or seems “different”. just like Victor’s journey in chapter 3, also with his obsession with science, causing him to pull away from actual human connections, which is just like the same isolation that the creature ends up suffering with. It's like Victor makes the monster in his lab, but society creates it into an actual outcast. Something that stood out to me is how Victor professors play into their roles. Krempe shut him down, sternly, calling his ideas childish and trash, while walkman Sparks‘s ideas. This really pushes Victor into the dangerous ambition without any warning about how power like that could hurt people. I agree, it gives the feeling of excitement at first, but sets up the despair and madness that come on later.

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Agnes Pockels

12/17/2025 03:43:04 pm

Chapter 3 of the NYPL podcast Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror, analyzes how Mary Shelly’s creation had been used for over two centuries, not just as a horror story, but as a cultural mirror that reflects on human fears. Professor Michael Chemers explains that Monsters continue showing in literature and films because they embody social, political, and ethical anxieties. Shelley’s story shows adult responsibilities, power dynamics and the ethics of science which are themes that are relevant now. The podcast highlights how adaptations like Bride of Frankenstein, Terminator, and Jurassic Park have ironic elements like storms, labs and creators confronted by what they’ve made. Chemers emphasizes that Frankenstein is “made of fear, our fear,” which means that the monster persists because it reflects human anxieties of technology, mortality, and social injustices. Chapter three also goes through surrogation in which audiences confront their fears through monsters and can find relief temporarily. With this analysis, Frankenstein is elevated from just a horror story, but it is a tool for examining human responsibility, relationships, and consequences for neglect or abuse. Monsters are made to force humans to confront our inner cruelty. This chapter shows why Frankenstein continues on being shown today because it is in all, terrifying, reflective, and very human.

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Mélanie Hahnemann

12/17/2025 04:17:44 pm

Though written over two centuries ago, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein still remains relevant in its path for power and responsibility. In the New York Public Library podcast Frankenstein: Our dark Mirror, Chapter four examines how society creates "monsters" through fear and neglect rather than through someone actually being "evil". This chapter features commentary from Elizabeth Young, a professor at Mount Holyoke College, who emphasizes the novel's sympathy for those seen as monsters by society.

Young explains that the creature is not born violent or evil; but rather they are created with a depth in emotion and a desire to feel loved. However, Victor Frankenstein's immediate rejection for his creature, resulted in the creature's isolation and suffering. The Dark Mirror podcast argues that the abandonment of the creature is very needed to understand the novel's moral message. When people are denied care, love, guidance and even acceptance, society tends to label their resulting actions such as pain and anger as proof of their supposed monstrosity.

The podcast also highlights the power of language in shaping perception. As once Victor describes his creation as a "daemon," immediately framing the creature as something very unnatural and dangerous. Young connects this pattern to modern systems of oppression, where dehumanizing language is used to justify exclusion and even violence. Shelley's novel ultimately critiques this mindset, flipping the script and inferring that maybe the monster isn't the one that was created but rather the society that chooses gto not take the responsibility for their own actions.

Agnes Pockels

1/5/2026 07:06:33 pm

I agree with how you highlighted the points of Elizabeth Young. The creature does start out with a big ability for love and emotion like a blank slate that needs attention almost like a baby, but Victor's quick abandonment turns that potential into pain. I believe that it is a powerful message. That monsters are not born evil, but instead they are made through the actions of others. I also agree deeply with the line about society labeling anger from isolation being proof of monstrosity and it makes me see that Victor isn’t just a mad scientist, but he’s also someone who hides from responsibility which then creates tragedies. Shelley seems to be saying that society is the dark mirror, reflecting its own failures back to us.

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Emily Warren Roebling

1/7/2026 12:03:38 pm

My favorite chapter of this was chapter 3. This chapter was interviewing Professor of Dramatic Literature and Theater Arts at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Michael Chemers. This professor tracked the progression and significance of the idea of monsters in theater and film, and extended it out for a bit which I liked. He talked about the responsibility of parents to children and he talked about how people are anxious of technology's advancement and usage. These are really common themes to this day and this chapter really connects to what is going on in everyone's life. He talked about how these themes show up in modern movies and film. He said, “The Avengers-- Age of Ultron, which is absolutely a Frankenstein story, and absolutely about the responsibility of fathers and sons,”. This is really cool to see because not only does it relate to modern day but this modern movie was based on a book from over 200 years ago. It's so cool to see modern media being influenced and based on media from ages ago. Oftentimes it even leads people to re-read or experience the old media for themselves this this “new” movie or film is based on it.

Marie-Sophie Germain

1/17/2026 03:43:35 pm

I really liked your points about chapter 3 and how professor chemers connects Frankenstein to modern anxieties. I agree that its fascinating how a story written over 200 years ago can still feel so relevant today. I also found it interesting that he linked it to Age of Ultron and the responsibility of fathers and sons. it made me think about how stories about monsters aren't just about fear but also about the consequences of creation and power. I didn't think how modern movies can inspire people to revisit older works, but youre right. that connection makes the original story feel alive and relevant in a whole new way. your post reminded me that the themes of Frankenstein aren't just historical and they continue to shape how we understand responsibility and fear in todays world

Marie-Sophie Germain

1/18/2026 03:19:08 pm

WC: 135

Rina Monti

1/13/2026 02:36:00 pm

I would have to say I enjoyed chapter 4-Confronting our monster. I liked this chapter because it really showed the emphasizes on how obsession can destroy humans. How when humans get really obsessed with something, it is like they forget other responsibilities they have to follow. And in this chapter it shows Victor getting very fixated and obsessed with his creation, how it was over consuming him. "life and death appeared to me idea bounds" is how he described it. In this podcast, they also described how sometimes, humans will refuse to acknowledge and face certain consequences. And yet again, Victor is a good example for this as he isolates himself. Overall, the example of this chapter was to show how it is actually humans who create danger because danger just doesn't happen. We are the ones that create danger, but us as humans don't confront the idea of that we create it and we are responsible for what comes next and our actions and consequences to it.

Mary Chilton Noyes

1/13/2026 05:41:09 pm

In Chapter Three, "Monsters Always Come Back," of the New York Public Library podcast Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror, the discussion focuses on why Frankenstein's monster continues to return in culture and why society is unable to let him disappear. One of the main ideas presented is that monsters are created from fear, specifically, the human fear of change. The speakers explain that monsters are not just external threats, but reflections of ourselves, acting as a "dark mirror" that exposes the parts of humanity we would rather ignore.

The podcast emphasizes that unlike in typical horror stories where killing the monster brings closure, Frankenstein never truly ends because the fear that created it never goes away. The monster represents anxieties surrounding scientific advancement without ethical consideration, particularly Victors fear of responsibility after creation. A quote that stood out to me was the idea that monsters are made out of "our fear," suggesting that as long as humans fear technology advancing faster than morality, Frankenstein will remain relevant.

This chapter also highlights the connection between creator and creation, reinforcing that Victor cannot escape the monster because the monster is a product of his own choices. Rather than being purely evil, the creature becomes dangerous due to neglect and rejection. Overall, this chapter helped me understand Frankenstein in a deeper sense,

Clémence Royer

1/14/2026 11:28:55 pm

Chapter One of the NYPL podcast, “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants,” helped me understand Frankenstein not as a random spark of imagination, but as the product of Mary Shelley’s complex intellectual and emotional inheritance. As the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, Shelley was raised in a world shaped by radical ideas about education, philosophy, and social responsibility. Yet this legacy was deeply entangled with personal loss. Shelley’s mother died shortly after giving birth to her, and Shelley later experienced the death of her own first child. The podcast’s inclusion of her line, “for I am no longer a mother,” reveals how profoundly grief shaped her understanding of creation, loss, and abandonment. These experiences form the emotional blueprint of a novel haunted by neglected life.

The episode also traces the famous circumstances of Frankenstein’s origin, from the “year without a summer” in Geneva to the ghost story challenge proposed by Lord Byron. The discussion of galvanism and Erasmus Darwin shows how Shelley blended emerging scientific theories with Gothic tradition, allowing her to imagine life being forcibly reanimated. This intellectual mixture culminates in her waking vision of the “pale student of unhallowed arts,” an image the podcast identifies as the novel’s originating spark. Ultimately, the chapter argues that Frankenstein endures because it transforms personal trauma and scientific curiosity into a universal meditation on mortality, responsibility, and the ethical weight of creation.

Mary Calkins Whilton

1/16/2026 01:24:07 am

For my favorite chapter of the NYPL podcast Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror, I chose Chapter 4: “Confronting Our Monsters.” While this episode highlights how the Frankenstein monster can represent victims of systemic oppression, I was especially interested in the idea that the monster also reflects the fears and anxieties of society itself. Professor Elizabeth Young explains that the monster is often feared not simply because of who he is, but because he embodies the consequences of human ambition, neglect, and moral failure. In this sense, the creature becomes a mirror for humanity, forcing us to examine our own prejudices and responsibilities.

The chapter’s discussion of Bride of Frankenstein illustrates this point well. The monster is depicted as vulnerable and confused, and his encounters with the mob reveal more about the fear, cruelty, and conformity of the humans chasing him than about the creature himself. The audience is invited to question why humans react with aggression toward the unknown, showing that fear often says more about the observer than the observed.

This perspective made me see Frankenstein not just as a story about an individual monster, but as a commentary on the ways societies project their anxieties onto others. The “monsters” in our culture may reveal our own failings and blind spots more than the true nature of the people or beings we fear.

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Caroline Barbey-Boisser

1/16/2026 09:48:35 am

I strongly agree with your statement. In some cases the creature isn't always "evil". In the same way you said many people portray their fears onto them because they are different from them. It creates the characteristics this monster will have based on what society says about them. Mary Shelley does a great job providing this example in the story and how people view the creation of this monster. The connection between the story and society is tied really well.

Marie-Sophie Germain

1/17/2026 03:30:11 pm

My favorite chapter of the podcast is Chapter three "Monsters Always Come Back" because it explores how Frankenstein story continues to reflect our fears and anxieties in Culture. Michael Chemers explains that monsters stick around in stories and movies because they represent social, political, or personal crises and Shelley's novel itself deeply engages with responsibilities of parents to children, rulers to the ruled and creators to their creations. I found it interesting how he connects Frankenstein to modern stories like The matrix, terminator, jurassic park, and avengers : age of ultron, showing that these stories are really about the fear of creating something we cannot control and the ethical use of power. What really stuck with me is the idea that monsters come from our fear, and by seeing them reflected back at us, we can confront our own anxieties. This chapter made me think about how stories can be both entertaining and a way to understand human emotions and ethics, which makes Frankenstein more relevant even after 200 years later

Marie-Sophie Germain

1/18/2026 03:19:47 pm

WC: 170

Caroline Barbey-Boisser

1/19/2026 07:50:29 pm

I really like your statement on this! Shelley does a great job connecting fear with humans with the example of Frankenstein.These fears typically can be managed though sometimes we just choose to avoid them, though it's important we face them. This creature is made out of fear because of his unappealing features, he does not fit into society standards and so he is seen as unwanted and ugly.

AP Literature and Composition Blog

Lecture Notes #1 - "Frankenstein: Our Dark Mirror"

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