How would we Place Frankenstein in Modern Times

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” a seminal work of Gothic literature and science fiction, was first published in 1818. The novel is set in the 18th century, yet its themes and questions are timeless, compelling readers to consider how the story would translate to modern times. To understand “Frankenstein” in the context of today, one must consider both its original setting and how its central concerns could be reimagined in the contemporary world.

The narrative of “Frankenstein” primarily unfolds across various European locales, including Geneva, the Swiss Alps, and Ingolstadt, where Victor Frankenstein attends university.

The temporal setting is crucial as it coincides with the Age of Enlightenment, a period marked by a fervent emphasis on reason, science, and the pursuit of knowledge—themes central to the novel. The era’s scientific optimism is reflected in Victor’s ambitious quest to conquer death and create life, a quest that ultimately leads to tragic consequences.

Transposing “Frankenstein” into modern times involves more than merely updating the setting. It requires rethinking the novel’s central conflicts and themes in the context of contemporary societal and technological realities. Today, with advancements in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and genetics, the story’s exploration of the ethical limits of scientific experimentation remains incredibly relevant. Victor Frankenstein’s creature can be likened to modern AI and genetic engineering experiments where the moral implications of creating and manipulating life are hotly debated topics.

In a modern setting, Victor might be a brilliant genetic engineer working in secrecy on CRISPR technology to edit human embryos, aiming to eliminate disease or enhance human capabilities. Alternatively, he could be an AI developer crafting an advanced consciousness that escapes his control—paralleling the creature’s development into a sentient being who experiences rejection and isolation due to its otherness. These contemporary parallels not only highlight the novel’s prescience but also its enduring relevance as a cautionary tale of scientific hubris.

Moreover, the creature’s quest for identity and acceptance, and its resultant violent backlash against continuous rejection, resonates deeply with current societal issues. In today’s digital and often polarized social climate, themes of isolation, the search for community, and the consequences of societal rejection are more pertinent than ever. The creature’s experiences mirror the alienation and disenfranchisement felt by various marginalized groups, making its story a powerful metaphor for the human condition in the age of social media, where connectivity and isolation coexist paradoxically.

The modern adaptation of “Frankenstein” could also explore the environmental impacts of unchecked scientific and technological exploitation, reflecting current concerns about climate change and ecological degradation. Victor’s disregard for the consequences of his ambition could be mirrored in the contemporary world by corporations or governments ignoring environmental degradation in their pursuit of progress and profit.

In conclusion, while “Frankenstein” was set in the 18th century, its narrative is incredibly adaptable to the 21st century. The novel’s exploration of the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, the ethical implications of creation, and the societal integration—or rejection—of those who are different, remains as relevant today as when Shelley wrote it over 200 years ago. By considering how these themes fit into modern contexts, such as genetic modification, AI, and social alienation, “Frankenstein” continues to be a powerful and prescient story that warns of the potential consequences of human hubris and the ethical dilemmas posed by new scientific frontiers.

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