Everything you need to know to read "Frankenstein" - Iseult Gillespie 

I don't understand why people are so adamant about how Victor's flaw is his "playing god". Reading the text shows how Victor's inability to take responsibility for his creation and subsequent shunning of the monster that he made was more of a downfall than the act of creation itself. The monster was highly intelligent and yearned for affection, but was consequently spurned from it by even his own creator. To me Frankenstein isn't a statement about being wary of science, but a cautionary tale of taking responsibility for your actions when searching for the sublime.

so... i take it she won the contest?

*whispers* Victor isn't a doctor; just a college dropout

Shelley finished one of the greatest novels of human history when she was 18. when I was 18, oh well, let's not talk about it

Soooo, we're trapped in a house without Wi-Fi. Let's kill time by writing literary masterpieces :)

The book actually never directly states that Victor uses electricity to bring his monster to life. This misconception was created in movies since the book never explains how Victor brought his monster to life.

1. The green, groaning monster was never in the book at all. That was a Hollywood creation from one of the least faithful adaptations in cinematic history. The real monster was eloquent and sophisticated, frequently quoting great works of literature -- although the argument could be made that Frankenstein was the real monster, and his creation was the victim -- a nuance Hollywood completely excised. 2. There is no reference to using electricity to animate the creation in the novel. That's also a Hollywood creation.

I always liked how in the book the monster is highly intelligent, he is practically self taught by watching those around him in secret.

Dr. Frankenstein is the real monster. The "monster" just wanted acceptance and love.

Knowledge is knowing Frankenstein is doctor Wisdom is knowing Frankenstein is a monster

Everything you need to know to read Frankenstein. -How to read

Mary Shelley was one of the greatest writers, who ever lived. Her story Frankenstein has many layers and can also be read as a story that reveals the faulty dynamics between the majority and minority of society, how creating life from dead matter (raising generations of children to live up to our expectations in our ideals), denying them love and our responsibility will force them to either rebel and engage in destruction or to fall regardless. Her criticism of the men, who gain power but lack the wisdom and the heart to handle it - is timeless. Yet what makes it so great, is that both creator and creature can be pitied, for their struggle with each other is a struggle we all know too well. Mary's father: William Godwin (an atheist, he and the work of his wife both affected Frankenstein greatly) thought that there is no evil, just people who want to do good but do not know better. Anyone, who thinks that this is just some Hollywood horror story is so very wrong!

Dr Frankenstein is the original deadbeat dad...

Actually the book is truly an amazing work of art, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Victor's endeavors raise a rather valid question. Why are some humans so TERRIFIED by the idea of death? In some cultures, people believe DEATH isn't the greatest thing we should fear. Instead, we should fear the idea of never truly "living"

Please make more videos regarding literature please :)

Reading "Frankenstein" breaks me, how miserable could one man become from his own past actions, it's haunting enough to think about the person you love the dearest, adore the most would be killed by your own creation leaves you nothing to hope for and yet he's willing to live to see the day of judgement. The sparks of light that shines through the sheer oblivion is bright enough to move forward and sometimes it's so hard to find, even just a little glimpse of it. Excellent video as always Ted-ed, Thank You. *Sigh*

You also could mention that in the novel Frankenstein’s monster was “drop dead” gorgeous in the novel, save for a few stitches, in equal body parts and the eyes, the eyes were one of the main reasons victor called the experiment a failure. The monster is also rather intelligent, and learned quickly.

It is said, that Prometheus formed man from the Ashes of both the Titans and Zegreus, which I think is the myth what Shelly was referring to, not to the fire story. The analogy makes a lot more sense, if you consider this part of the story. @TED-Ed

I don't remember the book ever mentioning electricity as the means to give life to the creature. At least in the edition I've read the method of giving life was mysteriously left out. On the other hand I'm aware that electricity was a big awe in Victorian times, especially with the experiments where an electric discharge would contract the muscles of a corpse.

I read it when I was in high school and it's one of my favorite novels. I remember thinking the story was pretty tragic, because the "monster" isn't the creation, but the creator himself. He drove him to become vengeful and it's sad.

I like the art style. Kool.

Feel like we're missing something in this video when we consider that the Monster is a sympathetic character.

as much as i like this video, frankenstein in the book was a lanky hipster emo not a buff 'villain' with cliche muhaha laugh.

Amazing presentation. To me the real monster is Frankenstein. Not for creating, but for not having responsibility for your creation.

why do so many people get the monster and the maker mixed up in so many movies that the maker isnt even spoken of

i thought this was just gonna be a warning about how much of a nature walk the book was, not to mention the literal 10-20 chapters of just dialogue between Frankenstein and the monster. and how often you see the word 'fiend' which is like, a thousand times

I never knew Mary Shelley was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft! That actually explains a lot about Shelley herself

Please do this for jekyll and Hyde! Need it for my gcse soon 😂

the book is fantastic, reads like poetry better then Shakespeare, also the monster is like a super demon hunter merciless like death, and whole perspective in from dr. Frankenstein. It is by far one of the best books ever made

I had to read it last year for school and I loved it, kind of a shame I had to rush on reading it but I found it so emotional (from the monsters POV) and I loved the story, one of my favorite parts is where you see Victor starting to have these dark thoughts of life and death and how he throws himself into a dark path in science and interacts with the dead

Amazing video. I definitely saw how Frankenstein and his monster were one and the same. I felt that the monster only became a monster because Frankenstein didn't love him even though he created him. It just goes to show how every creature needs love and nourishment? There was a part in the story when the monster wanted Frankenstein to create a wife for him…

Not exaggerating when I say that Frankenstein is my all time favorite story

What you need to know to read Frankenstein: English

Animation style was great. This whole video was composed masterfully. 👏🏾

Woah. Earlier today I was reading a book about philosophy, and it mentioned Wollstonecraft. As I was watching the video, I recognized the name from my book. And then I thought to myself, "Wollstonecraft is Mary Shelly's daughter!" I'm not sure as of why I mentioned this as of now, but I thought it was an interesting coincidence.

I am currently working on this book for a deep and important analysis; the odds are in my favour :o

This is now one of my favourite TED-Ed videos. A visual and philosophical masterpiece.

I just want to come down here to say thank you. Binging this playlist of book-recommendations inspired me to do something I don't normally do, read. I have read before, for school projects and such, but rarely have I willingly undertaken the task of reading a book on my own volition. I just finished Frankenstein not to long ago and I really enjoyed it and I'm very glad I did! Thanks TED-Ed for inspiring me to become more well read and to enjoy things that I never would've considered enjoying!

Things people can’t wrap their heads around but my thirteen year old self did, Frankenstein edition: VICTOR WAS A COLLEGE DROPOUT All Frankenstein’s monster (or the Creation as I like to call him) wanted was love Victor’s major flaw is not taking responsibility for his actions The Creation is supposed to be beautiful and white or yellow skinned. His only flaw was his eye color. That’s what freaked Victor out The Creation is highly intelligent and actually figured out cooking and even the French language and reading The Creation is 8 feet tall, that’s two feet and two inches taller than the average Victorian man Victor is basically the Creation’s father CLERVAL (Victor’s bestie who is the Sun personified) IS LITERALLY THE BEST AND LIKE THE ONLY TRULY GOOD PERSON IN THE BOOK The Creation only turned to violence because he couldn’t find love and seeked revenge against the Frankensteins and that one family he lived with for a little while Victor basically left behind a GIANT NEW BORN BABY The Bride of Frankenstein thing basically never happened. It almost did, then Victor had a realization most people don’t: the Bride and the Creation could have not gotten along or gotten along a little too long and suddenly there’s a race of monsters. The closest thing to that is Elizabeth, Victor’s adopted sister/childhood sweetheart that the Creation murdered on their wedding night THE ENTIRE BOOK IS LETTERS TO CAPTAIN WALTON’S POOR SISTER. I’m probably gonna think of more that I completely forgot about. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk/Rant Session

I love "Frankenstein" such a good book. So beautifully crafted.

I Think I came too early to read comments.

Can we all just spare a moment to appreciate how moving the video is? It actually gave me goosebumpsss! Thank youuu for this amazing insight

I'd love to see more of these videos exploring the contexts of plays/common literature texts!

I wanted to start reading classical literature and I found this interesting and kind of a good place to start , can't wait to read it .

Please make more of these on other classics!! :D

these are always so beautifully animated

I was exactly working on this theme all day. Amazing timing.

I still felt sorry for the monster in the end especially when he jumped into the fire :( he just needed love

Excited by this new information. Can't wait til midterms and finals are over so I can give my undivided attention to the original text. Thanks Ted Ed!

That story was 300 years ahead of its time. Making Frankenstein's monster today is and I repeat, totally possible.

Wow, I was so enthralled by this video that when It ended I wished it was longer!

it is never explicitly mentioned that Victor assembles the monster of "dead matter" or "part by part". Shelley is very vague about the process, and does not say outright that he is using corpses, only mentioning "materials". This could be alchemical in nature.

When I read the book, Frankenstein was more plagued by tragedy which was more of a motivating factor for him than pride or ego. However, when he had created the monster, he couldn't come to terms with the reality of what he had done. His fear of what the monster could be prevented him from taking the time to actually get to know the monster. The monster was incredibly intelligent, had few memories, was initially child-like with unnatural strength. However, at the creature's core were the same basic human urges, the most prominent being a desire to belong with a deeper connection to others. The monster became a "monster" due to Frankenstein's abandonment and therefore complete lack of guidance. So, all the creature knew was gained from its encounters with random humans who had never seen a being like it before and were terrified. The book cast Frankestein as the more monstrous one and the creature being portrayed more as seemingly deserving of its vengence -- more so when Frankenstein refused additional chances to take responsibility for his creation. In the end, you almost feel a sense of pity for the monster.

1. As others have mentioned, the book never mentions electrifying the monster. 2. Victor is not a doctor 3. The reason everyone calls the monster “Frankenstein” is not because of the characters’ duality but because the monster was never given a name, adding to the monster’s dehumanization by Victor and others 4. Victor’s fatal flaw is not playing god. He literally states his fatal flaw in the last chapters, saying how he regrets so carelessly creating a sentient being, which he then abandoned out of terror and in doing so subjugated that creature to a life of misery and misunderstanding. Not taking responsibility was his flaw

This video gave a chill in my spine. Can you plz make more videos like this?

Non of that electricity stuff is mentioned in the book, also in the book the "monster" is a handsome dude with creepy eyes

👏👏well done TedEd 👏👏 the poignant illustrations against that literature analysis provided far more lasting educational breadth of Frankenstein than even my own book club covered in a span of an hour discussion. I'm very much enthusiadtic to view more classics done by TEDed in this format! a deeper and useful use for quality animation - thank you!!!!

The animation is breathtaking

Smart is knowing that Frankenstein is a monster. Knowledge is knowing that Frankenstein wasn't the monster Wisdom is knowing that Frankenstein was the monster

Actually it never states in the book just HOW Frankenstein creates the monster. In fact, Victor is very adamant about not dispensing such info to others in fear they would create another creature and then become like him.

TedEd never ceases to draw on other sources for their legends each episode. Prometheus had his liver eaten by an eagle every day only for it to grow back and repeat the process, but I wouldn't doubt there are different versions

one of the best ted-eds i've seen in a while!

I love the animation so much!

more content like this, please!!! :D

The creature, despite what people say, IS called "Frankenstein". Victor Frankenstein was described by Mary Shelley as the creature's father. Naturally, he would take his father's surname. As for his first name, Mary refers to him as "Adam". Hence "Adam Frankenstein".

I can't get enough of this video. I love it!

I REALLY like this animation style!

Also Frankenstein's monster was acculy qiute handsom exept his creepy eyes.

I'm sorry, just a couple of notes 😅 *Mary Godwin, Percy Shelley and Byron were neighbors, they did not live in Byron's house. In a village called Colony, near Lake Geneva, Byron rented a villa, and Percy Shelley a more modest house, but right on the beach. *Aeschylus wrote a play about Prometheus. If you read this story , you can understand that Zeus could send Prometheus to Tartarus. But Zeus ordered Hephaestus to chain Prometheus to the rock. Zeus left Prometheus alive only because he knew the secret. Zeus wanted to know from where the avenger would come and overthrow Zeus. He needed him alive, and his liver ate a huge eagle every day, not vultures. P.S. I like your channel, but all this information you can find at the beginning of the book itself.

Can we get one on Lord Byron some time? That man is just awesome in all of the most messed-up ways, & his work is stunning. ❤ Mad, bad, & dangerous to know.

Among many books that have been misconstrued, even the historical context, influences, & philosophy, among other matters. Appreciate the presentation. Oddly, the same has been done with Gothic, well the architectural aspects compared with how the literary themes have been applied especially in modern popular media. I got the Wollstonecraft (crafted) reference too, later indicated. Throughout there lives, Mary & Percy endured many unfortunate circumstances & personal tragedy. Lights that burn so bright ...

First time I've seen Prometheus drawn weirdly adorable.

knowledge is knowing Frankenstein is the doctor. Wisdom is knowing Frankenstein is the monster.

They omitted the most imoprtant influence on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The experiments of Luigi Galvani who studied the effects of electricity on animals (both living and dead).

everything about this is just amazing

Fun fact: In the book he is referred as a muscular man with jaundice skin and eyes, other than that there are no other notions of his appearance being one such as monster as he's already crafter from the body parts of dead humans. And also it's never stated how he made the monster alive, so the theory of using electricity is just used in movies.

Wasn't Prometheus chained to a rock and had an eagle, not vultures, tear out his liver every day?

The concluding animated shot has to be one of the best in all TEDEd videos 😂

The memories are coming back so quick.

why wasn't this released earlier? I just read the Frankenstein in my English Class.

When I read the book I always imagined the monster to be handsome. I always imagined that the fear Frankenstein felt towards the monster wasn't because it looked monstrous but more that the monster represented a fine line between life and death, sort of realizing ones own mortality.

This helped with my GCSEs. Thank you TED-Ed.

I love how she recites those words

it looks like that the authors of the video did not read the book or I don’t take the opinion of critics

Literary G.O.A.T. Mary Shelley. 🥇🏆

very well explained. Thank you

very beautifully animated

You've got the whole thing wrong. 1. Frankenstein's monster wasn't misshapen. He was actually tall and could even be considered beautiful. 2. Victor ran away from him since he didn't want the guilt of a failed experiment ( his creation had yellow eyes), not because he was a threat. 3. The whole lesson of the story had nothing to do with not making unnatural creations that go against science, it actually had a much deeper meaning you should spend time researching since the real story is actually very good and worthwhile. Aren't you TED, why don't you know this.

I just wrote a very long winded essay about how Victor was never trying to play god but instead he was trying to recreate a mother/son relationship he missed with his own mother after her death. Anyways love gothic lit now

You forgot to mention the frame story for the novel, the rime of the ancient mariner, how Victor tells Walton his tale to keep him from making the same mistakes, similar to how the mariner is cursed to do that for eternity. There's more connections but that would take too long to type.

Gotta try this next winter!

I was on the verge of liking this video until you started portraying Victor as some mad scientist. You also neglected to mention how eloquent and intelligent the creature is.

Nobody Absolutely Nobody Not even the universe itself Dr. Frankenstein: Bruh Moment

That was some cool art and animation!

Mary Shelley is a pure genius.

I am of the conclusion that a well known Tale as that of Doctor Frankenstein is... subject to perspective. ~(˘▾˘~) Cause in the end everyone creates their own favourite Image of the worlds most favoured figure of a Madman Scientist.

Also the "monster" was suppose to be beautiful except for its weird eyes

I am going to read this book next Halloween, so this is great. Please make a video like this for the divine comedies. Thank you.

Dude, I LOVE THE ANIMATION!!!!!!!!!