The Mad Scientist Trope and Victor Frankenstein

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to provide an overview of the mad scientist trope, including its cultural and historical background, its evolution, and to also analyse the very first mad scientist in literature. The text of Frankenstein is used for the analysis, as well as characteristics of mad scientists suggested by previous authors. The thesis consists of a short introduction, a literature review, an analysis of Victor Frankenstein, and a conclusion. The literature review goes over previous literature that has been written about science from the Age of Enlightenment to the Atomic age and its relationship with society and religion. It also describes how the mad scientist trope came to be and how mad scientists have been portrayed in literature. The second part of the thesis contains an analysis of Victor Frankenstein, the titular character of Mary Shelley’s gothic horror novel Frankenstein. It discusses the inspirations behind the novel and the role they played in shaping the story. Victor Frankenstein is also analysed, with the main focus being on discussing how he fits into the mad scientist trope. His cultural impact and contemporary relevance is touched on as well. The conclusion contains a summary of the points discussed in the two main parts of the thesis.