Frankenstein and Its Classics

Frankenstein and Its Classics is the first collection of scholarship dedicated to how Frankenstein and works inspired by it draw on ancient Greek and Roman literature, history, philosophy, and myth. Presenting twelve new essays intended for students, scholars, and other readers of Mary Shelleys novel, the volume explores classical receptions in some of Frankensteins most important scenes, sources, and adaptations. Not limited to literature, the chapters discuss a wide range of modern materialsincluding recent films like Alex Garlands Ex Machina and comics like Matt Fractions and Christian Wards Ody-Cin relation to ancient works including Hesiods Theogony, Aeschyluss Prometheus Bound, Ovids Metamorphoses, and Apuleiuss The Golden Ass. All together, these studies show how Frankenstein, a foundational work of science fiction, brings ancient thought to bear on some of todays most pressing issues, from bioengineering and the creation of artificial intelligence to the struggles of marginalized communities and political revolution. This addition to the comparative study of classics and science fiction reveals deep similarities between ancient and modern ways of imagining the worldand emphasizes the prescience and ongoing importance of Mary Shelleys immortal novel. As Frankenstein turns 200, its complex engagement with classical traditions is more significant than ever.