aberrant being: Frankenstein's monster + the nature of automata

(image retrieved from the national library of medicine)

Frankenstein in context

When studying Mary Shelley's Frankenstein:, especially in the context of electronics, mechanics, and architecture, it is important to note a few contextual aspects. Shelley's husband Percy outlines several important points in the novel's preface; among the most important are references to scientific and technological In achievements of her time.

The event on which this fiction is founded has been supposed, byu Dr. Darwin, and some of the physiological writers of Germany, as not of impossible occurrence.

According to numerous sources, including Digital People and Mechanical Bodies, Computational Minds, the Darwin noted above does not refer to Charles, but rather his grandfather Erasmus. Erasmus developed the early theories of evolution, which were later (and more famously) elaborated upon by Charles.
There is also reference to the Italian scientist Galvani's experiments with electrical currents that was passed through frog's legs, causing them to convulse. Later, Galvani's nephew was given a scientific award for similar experiments; by passing currents through the body of a hanged convict, the convulsions of the body convinced others that he had restored life to the man.
Around the same time, electricity was thought to restore those who had died from drowning. This was a technique that was close to the Shelley household - Percy's first wife died from drowning, and according to sources it is possible that physicians attempted to revive her in this way.

Textual Notes

The original title of Shelley's book, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Promethus likens Dr. Frankenstein (not his monster) to the Greek myth of Prometheus. In the myth, Prometheus creates humans from mud and water. His search to better humankind compels him to steal fire from the gods, and he is punished cruelly for this act. In the same sense, Dr. Frankenstein's experiments and creation lead to the destruction of his family and himself.
(source: Mechanical Bodies,Computational Minds page 184)
The context, text summaries, symbolism and more can be found in Wikipedia's notes on Frankenstein (despite the somewhat skepticism that surrounds Wikipedia, I find this passage to be interesting):

"Behind Frankenstein's experiments is the search for ultimate power or godhood: what greater power could there be than that found in the act of creating life? Frankenstein and his utter disregard for the human and animal remains gathered in his pursuit of power can be taken as symbolic of the rampant forces of laissez-faire capitalism extant at the time and their basic disregard for human dignity. Moreover, the creation rebels against its creator: a clear message that irresponsible uses of technologies can have unconsidered consequences."

Shelley makes a clear statement about Frankenstein's experiments with life; the creation of life from any means other than biological reproduction to this point had been reserved for the divine. Frankenstein's thirst for this knowledge is his undoing: he in unable to manage the responsibilities, and immediately is terrified of his creation.
Despite popular imagery of the monster, Frankenstein's being is intelligent and strong; he eventually becomes enraged with Frankenstein's inability to provide him with what he desires - companionship, respect - that he destroys his master's life.The notion of the creator-creation struggle is interesting; when Frankenstein dies, the monster states that he can now too rest. Does this imply that the automata has developed some sort of psychological bond with his creator...the creature exudes feeling, emotion. Does this now mean that despite being created by man, from decaying animal and human parts, that the creature has a soul?
This lends a completely different take on life, and concepts about automated feeling, spirituality, and meaning.

As a treat...Thomas Edison's 1910 short film "Frankenstein"

Readings:

Hunter, J. Paul, edt. Mary Shelley Frankenstein: The Norton Critical Edition. New York: W.W. Nortan & Co. 1996.

Bloom, Harold, edt. Frakenstein: Modern Critical Interpretations New York: Chelsea House Publishers. 1987.

Franchi, Stefano and Guven Guzeldere, edt. Mechanical Bodies, Computational Minds: Artificial Intelligence from Automata to Cyborgs London: MIT Press. 2005.

Perkowitz, Sidney. Digital People: From Bionic Humans to Androids Washington, D.C.: Joseph Henry Press. 2004

posted by chelsea @ 1:06 PM