The Frankenstein Story
Inside our Relationship through lens of 1994 adaption
I've had the workings of this story in my drafts for some time now. The reason being is because it's not emotionally pleasant or pretty, but it must be dealt with. It's time to let the monster out.
Years ago (in 1994,) together we watched the perfect union of Mary Shelley's tale unfold through Kenneth Branagh's telling of their very own imperfect and broken child, "Frankenstein." I saw the tears roll down your face (not even twenty years old) as you related to the hurt and agony within that monster's heart as he faced the fear that he was deemed "unworthy" of the love and human connection of which he craved the most. And, like the patched-together pitiful creature in the film, that hurt and empty longing seared into red-hot rage.
“I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other." (Mary Shelley, Frankenstein.)
Sadly, my son...our dance is much in tune to Shelley's iconic story. As you would agree. I am Victor who created you, yet did not fully "see" you, or see the pain that life had handed you from the choices I had made. Part of you was formed by those experiences. It brought you to dark places. I am eternally remorseful for that. I didn't save you or shield you then...my arms didn't reach out. It wasn't from lack of love for you, but from unawareness. Your innocence was taken from you then. It took me way too long to understand this. Forgive me.
We have discussed at length, your childhood memories and the collateral damage that followed. In an article* published in February 2023, Matthew Mosley writes, "There’s a recurring feeling that he only acts like a monster due to Victor’s cowardice after creating him, and if he had confronted rather than avoided his problems, then the trail of bodies that eventually culminates in their deaths could have been avoided."
In truth, Victor & his creation are BOTH monsters in need of healing. But confrontation is only the first step. Healing is hard work. And so is forgiveness. (See the references below if you can relate to our story and to this Frankenstein dance.)
It is also true that even though we are at odds with one another at times, and you lash out with those hurts, you have just as great of love for me. It can be said of the way I feel for you, too. Deep pain and deep love. Same between Frankenstein towards his "Father" as the movie depicts.
That is why I can fully understand this section in the account which **cliffnotes provide:
Shelley states in the preface that Frankenstein is a book that depicts "domestic affection."
While this might seem strange to say about a book full of death, destruction, and despair, these tragedies are all caused by Victor's and the monster's lack of connection to either family or society.
In other words, the true evil in the story is not the characters, but rather the isolation that they experience.
The story of Frankenstein is heartbreaking. In our culture today there is so much brokenness and separation of families, that it could even be called a pandemic. It doesn't have to be this way.
My pledge to you, my son...is that I'm going to keep on trying to heal and I will continue to pray for your healing and accommodate that in every healthy way possible. By the way, you are loved and you are "worthy!"
REFERENCES:
*Mary Shelley's Frankenstein': The (Almost) Perfect Adaptation of a Horror Classic by MATTHEW MOSLEY:
https://collider.com/mary-shelleys-frankenstein-adaptation/#:~:text=Kenneth%20Branagh's%201994%20film%20is,synonymous%20with%20horror%20than%20Frankenstein.
**https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/frankenstein/themes#isolation-and-vengeance
ALSO:
About the Creator
Shirley Belk
Mother, Nana, Sister, Cousin, & Aunt who recently retired. RN (Nursing Instructor) who loves to write stories to heal herself and reflect on all the silver linings she has been blessed with :)
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Comments (17)
My Absolute Favorite!!! ♥️♥️♥️
Great piece on the story, excellent work
Excellently put... especially the concluding paragraphs. Emotional stress is the most taxing of all, because we care so deeply. Thank God that forgiveness is possible.
A good read to me !
🎉 Congrats on getting Top Story—well deserved! 🌟 Keep up the amazing work! 💪✨
Brilliant & Mind Blowing Your Story ❤️ Please Read My Stories and Subscribe Me
Hey, that was great; I never thought of "Frankenstein" in that way. I just remember it being on Firday late night horror show. I can see where they both lost out on life. This brought me some sniffles and it touched my heart. Without going into detail I lost my youngest son in March, and my other two, won't talk. This was all do to no communication. I made mistakes, used to laugh about it and say, babies don't come with instructions. {No laughing matter} This was great story about the story of life.
⚡♥️⚡
Congratulations on a well deserved Top Story!
Truly moving story set in the mould of Mary Shelley's writing. One of my most admired authors, I have recently visited her portrait in the National Gallery in London several times in past weeks when I have been on business in the area. Congratulations on the TS
Hey dear Shirley! Your connection to the story of Frankenstein is truly profound. It's a testament to the enduring power of literature to help us understand our own experiences. Your willingness to share your story and seek healing is inspiring. I wish you both all the best on your journey.
Thank you for sharing. There is something so raw here about disconnection. It shows the importance of art and literature in helping us navigate our places in the world.
Congrats on TS🎉🎉 Families exist on a curve, up and down, happy and sad; resentment and forgiveness. Well done, Shirley.
This is such a wonderful read and understanding of the factors at play in both the book and your own world. I've always found Shelley's book to be dismally sad, but profoundly moving, and I adored Branagh's adaptation of it. This was a wonderful read.
Oh my heart is warmed by this piece. I love how this shows your deep understanding of your son, and that the story of Frankenstein helped to make that more apparent. I love that you said the separation of family can be seen as a pandemic, I cannot agree more. This is something that cause me great grief, I talk about it so much and I wonder and I wait until the day it will all change. But thank YOU for speaking out about it. And congratulations on your Top Story 🎊🥳🎊👏❤️
I like how you review this in about the modern-day comparison. Nowadays people spend more time on social media than with family in some families.
I've adored this tale from time immemorial. So much to glean from it. Isolation, and responsibility for one's creation too.