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The Forum: The real story of Frankenstein

Discussion & Talk

Frankenstein Statue in Geneva.  (Credit: Getty Images)

18/02/2017 GMT

The real story of Frankenstein

BBC World Service - The Forum, The real story of Frankenstein

The origins, themes and continuing legacy of Mary Shelley’s gothic tale Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s heart-breaking gothic tale Frankenstein. Bridget Kendall talks to Prof Karen O’Brien, Jessica Tiffin and Jonathan Barnes.

In the nearly 200 years since Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, the story has taken on a life of its own. But the original tale is much more psychologically complex than the horror film versions suggest – a disturbing and thought-provoking parable that roots itself in the basic human need for love.

Bridget Kendall discusses the book’s origins, themes and continuing legacy with two scholars of English literature - Prof Karen O’Brien from Oxford University in the UK and Jessica Tiffin from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and with the novelist and radio dramatist Jonathan Barnes.

(Photo: A statue of the Frankenstein Monster. Credit: Getty Images)

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