Things That Are Terrible, Halloween Edition: A Monster By Any Other Name

As All Hallow’s Eve rolls around, people across the world turn off the lights and huddle around the television to experience the chills and thrills of horror cinema. The horror genre is populated by some of the most recognizable icons of cinema, from more contemporary slashers such as Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers to classic monsters like the Wolfman and Dracula. These names have transcended their origins and become symbols of fear.  However, one monster – and its name in particular – has led to controversy among both horror fans and academics alike. The pedantry that results from this debate is a terrible blight on the entire Halloween season.

Frankenstein...'S MONSTER!!!

Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley and was originally published in 1818. It’s a novel about man’s reach extending beyond his grasp, and a warning about unmitigated, amoral scientific progress. Generally regarded as one of the seminal works of the Industrial Age, it also birthed one of the most irritating pop cultural arguments of the last century. If you’re ever has a discussion, seen a movie, or even had a thought about Frankenstein, you’ve likely heard some variation of the following factoid:

“You know, Frankenstein’s the doctor’s name, not the monster. He should be referred to as Frankenstein’s monster, not Frankenstein.”*

This correction is usually delivered with an air of condescension, as if you had just claimed that Benedict Arnold was the U.S.’s first president. The above information is technically correct; in Shelley’s novel, the monster is never called Frankenstein, and the title does indeed refer to the doctor, who narrates the bulk of the story. Thus, the person who offers this fact is unassailable – technically. The beauty of culture and language is that it’s flexible and evolves over time. Beginning with Universal Studios’ 1931 production of Frankenstein, the name began to be more associated with the monster than with his creator. 1931 was 80 years ago; with the possible exception of your grandparents, everyone alive today knows the monster as Frankenstein. Furthermore, calling the monster “Frankenstein” is logical. He is the product of Dr. Victor Frankenstein; thus, the doctor can be considered the monster’s father. While the monster is unnamed, it’s not outlandish to assign him his creator’s surname. For these reasons, I think it’s time for society to quietly accept that the monster’s name is Frankenstein, and finally put this matter to rest in the cemetery of needless attention to minutia. 

* A special note to those who say this: We know. Everyone knows. Please stop saying it.