The Role Of Authorial Intent In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has been a timeless classic, firmly entrenched in popular culture as evidenced through derivative films, video games, plays, and other works. Logically, there must be some universal theme or ideology that transcends the boundaries of time periods in order to appeal to an ever-dynamic and diverse audience for over a century. Therefore, it is important to ask what Mary Shelley's intentions were in creating Frankenstein. Was it to explore an action-consequence relationship? Perhaps, potential implications of future scientific advancement? While it is impossible to find a definitive answer, the idea of authorial intent has gripped almost every influential piece of literature. If Shelley's intent in creating Frankenstein was highly

Essentially, should the reader take an active or passive role in attempting to understand, synthesize, and apply works of literature to his or her own disposition? Therein lies the predicament. Yet, an essential component of understanding the predicament is contemplating its relative significance. Does differentiating between authorial intent and interpretation truly affect society? Quite clearly, the answer is a resounding yes. Literature has the outstanding ability to shape human interactions, highlight deeply sentimental feelings, and contemplate worldly conditions. As author C.S. Lewis noted, “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.” Lord of the Flies delineated the disparity between savagery and civilization; Island of the Blue Dolphins conveyed the ineffable sentiments of forgiveness, trust, forlornness, and companionship; Brave New World investigated the growth of a detrimental consumer society. But, as with all works of literature, these examples are