Similarities Between Frankenstein And Edward Scissorhands

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was published amidst a world of changing views and religious uncertainty. Since this time, the novel has been adapted numerous times by novelists and filmmakers alike, each new version reflecting the values and demands of changed cultural and contextual ideals. The works I will be discussing today are Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus and Edward Scissorhands. Frankenstein is a science fiction novel written by Mary Shelley in 1816, of which contains many elements central to the gothic genre. Edward Scissorhands, is a fantasy romance film directed by Tim Burton, released in 1991. It is a parody of middle-class America with contextual influences from the 1950s and late 1980s, containing gothic overtones, symbolic

This left Edward with a freakish appearance, accentuated by the scissor blades he had instead of hands. He is taken in by a suburban family, where he falls in love with teen daughter Kim. Here he is introduced to an entirely different world where he struggles to fit in due to his alien exterior and lack of social skills, resultant of being isolated for years. He becomes a beloved figure in the community until a tragic incident led to him being ostracized once again. Subsequent to watching the film I was able to understand multiple aspects within the novel, Frankenstein, at a deeper level. Thus, today I will be discussing the ways in which Edward Scissorhands allows new insights into the original text of Frankenstein; or, The Modern

In the film, the inventor dedicated his work to creating baked goods through the use of complex machinery. One day he raises a heart-shaped cookie to a mechanism that resembles that of a human’s figure. This inspires the lonely scientist to manufacture an artificial being. This scenario is similar to that of Frankenstein, however here the scientist’s intention is to create a being that could experience love and be loved, whereas Victor Frankenstein is extremely egotistical and only endeavoured to build the Wretch for personal gain and accomplishment as well as endless respect in the scientific field. Unfortunately, Edward’s creator dies before he can finish him, leaving Edward incomplete and isolated for years, having an enormous impact on his social development, similar to that of the Wretch who’s neglect from Victor had the same influence, relative to his disregard for scientific responsibility and consequence of actions. Despite Edward’s creator’s warm intentions, he inadvertently created a being that suffered from loneliness and alienation, rejected by society. Both works emphasise the importance of empathy and the consequences of failing to show it, highlighting the significance associated with the creation of life and how such a feat plays God and messes with scientific boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed