A Study on Popular Formula of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Nizmah Adella Suprapto

 

Abstract

This study aims to discover and analyze the popular formula of gothic horror genre, Frankenstein. Focuses on the formulaic literary elements and cultural condition in 18^th-19^th century. Formula theory is used to analyze all the elements in a novel not only from intrinsic elements but also extrinsic elements which make this novel popular. The story of this novel is about a scientist Victor Frankenstein who succeed in his experiment of bringing back a dead body to live. This story reflected the 19^th century condition about Galvanism. Presenting the need of escape and wish fulfillment become formulas in this novel which makes this novel popular. Through this novel, Mary tells us that a science can go too far, don’t try to be like a God and actions has consequences.

 

Keywords: popular, gothic horror, genre, formula, Frankenstein and Galvanism.