Frankenstein’s Lives: Shelley’s Novel as Cultural Phenomenon
deadline for submissions: May 20, 2019
contact email: robert.lublin@umb.eduCo-edited by Robert I. Lublin and Elizabeth Fay
We seek chapter proposals for a collection that celebrates the 200th anniversary of the publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
After 200 years, Frankenstein has emerged into an international cultural phenomenon. During the novel’s bicentennial, events took place around the world to celebrate the novel’s publication. Frankenstein continues to be more salient than ever. We are compiling a collection that explores the range of cultural responses the novel has elicited as well as the ways it continues to be relevant to our world today and to the future.
Frankenstein’s Lives will explore the various ways that the novel has proved to be a cultural touchstone, particularly in moments of stress. For instance, The Living Theatre creatively responded to the politics of the 1960s with their piece of “total theatre,” Frankenstein. Today, more than ever, the novel speaks to us as we encounter an increasingly uncertain world. Recent theatrical revisions have staged the novel in politically trenchant ways. 21st century film versions highlight 21st century fears. The novel also speaks to current political pressures that threaten to tear our world apart. Essays may take a broad range of approaches, so long as they seek to make sense of the cultural phenomenon Frankenstein has become. We welcome critical and creative interventions in our understanding of the novel as a social and cultural phenomenon.
Possible chapter topics:
Science Fiction
Frankenstein on stage
Gender studies
Technology
Animal studies
Food
Artistic responses
Music
Postcolonialism
Poststructural philosophy
Politics
Monstrosity
Please submit a proposal (500 word max) along with a brief bio (50 word max) to both Robert I. Lublin (
robert.lublin@umb.edu) and Elizabeth Fay (
elizabeth.fay@umb.edu) by May 20, 2019. Final essays should be 6500-9000 words, including notes and citations. Feel free to contact the co-editors if you have any questions.
